Colts 2019 free agents: Ryan Hewitt
By Ryan Stano
The Colts are starting to make decisions about free agency. Here we now look at a guy who could be disposable for them moving forward.
Ryan Hewitt was used as a tight end for most of the year. He is listed as a fullback on the official roster, but was mainly a tight end. He was used mainly after Jack Doyle went down and Eric Ebron and Erik Swoope were hurting. And now he is a free agent.
Hewitt did appear in 12 games this season, mostly as a blocker. If he was in the game, there was a good chance it was about to be a run play. He only caught one ball all season long, and it was for a one yard touchdown against the Titans in the final game of the year.
As far as run blocking goes, Hewitt was pretty good at it. He was able to seal guys on the edge and make room for the running backs to get outside. He would also lineup at full back during goal line situations or short yardage situations.
The question is whether or not that skill is enough to re-sign him. He is 28 years old now, and the Colts already use Jack Doyle as a lead blocker on a lot of running plays. Hewitt could be disposable in the offseason. He just doesn’t do enough to warrant a roster spot in today’s NFL.
The only chance he would have to come back for the Colts is if he signed a one year deal. Other than that, he is going to have to find someone else to pay him. Chris Ballard wants guys who can affect the game in more than just one single way.
Hewitt should be able to find work though. His blocking is that good. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Colts brought him back on a short deal, but he probably won’t be back next season.