As the new offseason arrives, conversations regarding what the Indianapolis Colts should do range from free agency targets, potential draft selections and players seemingly on the chopping block.
Given that the Colts are in fantastic standing with the salary cap, there is little reason for the front office to cut bait with players simply to save money.
As Pro Football Focus looked for potential cut candidates for every team across the NFL, one player stood out for the Colts.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: TE MO ALIE-COX
Salary Cap Details: $0 dead money, $5,920,000 cap savings
The Colts have a stable of young tight ends, and Alie-Cox’s role has diminished a bit as his pay has increased entering the final year of his deal signed in 2022.
Alie-Cox is still a quality jump ball target in the red zone, with three of his 13 receptions in 2023 going for touchdowns. In addition, the 6-foot-5, 267-pounder is an asset in the blocking game. Nonetheless, with a bunch of recent draft picks and a lot of savings here, perhaps this contract is adjusted heading into 2024.
While the Colts would save nearly $6 million in salary-cap space by releasing Alie-Cox, there isn’t a huge need to make a move right now. There likely isn’t a need to make a move even after the 2024 NFL draft.
Alie-Cox was given the keys as the starting tight end following Jack Doyle’s retirement in 2022. He’s in the final year of the three-year deal he signed that offseason.
The issue is that Alie-Cox hasn’t developed into the type of impact player the Colts are paying him to be. He’s still a decent starter because his blocking abilities give him an edge in the tight end room, but if the Colts can find a true Y tight end, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them cut bait.
It’s unlikely a move will happen without a reason behind it, but this will be something to keep in the back of our minds over the course of the offseason.
