The Indianapolis Colts’ timorous approach to the start of free agency hasn’t resonated with fans, who are chomping at the bit to see some marquee additions to the roster.
While the latest buzz suggests GM Chris Ballard is plotting a big splash, the only move fans have endorsed thus far is the re-singing of running back Marlon Mack, who suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in the first game of what was supposed to be a career-altering year.
The Colts spoke tirelessly about how much they wanted Mack to return, but fans initially struggled to decipher whether they were just saying that to save face.
When the dust settled, however, they ended up getting a deal done and now fans will be able to see why there was so much hype behind Mack and Jonathan Taylor splitting touches.
Speaking of which, Mack revealed during his Wednesday media session that forming a committee with the 2020 second-rounder was among the reasons that persuaded him to return to Indy.
On top of that, he simply lacked options on the open market to become a featured running back.
Marlon Mack just finished a Zoom call w Colts media and said he didn't have any other options to be an undisputed featured back (as expected).
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 24, 2021
So, as I've said, the calculation was: Stay home, play for a dominant run team, behind a dominant OL, with a great group of backs.
Colts RB Marlon Mack opened up about why he returned to Indianapolis.
The Colts, who used a fourth-round pick on Mack back in 2018, clearly hold a special place in his heart, and his actions following his catastrophic injury last season prove that. Not only did he stay with the team during rehab, but he was also a prominent voice in the weekly RB meetings.
Perhaps the three-year pro’s most noteworthy contribution was coaching up Taylor, who really struggled to hit the ground running as a rookie. While the Wisconsin product deserves most of the credit for overcoming his woes, you better believe Mack played a huge role in his turnaround.
All things considered, Mack could’ve done a lot worse than settle for a one-year deal to prove he can be similarly effective post-injury. And for any fans wondering if the 25-year-old is concerned that there won’t be enough touches to go around, well, let’s just say that he has complete faith the coaching staff.
"“I know there’s only one ball, but (the coaches) are going to take care of us,” Mack told reporters of the Colts’ crowded RB room."
The #Colts are re-signing RB Marlon Mack, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2021
To cap off what was an extremely uplifting presser, which Colts fans need amid the team’s reluctance to splurge on star free agents, Mack added that he’s “killing it” in his rehab and expects to be back to full strength very soon.
We know the offseason is still in its infancy stages, but it isn’t too early for fans in Indy to start getting amped about how special the Colts’ backfield is going to be in 2021. It was always going to be elite with Taylor leading the way, but with Mack returning, teams around the league should be shaking in their boots.
Marlon Mack’s contributions to Colts following injury could convince team to re-sign him
Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack's contributions following his season-ending injury should convince the team to re-sign him.