Colts 2019 free agents: Matt Slauson

The Colts have some tough decisions to make in free agency this offseason. They have 14 unrestricted free agents they have to decide on. One of them was an offensive lineman signed last offseason.

Matt Slauson was signed last year from Detroit to a one year deal to come to Indianapolis. He was given a prove it deal to see if he was a good investment. Unfortunately, for the second time in as many seasons, he had a season ending injury that cut his year short.

Slauson only played in five games for the Colts before breaking two vertebrae in his back. He had been playing solidly before his injury and was one of the few bright spots early in the Colts’ season during their 1-5 start. But he didn’t play when the Colts were at their best.

That might be the biggest reason not to keep him. He didn’t play when the offensive line was at it’s best. He also is 32 and has played in 12 games the last two seasons. His replacement, Mark Glowinski, played beautifully, and is much younger than Slauson.

The problem is that Glowinski is also a free agent. Slauson provided good leadership for the team all year long, even when he got hurt. He was helping the offensive line acting almost as an extra coach. That leadership cannot be overstated.

There is no doubt that Slauson would want to return to Indy. This is a team that is on the rise and an offensive line that is a force. He would very much want to be a part of that. But his age and injury history make it difficult to justify bringing him back on anything more than another one year deal.

Ultimately, I think Slauson might be back. If he does come back though, it could be in a reserve role based on what the Colts do with Glowinksi. But having depth along the offensive line is a huge key, as the Colts found out this season. Re-signing Slauson to have that depth would be smart.