Extend Ryan Kelly this Offseason?
 

It looks like Ryan Kelly, who has another year before free agency, is putting it out there that he loves Indy and he'd like to be extended this offseason:

https://www.indystar.com/story/sport...be/2733117001/

While this might a slightly lower immediate priority than re-signing Castonzo , I could definitely see this happening this offseason. Kelly is young (26) and is obviously an integral part of the OL, though he's had some injury issues in the past. Judging by Quinton Nelson's enthusiastic "Ryan! Ryan! Ryan!" exclamations recorded in several mic'd highlight plays, I'm guessing the guy is well-liked among his teammates.

Currently, the highest paid center (on an average yearly basis) in the NFL is the Raiders' Rodney Hudson at 11.25M per:

https://overthecap.com/position/center/

Assuming there are no long term injury issues, re-signing Kelly (which I'd guess would be in the range of $10-$13M per year on a 4-5 year contract) would seem to me to be a good use of some of our cap space at this point, and would serve Ballard's stated goal of rewarding our homegrown players.

I'm good with that. I am a strong believer in a high quality OL. Good RBs can be awesome if they have the holes to run through. If the QB has the time, almost any WR can get open. If you have a bad OL, great QBs will struggle, great RBs will be ineffective and WRs will be stuck waving their "I'm open" arms as they see their QB getting sacked yet again.

I’ve heard repeatedly that he is a crucial part of this line and is an intelligent center. That’s pretty important, I’d def re-sign him.

he will be resigned. I dont really see this as a question/issue unless he demands something stupid.

Him and Castonzo. We have a 137 million next year

Agreed, but this offseason or next? If the Colts have any injury concerns, perhaps they wait until next offseason. However, assuming he stays healthy, waiting almost always causes the price to go up. It looks like there's a number of higher profile (though older) centers scheduled to be free agents in 2021, including Justin Britt, Alex Mack, Mike Pouncey and Corey Linsley

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-age...21/all/center/

Absolutely, both of them are a big part of the Offense.

Hmmm thinking...........YES what the f*** is anyone thinking. Both him and Costanzo.

No brainer, especially if he wants to stay put. Castonzo, Q and himself make all their jobs that much easier. No brainer that Castonzo stays, as well. Both sides would seem stupid.

Extend Kelly, re sign Castonzo, move Braden Smith to right guard his more natural position and find a right tackle in the draft or free agency.

What? Smith has played well. Resign Hegg, who stepped in for Nelson and find the best player avaliable in the draft

Absolutely. Lock him and AC up

Yes, Smith has played well at right tackle but can be even better at guard and solidify the middle of the line.

Need to try to find a RT who can pass protect against the elite speed pass rush. Don't care too much if his run blocking ability is a little lower.

Braden Smith has done ok at tackle, but i believe he could end up being elite inside at guard.

Completely agree here, though I am not sure we will spend significant capital at RT, given our lack of depth at wr, and the qb situation.

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