The Colts got some great news when their left tackle decided to spurn retirement. Here’s what it means for the rest of the offense.
Anthony Castonzo has been rock-solid at the left tackle position for the last ten years for the Colts. He was contemplating retirement this offseason, but GM Chris Ballard has said that Castonzo told the team that he is returning for this upcoming season.
Having Castonzo return means the Colts don’t have to address the left tackle position in the first round. The blind side of a quarterback is the most important position on the offensive line besides center. Castonzo gives the Colts a solid man at that position, for at least one more year.
Because of this, Castonzo will likely be signed to either a one or two-year deal. The team will likely draft a left tackle in the mid-rounds, probably in the third or fourth round range, to get someone to groom behind Castonzo. That means they can use that first round pick on a receiver or defensive lineman.
Besides Jacoby Brissett, the happiest player on the offense should be Marlon Mack. Mack will be running behind an offensive line that is fully intact, and a left side that is extremely potent. With Castonzo and Quenton Nelson on the left side, that will be a very run heavy side this year.
Even though they have him for another year, the Colts know that they won’t have Castonzo for much longer. They need to have a long-term plan for that position. But at least for 2020 Indy has one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.