According to Fox Sports 975’s Derek Schultz, Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen plans on returning to the team, even as he’s set to enter free agency:
Utilized primarily as a blocker, Allen didn’t have the type of receiving production he would’ve hoped for. On the season, he had just 16 receptions for 109 receiving touchdowns and 1 receiving touchdown in 13 games.
However, that was through no fault of Allen himself. The Colts offensive line collectively struggled, and Allen was called upon to block more than he was previously accustomed to.
If the Colts can improve their offensive line this offseason, then there’s a better chance that Allen will be deployed more as a receiving option once again.
Originally a 3rd round pick of the Colts in 2012 out of Clemson, Allen has emerged as one of the better young tight ends in football over the last four seasons with the team.
Nevertheless, it’s unclear whether the Colts can afford both of their young and talented free agent tight ends in Allen, as well as Coby Fleener–who was a 2nd round pick of the team in the 2012 NFL Draft.
If given the choice between the two, I’d lean towards Allen.
While Allen has some durability concerns, he’s the Colts most complete tight end when healthy with his ability to both block and catch at a high level. Simply put, he gives this offense a dynamic option at its disposal compared to Fleener, who’s purely a pass catching tight end and conversely offers very little in the blocking department.
Still, coming off of down seasons for both Colts tight ends, it’s possible that both players could be back next season for the team.
By the sounds of things, if Allen has his way at least, he will be.