Colts Center Star Seeking Extension

In January, Colts center Ryan Kelly denied rumors that he was considering retirement.

More recently, we heard that the four-time Pro Bowler is not just trying to continue his playing career; according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, Kelly is also hoping to negotiate an extension with Indianapolis.

Kelly, who turns 31 next month, is under club control until 2024, thanks to a four-year, $50 million contract he signed in September 2020. Kelly saw a dramatic decrease in play in 2022 after earning Pro Bowl honors that season and again in 2021, prompting some trade speculation last offseason.

The Colts ultimately chose to keep Kelly and were rewarded for their decision. Pro Football Focus ranked the Alabama graduate as the eighth-best center among 36 qualifiers in 2023, and he was charged with only six total pressures and one sack in 14 games, earning him his fourth Pro Bowl bid.

With promising second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson missing the majority of his rookie season and running back Jonathan Taylor remaining a focal point of the Indianapolis offense, it would not be surprising if the Colts looked into ways to keep Kelly on the roster beyond the upcoming season. However, conversations in that regard have yet to begin, according to Mike Chappell of Fox59.

With Jason Kelce and Ryan Jensen retired, Kelly’s current contract, worth $12.41 million per year, is fourth among the league’s active centers. According to Spotrac, Kelly could land a two-year deal worth just shy of $12 million per year if he were on the open market today, and if the player and organization begin contract negotiations in the near future, it appears to be a reasonable benchmark.

The Colts currently do not have an heir apparent to Kelly on their roster. With the 2024 draft just a few days away, that might change, and the addition of an interior offensive lineman could have an impact on Indianapolis’ preparations for its ninth season.

The Colts, who currently hold the 15th overall pick in the NFL, are widely expected to seek a pass catcher in the first round. However, general manager Chris Ballard recently praised the overall depth of this year’s offensive personnel, including the offensive linemen.