Colts: Xavier Rhodes contract details prove Indy got a steal
By Jerry Trotta
The Indianapolis Colts pulled off quite the surprise in free agency when they agreed to terms on a one-year deal with cornerback Xavier Rhodes, who enjoyed a bounce-back season in 2020 after a forgettable end to his tenure in Minnesota.
Reported to be pursuing a lucrative contract, it was widely surmised that Rhodes would ultimately sign with another team.
However, the fact that he re-signed proves he’s bought into the culture and enjoyed playing in defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ zone-oriented scheme.
When news of the deal broke, most fans believed it would be in the range of $8-10 million annually. After all, that’s essentially what Rhodes deserved given how much he dominated last season, especially in the red zone.
As it turns out, however, those guesstimations were way off. According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the 30-year-old corner signed a one-year, $4.77 million deal, which is considerably lower than the deal’s initially reported $6.5 million value.
The contract comes with $3.75 million in guaranteed money and accounts for incentives, which include playing time, interceptions and making the Pro Bowl.
Xavier Rhodes (Colts) one year, $4.77M, $3.75M salary gtd, up to $1.02M per game acive roster bonus, $1.75M playtime, interceptions, Pro Bowl incentives
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 28, 2021
The Colts got an absolute steal with Xavier Rhodes’ new contract.
For fans who thought the reported $6.5 million value was a steal, get a load of the official details, because it would appear the Colts have gotten away with highway robbery.
Rhodes re-established himself as one of the league’s true lockdown corners last season. If the three-time Pro Bowler is able to replicate that dominance next campaign, and Rock Ya-Sin overcomes his penalty woes, Indianapolis will have a very sound secondary.
To put Rhodes’ season into perspective, he finished with the eighth-highest coverage grade (77.5) of any cornerback, according to Pro Football Focus. He also compiled 42 tackles, 12 passes defended and two interceptions, the latter two of which ranked second on the team.
Indy had serious concerns at CB entering the offseason, and the fact that they managed to retain the unit’s most important player at this price is the embodiment of a championship move.
Every football fan knows the league’s best teams are able to convince their free agents to return at a discount — look no further than what Tampa Bay has accomplished this offseason — and that’s exactly what the Colts did with Rhodes.
They were able to do the same with wideout TY Hilton, who reportedly turned down more money from the Ravens, and perhaps a reunion with veteran pass rusher Justin Houston is on deck.
Whatever ends up happening, GM Chris Ballard is slowly starting to remind fans that he’s the perfect man for the job after a concerning slow start to free agency. With approximately $31 million cap space remaining, perhaps more moves are on the horizon for the Colts.
