Under new leadership with first-year head coach Shane Steichen leading the way, the Indianapolis Colts are expected to look much different next season. While a new quarterback is undoubtedly on the way, another big change could include moving on from Ryan Kelly, their three-time Pro Bowl center.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Colts could look to trade or release the 30-year-old (in May) center this offseason. If so, it would be their latest attempt to clear cap space ahead of the start of the new league year on the 15th. The Colts currently have roughly $12.7 million to spend, which isn’t quite enough to chase after some of the top players on the market.
Kelly, who signed a four-year, $50 million extension before the 2020 season got underway, holds a cap hit of $12.3 million for next season and $14.6 million the year after. Releasing Kelly would offer a cap savings of $7.8 million, with a dead cap charge of $4.5 million.
Yet, there’s a possibility a team would have an interest in trading for the player who started 97 games in the past seven seasons for the Colts. Meanwhile, the Colts may choose to move on from Kelly after he surrendered a career-high five sacks last season as the entire offense struggled to make an impact, leading to Frank Reich’s dismissal.
Chances are, several teams would have interest in Kelly should he hit the open market. Traditionally, Kelly has been an above-average lineman both in pass protection and as a run blocker. If the Colts choose to move on, it shouldn’t be long before Kelly lands on his feet elsewhere.
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