Report: Colts are Keeping Jack Doyle on a 3-year Deal

According to Fox 59’s Chris Hagan, the Indianapolis Colts are expected to re-sign tight end Jack Doyle:

(Update: 4:50 PM EST): 

Per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Doyle’s new contract is reportedly a 3-year, $19 million deal:

It’s an interesting development for the Colts because Doyle was expected to be one of the most highly sought after tight ends on the free agent market along with the New England Patriots Martellus Bennett.

Specifically, Doyle was speculated to be able to command at least $6 million annually on any new deal, and it looks like his new deal with the Colts slightly exceeds that benchmark:

The 26 year old tight end is coming off a breakout season with the Colts, catching a career high 59 receptions for 584 receiving yards and 5 touchdown receptions.

While Dwayne Allen was the team’s highest paid tight end, it is arguably Doyle who has been the more dependable player on a week-to-week basis, and his new contract reflects as much.

The 6’6″, 267 pound tight end won’t necessarily ‘wow’ you with his athletic ability, but he does a lot of the ‘little things’ very well and is considered one of the most beloved players in the Colts locker room.

It certainly helps Doyle’s Colts cause too that he’s developed into a sure-handed safety valve for star quarterback Andrew Luck over the middle of the field, as the two players have developed great rapport with one another in the passing game.

The Colts offense uses an abundance of two tight end sets too, meaning that there’s enough playing time for both Allen and Doyle within the offense.

That being said, one could still reasonably argue that it’s a bit of a luxury to pay two tight ends top-end money–especially given the needs on the defensive side of the football.

We’ll see what happens, as this story will be updated as soon as more details are released from this latest development.

Update (8:02 PM EST):  It’s official. Doyle’s coming back to the Colts: