Colts: 3 players who won’t be on Indy’s roster in 2021

2. Trey Burton

The Colts tried to employ a third TE this year. It won’t last, at this price.

Trey Burton, known more for being one of the main participants in the “Philly Special,” signed a one-year, $910,000 contract in Indianapolis last offseason, only to see himself usurped by Mo Alie-Cox.

Whenever a team’s third tight end is making second tight end money, that’s a recipe for the two sides to part ways.

Was Burton ineffective in ’20? Eh, he was fine; he snagged three touchdowns and racked up 250 yards receiving. But tight end is an overstuffed position in Indy, and the team is thrilled they uncovered the converted VCU basketball star in Alie-Cox.

With other, more dynamic options in the offseason plan, there’s no reason to pay Burton. He gave it his best shot. He’s simply more likely to pile on additional cash elsewhere.

Plus, the 27-year-old Alie-Cox is a restricted free agent, and he’s more than earned his payday, bringing more to the field every Sunday than Burton, who was supposed to be the “hinge” that operated this offense, but ended up far more generic than that.

Alie-Cox has earned three years and $10 million worth of security, at least. What has Burton earned?