Perhaps general manager Chris Ballard’s patience is paying off.
Many Indianapolis Colts fans haven’t been happy that the team has been inactive in free agency as the front office is seemingly using the excuse that players currently under contract need to be taken care of first.
Well, where are those deals? Nobody’s heard traction on any of them.
But Ballard waiting for the market to settle just played into his hand because he got Xavier Rhodes to return on a one-year deal when many thought he’d be departing to get paid perhaps for the final time.
Source: Xavier Rhodes back to the #Colts on a 1-year deal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 20, 2021
Would you look at that! Despite reports suggesting the contrary because there was said to be silence on the negotiation front for much of the offseason, Rhodes is returning to presumably remain the team’s No. 1 cornerback. Matt Eberflus’ zone scheme has helped the veteran rediscover himself after a disappointing end to his career with the Vikings.
Rhodes marks the Colts’ second re-signing of the offseason. The team also brought back Marlon Mack on a one-year deal as well.
Cornerback Xavier Rhodes is headed back to the #Colts on a one-year deal, per source. Rhodes played well last year with 12 pass deflections and two interceptions so Indy keeps him in the fold.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 20, 2021
It’s quite frankly surprising Rhodes opted to ink another one-year deal, which suggests there wasn’t much interest in him on the open market. Fans for sure thought he was gone after seeing his cryptic tweet at the onset of free agency, but with a number of other cornerbacks available in free agency and on the trade market, perhaps there wasn’t a ton of demand for Rhodes.
Nonetheless, he’ll run it back with one of the league’s best defenses as Ballard continues to round out the roster in hopes of making it a Super Bowl contender.
You're starting to see the Colts' plan play out in a few instances: Let their own free agents test the market, hold firm on their price, then see if it works in the end. Marlon Mack is back. Xavier Rhodes is back.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 20, 2021
But the biggest one is still out there in T.Y. Hilton.
Rhodes finished last season with 42 tackles, 12 passes defended, two interceptions and a touchdown in a secondary alongside Kenny Moore, Julian Blackmon, Khari Willis and TJ Carrie, who’s also a free agent at the moment.
If Indy can get that group back together and improve its pass rush, Rhodes could be the beneficiary of another promising campaign and keep the back nine of his career alive.
Colts could change entire complexion of offseason if latest rumor has any legs
The Indianapolis Colts could change the entire complexion of their lackluster offseason if the latest rumor has any legs.