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5 first-year Colts who could be gone in 2023

By Jaleel Grandberry

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 18: Brandon Facyson #31 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on September 18, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 18: Brandon Facyson #31 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on September 18, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images) /
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Colts, Rodney McLeod
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 13: Rodney McLeod #26 of the Indianapolis Colts defends during an NFL game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /

3. Safety Rodney McLeod is likely done with Colts

Unlike the other names on this list, Rodney McLeod didn’t underperform. In fact, he far exceeded expectations. When the veteran safety was added, he was just expected to be a depth piece that would bring some veteran leadership to a young Indianapolis secondary. For a while, that seemed to be the case, as McLeod didn’t even open the season as a starter. However, once he found his way into the starting lineup, he notched another quality season to his 11-year career.

McLeod played in all 17 games and started in 15. In those games, he racked up 96 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, two interceptions, and eight pass deflections. He really turned out to be one of Indy’s best free agency signings from last offseason. If everything went so well, why isn’t McLeod expected to get a second year?

Well, McLeod will be turning 33 this offseason and after 11 seasons in the league, he has admitted that he’s considering retirement. Additionally, the Colts have a lot of talented, young safeties. Nick Cross was initially starting over McLeod and will be entering his second season. Rodney Thomas II emerged as Indy’s most productive rookie and will also be entering his second year. Julian Blackmon will also be entering the fourth year of his rookie contract.

With those three showing great promise in their young careers, it seems unlikely that the Colts will offer McLeod, who’s considering retirement, a competitive deal. McLeod will likely either retire or take his talents to another football team next season as Indy turns its page toward the future.

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