Indianapolis Colts should re-sign Marlon Mack if the price is right
By Ryan Stano
The Colts should re-sign Marlon Mack to have a nice one-two punch in the backfield, but only if he comes at a good price.
Marlon Mack was supposed to be the starting running back for the Indianapolis Colts this past season.
He started the opener, and that’s the only game he played.
He unfortunately suffered an Achilles and missed the rest of the season in what was a contract year for the former USF Bull.
Mack’s injury thrust Jonathan Taylor into the starting lineup. He was brilliant, rushing for over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns. He used his combination of speed and strength to cut through defenses and break tackles. He also improved each and every week and should continue on that trajectory.
Even though Taylor was great as a rookie, he could use another capable back to spell him. Mack is exactly that, especially coming off such an injury. When he’s healthy, he has breakaway speed that makes him a big play waiting to happen. He could be the lightning to Taylor’s thunder.
Running back Marlon Mack, set to be a free agent, has been at the Colts' team facility and continues to rehab his torn Achilles. Never really left Indy after his Week 1 injury.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) February 25, 2021
But last season’s injury complicates Mack’s future in Indianapolis. The Colts were probably going to re-sign him if he had another good year in 2020. Now, with how good Taylor was in his debut campaign, Mack is more expendable. They don’t need him as much, especially if he’s still looking to be a bell-cow back.
Nonetheless, the Colts would benefit from bringing Mack back next season, but only at the right price, and it’s likely they could make it happen given the severity of his injury and the fact that Taylor is already entrenched as the No. 1 RB. As for Mack, a one- or two-year prove-it deal could help him recoup his value at a reasonable pace. Taylor can carry the overwhelming load in the beginning and they can ease Mack into action, more aggressively incorporating him as the season progresses.
Because let’s face it, fans have just about had it with Jordan Wilkins. And the fact that Mack remained around the team for all of 2020 is a good sign when it comes to his chances of returning in 2021 and potentially beyond. Don’t forget, just about every team has more than one running back capable of handling a majority of the carries. That’s how things are in today’s NFL.
Chris Ballard: "Marlon Mack deserves a good contract, unequivocally. I'm not sure if we can give that to him here."
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) January 14, 2021
Adds he isn't going to rule out bringing back Mack (a free agent) in 2021. Loves the idea of Mack, Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines in the same backfield.
While Mack is not the top priority for this Colts team — they have to worry about quarterback, defensive end, and most importantly, left tackle — the former fourth-round pick coming back would make this offense more explosive by improving the rushing attack exponentially, and opening up the passing game significantly.
Based on GM Chris Ballard’s comments earlier this offseason, don’t be surprised if Mack returns and maybe gets an incentive-laden deal, which would benefit both sides.
