5 Colts players who are entering pivotal contract years in 2023

The 2023 NFL season will be a pivotal year for several top players on the Indianapolis Colts as they enter the final season of their contracts.

The 2023 season will be a big year for the Indianapolis Colts. Not only will it be the first season for head coach Shane Steichen and rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, but it could also be the last year for some of the longest-tenured Colts players. Several players in Indy’s veteran core are entering the final season of their respective contracts.

There’s, of course, still time for the Colts to sign these veterans to contract extensions. In year’s past, Chris Ballard has typically gotten contract extensions done late in the offseason, usually during training camp. Last year, Indy signed Quenton Nelson to his record-breaking extension on the eve of their Week 1 game.

It’s important to note that cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. would’ve been on this list since the 2023 season is technically the fourth and final year of his rookie contract. However, there’s an expectation that he’ll likely be suspended indefinitely with a one-year minimum. That means the remaining year on his contract will toll until he is reinstated.

If there aren’t any extensions agreed to this offseason, then 2023 will be pivotal contract years for a lot of Colts players. Let’s take a look at some of those players.

5. Grover Stewart is entering a pivotal contract year

Grover Stewart has been a consistent defender for Indianapolis for several years, but last season, he had a breakout year and was one of the best defensive tackles in all of the NFL. In 17 games for the Colts last year, Stewart had 70 tackles, nine for a loss, four sacks, seven quarterback hits, and three batted passes, all career highs.

Now, Stewart is determined to have an even bigger season this year. Already an elite run stopper, Stewart has expressed to the media that he’s working on being a quality pass rusher as well so he never has to leave the field. If Stewart can do that, he’ll set himself up for a big payday during the 2024 offseason.

Stewart will turn 30 during the season, and it will be his seventh season in the NFL. If Stewart’s 2023 season is anything like his 2022 season, he’ll be paid like a starting defensive tackle by some team.