Colts: 3 players who are already proving they won’t be back in 2022

2. Xavier Rhodes

Cornerback Xavier Rhodes might be on the first flight out of Indianapolis after this season.

If for no other reason, his abrupt exit would be justified by his absolute failure to be dependable after an offseason where he was relied upon to do the heavy lifting in the secondary.

He sat out of the first two weeks due to a calf injury, and is currently in concussion protocol after a collision last week against Baltimore. He’s on a one-year, $4.77 million deal with the Colts, but isn’t on track to make much more than the guaranteed $3.75 million given his tremendously slow start.

Rhodes was admittedly a great addition for Indy last season. He started all 16 games and had two interceptions, including a pick-six, in addition to 42 combined tackles while rediscovering himself in Matt Eberflus’ zone scheme. Re-signing him for less than $5 million was a smart move, but it just hasn’t worked out, which was likely the Colts’ fear in regard to committing to him beyond 2021.

So far this season, he has one pass defended and nine combined tackles in three starts. That’s not what a No. 1 — or even a No. 2! — cornerback should be producing, especially with the way Indy has gotten gashed through the air the last few weeks.

The 31-year-old corner is likely going to force the Colts to change their plans in the secondary when the offseason arrives.