According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, Indianapolis Colts running back Robert Turbin is re-signing with ‘the Horseshoe’ on a 2-year, $4.1 million deal:
RB Robert Turbin is back in Indy. He's signing with the #Colts on a 2-year deal for up to $4.1M, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2017
The 27 year old veteran running back is coming off arguably his best NFL season, having rushed for 164 rushing yards on 47 carries (3.5 ypc avg) including a team-high 7 rushing touchdowns.
It was Turbin who emerged as starter Frank Gore‘s primary backup and was highly effective situationally for the Colts offense in short yardage and third down packages.
The 5’10”, 227 pound bruiser showed a knack for grinding out tough yards and moving the chains when called upon (and when the Colts needed them the most) and also flashed surprising hands as a pass catcher.
He also served as a valuable asset in pass protection for star quarterback Andrew Luck, as per Pro Football Focus (subscription), his +85.3 grade in pass blocking was the 2nd best among all league running backs.
The 5th-year running back was clearly excited about returning to the Colts for next season–taking to social media to announce the news:
Couldn't be more excited to be going back to Indy !! 🏈🏈 https://t.co/OHxVCf9JQU
— Robert “Turbo” Turbin (@RobertJTurbin) March 13, 2017
Thankful to be coming back to Indy !! Let's do it !! #GodsWill
— Robert “Turbo” Turbin (@RobertJTurbin) March 13, 2017
Turbin’s re-signing shouldn’t preclude the Colts from drafting a young running back in the early-mid rounds of the NFL Draft, but it does provide proven insurance in case veteran incumbent starter Frank Gore finally runs out of gas–set to 34 years old in May.
If nothing else, Turbin should prove to be invaluable situationally once again for the Colts in the short-term and gives them additional depth in their backfield.