2018 Colts Free Agent Decisions: Outside Linebacker Barkevious Mingo

Barkevious Mingo really turned it on at the end of this 2017 season. Will his performance be enough for Chris Ballard to hand him a contract extension this offseason?

General manager Chris Ballard took a chance on Barkevious Mingo by handing him a one-year $2 million contract in free agency last offseason. The former sixth-overall pick has always had undeniable potential, but he has been unable to be successful on the field during his first four NFL seasons in Cleveland and New England.

Mingo has been able to earn more snaps for the Colts at outside linebacker after John Simon suffered a season-ending injury and was placed on injured reserve. Mingo and Jabaal Sheard have formed a productive pass-rushing duo over the final stretch of 2017.

While Mingo only has two sacks on the season, he’s been able to consistently pressure the quarterback and he’s even performed pretty well in pass coverage.

With pass rushers always in high demand in free agency, the Colts may have to pay Barkevious Mingo some serious money to get him to stay in Indianapolis. I don’t think there’s any question that he’ll earn more than the $2 million he was given to play for the Colts this year.

As is the case in all of these free agency decisions, it will depend on what Mingo’s salary will look like in 2018. If the Colts can get him to sign a reasonable contract this offseason, Chris Ballard should bring him back as a rotational pass rusher again next season.

Next: Colts Head Coaching Search Wish List: Jim Schwartz

Here are some other free agents who will create some tough decisions this offseason:

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