The Indianapolis Colts made some important moves heading into the 2024 season.

Contracts flew in for many players across the league on March 11th and March 12th. For the Colts, there were five key moves that they made to their roster heading into the 2024 season. They did not trade for players or acquire players from other teams. However, they did manage to take care of their own and sign extensions to solidify the team moving forward. Let’s look at each new contract extension and the impact the player will have.

WR Michael Pittman Jr.

The biggest move that the Colts made was on Monday, March 11th by extending star wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. After the most productive season of his career, he was due for a big payday. Thankfully, though, the Colts were able to retain him and solidify a three-year extension, worth up to $71.5M. In 2023, Pittman Jr. finished with 109 receptions, 1,152 yards, and four touchdowns.

LB Zaire Franklin

Another big move that the Colts made to solidify their defense was by extending linebacker Zaire Franklin. On March 11th, as well, the Colts extended this tackling-machine linebacker for three-years, worth $31.26M. In 2022 and 2023, Franklin was one of the leading tacklers in the league. His production started after Colts former pro-bowl linebacker Shaquille Leonard suffered multiple injuries and Franklin was called upon to step up. 

DT Grover Stewart

The last big move the Colts made on March 11th was extending their key defensive tackle Grover Stewart. On Monday, the Colts gave him a three-year extension as well, worth $39M. Throughout his career, he was a huge impact player for the Colts defensive line. Last year when he was suspended for six games, the Colts struggled to stop the run efficiently and the absence of Stewart was tremendously missed. Being able to retain him will be huge for the defensive line moving forward, especially with DeForest Buckner coming back.

P Rigoberto Sanchez

On Tuesday, March 12th, the Colts made an important move to extend the 2017 NFL All-Rookie-Team punter Rigoberto Sanchez. He too, was extended for three-years, worth $7.5M. The punting position is one that is easily overlooked, but is one that is essential to a team. After missing all of the 2022 season, he can back in 2023 with 48.3 yard punt per average, with the longest punt being 69 yards. He also managed 21 punts within the opponents 20-yard line. 2023 was not an explosive season, but was still very productive in terms of flipping field position for opposing teams.

CB Kenny Moore II

The last big contract that the Colts made on Tuesday was extending cornerback Kenny Moore II. The Colts gave him a three-year extension, worth $30M which makes him the highest paid nickel back in NFL history. The Colts secondary was by far one of their weakest links in 2023, so the re-signing of a veteran like Moore is not only huge for the secondary, but huge for the defense as a whole.

All around, the Colts 2024 offseason has been a theme of taking care of their own players and building within the culture. With plenty of talent still available in free agency, it will be interesting to see where the Colts decide to go to further beef up the team.