One of the hardest parts of an NFL offseason is seeing players leave the team. For the Indianapolis Colts, two players in particular have warranted a case to be cut this offseason. In this league, the goal is to build the team towards success, and there will often be situations where players don’t end up helping teams achieve that goal. Coupling that with the potential financial hits, the player could accrue further warrants why keeping a player might not be worth it.
A Look into Two Players the Indianapolis Colts Might Cut This Offseason
TE Drew Ogletree
Drew Ogletree is a second-year tight end who received considerable playing time in 2023. He showcased a lot of potential as a pass-catcher as he accumulated nine receptions on 21 targets for 147 yards. Ogletree also brought in two touchdowns for the Colts as he capped off a promising season. The reason why he is even in consideration for being cut is due to allegations off the field. On December 29th, news broke from the Avon Police Department that Ogletree was facing two felony charges, each on domestic battery.
There have not been any new developments since these allegations, but the Colts certainly are aware of the impact this could have on the team. Ogletree had a promising season, not an explosive one. Therefore, with these allegations looming, it might be in the Colts best interest to cut him this offseason. Indy will still have Kylen Granson, Jelani Woods, Will Mallory, and veteran Mo Alie-Cox. Keeping in mind, there is also the draft to pick up another tight end and free agency.
WR Isaiah McKenzie
There are two main reasons why Isaiah McKenzie could end up getting cut by the Colts this offseason. The first reason is due to some younger talents who have displayed potential as a return specialist in their own right. Second-year cornerback Dallis Flowers went down with a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 4. However, in the season before 2023, he was a fantastic kickoff return specialist. In 23 returns, he maintained a 31.1 average, including an 89-yard return. With the injury to Flowers, rookie wide receiver Josh Downs stepped in as a return specialist with six punt returns for a 10.5 average per return.
Flowers and Downs would be more intriguing than McKenzie on special teams because they are productive in their respective positions on top of being return specialists. McKenzie’s main impact on the team is strictly special teams. His production value is sub-par as a wide receiver.
The second reason McKenzie might not be on the team in 2024 is due to some off-the-field issues. The Colts suspended him for the final three games of the season due to “conduct detrimental to the team”. The Colts did not specify what the conduct was, but it warranted a severe penalty from the team. Cornerback Tony Brown was also suspended alongside McKenzie but was waived by the team the day after the regular season ended.
Having players with off-the-field conduct issues might not be best for the team moving forward.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
