The Indianapolis Colts have a handful of players who can earn that first big payday of their career with a strong performance in 2024.
General manager Chris Ballard will make tough decisions with these players because of money already allocated to their position group, which may lead to some departures in 2025.
Ballard made it clear this offseason that he has no qualms about rewarding players with new contracts if they’ve deserved it.
MORE COLTS:
Underrated Players | Biggest X-Factors | Pro Bowl Candidates | Breakout Candidates
Between re-signing pending free agents and signing a few players to contract extensions, the Colts handed out roughly $ 240 million in new money to players who were on the 2023 roster. That includes roughly $ 149 million in guaranteed money.
With that in mind, here are six players who can cash in next offseason with a strong showing in 2024:
Colts who can cash in big next offseason
EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo
It would be understandable if Odeyingbo received an extension at some point before the season because of his production despite playing 53% of the defensive snaps in 2023. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract and it would make sense if Ballard tried to get him on a deal that would be cheaper than what he will get if he continues his upward trajectory this season.
The reason why he might not and could be a player who might not be back in Indianapolis in 2025 is because of the resources invested in the edge rushers. Samson Ebukam and Kwity Paye are under contract for the 2025 season and a first-round selection was used on Laiatu Latu.
Odeyingbo is a player who can receive a large contract offer next offseason and catch people by surprise because he would be considered underrated by those outside of Indianapolis.
C Ryan Kelly
The Colts will have a decision to make when it comes to Kelly’s future with the team after being the anchor of the offensive line since 2016. The longest-tenured player on the roster is entering the final year of his contract and is coming off a strong bounce-back season in 2023.
What makes this decision interesting is the fact that the Colts used a fourth-round pick on Wisconsin’s Tanor Bortolini, who many believe could be the future at the center position after Kelly is gone. However, if Kelly puts together another stellar season as he did in 2023, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Colts kept the offensive line together by signing Kelly to a short-term deal.
S Julian Blackmon
This offseason was Blackmon’s first crack at the open market but after not getting the long-term deal he was seeking, he opted to re-sign with the Colts on a one-year contract and get another swing at it in 2025. Safeties Antoine Winfield Jr. and Xavier McKinney were able to get nice deals even though the position can have a hard time getting a big contract.
Blackmon’s performance in 2023 could have gotten him the deal he wanted but what likely held Ballard and other teams offering him something long-term is his health. He has yet to play a full schedule. Playing at a high level and finishing the season healthy can lead to him getting that contract he wants.
LB E.J. Speed
Speed will be looking to get his first big payday on his third contract next offseason. He is entering the final year of the two-year extension that he signed prior to the 2023 season but an extension prior to this season isn’t something that he is worried about.
Last year showed that Speed is a starting-caliber linebacker and another strong performance in 2024 can give him a case he can be the top linebacker for a team. Ballard gave Zaire Franklin a three-year extension this offseason so he will have to decide if he wants to pay two linebackers or use the cap space on other position groups.
RG Will Fries
This offseason was great for the guards on the market which I am sure Fries’ agent liked to see considering his client is entering the final year of his rookie contract. After getting a full season as the starter, Fries put on display starting-caliber guard play and was a part of the offensive line having a bounce-back season.
The question for Ballard is will he pay another guard? Money is invested into Quenton Nelson plus Braden Smith is under contract until 2027. There will need to be a decision made on Kelly’s future and eventually, a contract decision will have to be made on the next player on this list.
MORE: Colts guard featured on NFL’s All-Underpaid team
LT Bernhard Raimann
Unlike the rest of the players on this list, Raimann is under contract for the 2025 season. So why could he get a big contract next offseason? His play has continued to get better and as he continues to show his ability to play left tackle at a high level, his price will only rise by the time he would be a free agent in 2026.
Ballard could elect to get him on a cheaper deal before his rookie contract comes to an end and not risk him hitting the open market or playing the franchise tag game with him.
For more Colts coverage, check out Cody Manning’s work on Sporting News.
Be sure to check out our team home page every day for the best and latest Indianapolis Colts news and analysis.