Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly is set to be a free agent at the end of the 2024 season. Originally selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Alabama product has been one of the few good decisions to come from the Ryan Grigson Era. Since entering the league, the center has provided reliable blocking in both the run and pass game while making his way to four Pro Bowls.
Now entering his age-31 season, Ryan Kelly is the longest-tenured player on the Colts roster, and the impending free agent hopes it stays that way. During a recent interview, the longtime Colt spoke about how he wants to remain in Indianapolis and secure another long-term deal.
“I want to stay here. It’s my ninth year here. It’s the last year of my contract, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want another one.”
Ryan Kelly Wants To Remain With Colts, Sign Contract Before Becoming Free Agent
Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Ryan Kelly is still an above-average starter who should receive plenty of interest if he becomes a free agent. After all, he made the fourth Pro Bowl of his career last year and finished the season with the eighth-best PFF grade out of 36 eligible centers.
The Colts also have the money to sign Ryan Kelly long before he officially becomes a free agent. One of the biggest benefits of having a quarterback on a rookie contract is that you can afford to spend up on other positions. The Colts currently have $28.2 million in cap space and are projected to have $56.78 million in 2025.
With Ryan Kelly wanting to stay in Indianapolis and the Colts needing a center to protect their young quarterback, both sides will probably agree to a deal long before the first-round pick ever reaches free agency. However, the NFL is an unpredictable business, so he could leave next year if one of these teams offers more money.
Possible Destinations
Carolina Panthers
Four of Carolina’s five starting offensive line positions are set for the near future. Center, however, remains a key need. While Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis will secure the guard positions, somebody needs to snap the ball to Bryce Young. If the team doesn’t draft someone like Jackson Powers-Johnson in the 2024 NFL Draft, then perhaps they spend up on Ryan Kelly in 2025 as a free agent.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers love to run the ball, which means the center position is more important to them than most other teams. Jake Brendel isn’t an active liability by any stretch of the imagination, but there’s room for improvement. Ryan Kelly is an ideal fit for Kyle Shanahan’s scheme, and the 2025 free agent should welcome the opportunity to compete on one of the best teams in football.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed the quarterback position, but now they must improve the offensive line. Whether it’s Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, or a rookie in 2025, the starting quarterback will need some improved protection. The Steelers will always be competitive as long as Mike Tomlin is at the helm, and he should aggressively pursue Ryan Kelly if he becomes a free agent.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers face the unenviable task of replacing a franchise cornerstone in Corye Linsley. While Bradley Bozeman is a fine enough short-term option, he’s not the guy you want for Harbaugh’s run-heavy attack. Ryan Kelly is a perfect free agent fit, and the Chargers should have plenty of money available to bring him aboard.
Miami Dolphins
Connor Williams is coming off a serious knee injury and there is some worry that he might never play again. With a glaring need at center, Miami could look to Ryan Kelly as a free agent savior in 2025. While they’ll probably need to get creative to make the money work, Kelly would help keep Tua Tagovailoa upright as they go after what could be a weak AFC East.
Main Photo: Jenna Watson – USA Today Sports
