Among the Indianapolis Colts’ own free agents this offseason is captain and center Ryan Kelly, who is ready to test the market.
Long-time Colts beat writer Mike Chappell mentioned on X that he had a conversation with Kelly recently. Kelly told Chappell that he will see “what’s out there” when free agency opens.
Chappell added that Kelly would prefer to stay in Indianapolis.
Had a nice exchange with Ryan Kelly. Long-time Colts C will see ‘what’s out there’ when free-agent market opens in mid-March. Would prefer to stay in Indy, but Colts prepared to go younger (Tanor Bortolini) at the position.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) February 1, 2025
This outcome–Kelly hitting the open market–has seemed to be a likely one for some time. Over the last 12 months, as Kelly entered the final year of his deal heading into the 2024 season, extension talks between he and the Colts never really materialized.
The Colts would also sped a fourth-round draft pick on Tanor Bortolini, an obvious replacement for Kelly at the center position.
When called upon, Bortolini filled in well last season. Filling in at center when Kelly was sidelined, Bortolini appeared in six games at center, playing 351 total snaps.
He would allow no sacks and just seven pressures. Among all centers, Bortolini ranked 15th in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric and was 22nd out of 40 centers in run-blocking grade.
“I’m pleased with how these young guys came along,” said GM Chris Ballard about the Colts’ rookies along the offensive line in 2024.
Kelly, dealing with a neck injury early in the year and then a stint on injured reserve with a knee injury played in only 10 games in 2024.
In those same metrics, Kelly was 19th in pass-blocking efficiency and 25th in run-blocking grade.
Kelly was a first-round pick by the Colts during the 2016 NFL draft. He is a four-time Pro Bowler at the center position and has played in 121 career games with Indianapolis.
