The big man is back, but what does it all mean?
Since 2017, Mo Alie-Cox has been a member of the Indianapolis Colts. Both sides agreed to continue their relationship at least one more season as the big man inked a one-year deal worth 2.2 million. There have been many rumors linking the Colts to a tight end in the draft this year. Although Alie-Cox was part of an underwhelming unit that lacked production, does bringing him back signal the Colts aren’t high on a tight end in the early rounds or perhaps feel one of the premier players won’t be available when they pick?
Alie-Cox provides good value for the team, and this is a pretty cheap deal. His ability to block and provide a large target are his biggest strengths. A one-year deal doesn’t lock the Colts into anything long term, and having a tight end group with varying abilities is a plus. There is only one football, and not everyone is going to be a huge part of the passing game. Opening holes in the running game can be Alie-Cox’s contribution next year.
The reason this signing doesn’t spell the end of the tight end rumors is finding a playmaker at that position is still a must. Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland can fill more of that role. Getting them out in space to make plays while Alie-Cox takes on defenders at the line of scrimmage could be an ideal pairing. The Colts lost Kyler Granson to the Eagles, so they will still need someone to complete that unit. That player could certainly come in the draft.
While it won’t be the biggest shock to see the Colts go in a different direction with their early picks, counting out the possibility of a tight end seems misguided. They have plenty of holes to focus on, but that is certainly one of them. It’s impossible to predict the board, so their pick is anyone’s guess. At the end of the day, however, Mo Alie-Cox returning shouldn’t change the strategy in the least.
