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Which Colts players deserve contract extensions?

By Noah Compton

Nov 21, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) gestures for his five touchdown runs with teammate wide receiver Michael Pittman (11) against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) gestures for his five touchdown runs with teammate wide receiver Michael Pittman (11) against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Colts, Isaiah Rodgers Sr.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 02: Isaiah Rodgers #34 of the Indianapolis Colts is seen during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 2, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Young DBs that earned a second contract with Colts

These eventual free agents are young and exciting players and both are members of the Colts’ defensive backfield (i.e., CB & S). Both have shown flashes to become stars in the league, but injuries and a lack of opportunity have prevented them from blossoming into said stardom.

Isaiah Rodgers Sr.

Isaiah Rodgers Sr. was once viewed as a special teams menace as his lightning speed provided a scoring threat as a returner, quite literally every time he touched the ball. Fast forward and now Rodgers Sr. has since had fans everywhere clamoring for him to be elevated to a starting role. His twitchiness and overall explosiveness create mismatches for opposing teams, despite his smaller frame (5-foot-10, 170 pounds). He was eventually elevated to the starting role this past season, where he started nine games but was still rotating with veteran Brandon Facyson.

Based on traits and flashes alone, Rodgers Sr. deserves any payday that’ll come his way. If the Colts don’t re-sign him after this season, I would chalk that up as an all-time blunder for general manager Chris Ballard, or whoever is in charge that time around.

Julian Blackmon

Julian Blackmon, who was fresh off an Achilles tear, came into the league as a true playmaker at the safety position. He became a true DROY candidate as he racked up clutch play after clutch play in his rookie campaign, and looked to be one of the better safeties in the league for years to come.

Unfortunately, injuries have remained a constant during his three NFL seasons, and have ultimately hindered his progression as an NFL player. Although, he did prove his versatility as a player this season as he stepped up for DC Gus Bradley when filling in for Kenny Moore II as the team’s slot cornerback.

Especially with uncertainties looming around teammate Kenny Moore II and his future in Indy, it may pay dividends to re-sign Blackmon on a team-friendly deal in the 2024 offseason.

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