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Colts: Chiefs may have just gifted Indy Anthony Castonzo replacement

By Jerry Trotta

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 21: Eric Fisher #72, left tackle with the Kansas City Chiefs, ran through a line of his teammates during player introductions in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 21: Eric Fisher #72, left tackle with the Kansas City Chiefs, ran through a line of his teammates during player introductions in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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Did the Indianapolis Colts just find their Anthony Castonzo replacement?

After moving at a snail’s pace for the better part of two months, the NFL offseason is now in full swing in light of the now-closed franchise tag window and announcement of the 2021 salary cap.

As a result, teams around the league are gearing up for the start of the legal tampering period next week by releasing disposable veterans with bulky cap hits.

With the cap lower than it was last year as a result of lost revenue stemming from the pandemic, there’s been a shocking quantity of players being kicked to the curb compared to most years.

This narrative continued on Friday, and the Indianapolis Colts might just reap the benefits of the latest ruthless transaction.

Per the latest reports, the Kansas City Chiefs have released veteran left tackle Eric Fisher after an eight-year marriage.

This puts yet another intriguing LT solution on the open market for the Colts, and we really don’t see a reason why general manager Chris Ballard wouldn’t have Fisher at or near the top of his shopping list this offseason.

The Colts should target veteran left tackle Eric Fisher following his release.

We’re not entirely sure why the Chiefs would release the player tasked with the responsibility of blocking Patrick Mahomes’ blindside just to salvage some cap space, but that shouldn’t concern the Colts, who are desperate for a left tackle after Anthony Castonzo announced his retirement.

It’s worth noting that Fisher went down with a torn Achilles in the AFC Championship Game and it remains to be seen if he’ll be ready for the start of next season. However, if the Colts receive an encouraging update on his recovery, we’d see nothing wrong with taking a gamble on him.

Despite being one of the most talented left tackles in the league, Fisher’s injury makes him a candidate to be one of the offseason’s biggest bargains. As for the concerned fans who deem his injury as a red flag, the former No. 1 overall pick has appeared in 117 of a possible 128 games throughout his career. When his rehab is completed, he’ll likely be back to embodying durability.

Fisher was as dominant and consistent as ever in 2020 despite his campaign being cut short, earning a superb 80.2 blocking grade from Pro Football Focus after conceding just three sacks and penalties apiece across a whopping 1,048 snaps.

At 30 years old, Fisher is still smack in the middle of his prime and could fill the Colts’ hole at left tackle for several years depending on the length of contract they’re willing to offer him.

If Indianapolis is serious about putting Carson Wentz in the best position to succeed after giving up two draft picks to acquire him, then they really wouldn’t give any second though to pursuing Fisher following his surprise release from the Chiefs.

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