Could Robert Turbin be the Colts‘ running back of the future? If the team wants him to stay in the fold, they’ll have to sign the pending free agent to a new contract. Turbin, for his part, says he wants to return but he is also seeking “security” in his new deal, Zac Keefer of the Indy Star writes. In 2016, Turbin had seven rushing touchdowns off of just 47 carries, plus one receiving score. Frank Gore still projects as the Colts’ starter in 2017, but the team has to start thinking about a successor since his contract runs out after 2017 and he will turn 35 before the start of the ’18 campaign.
Turbin has never been the go-to guy for any team, but he’s ready to change that.
“I don’t want to be labeled as a backup running back or a third-down back,” Turbin said in late December. “I want to be a starter in this league. I believe I can be a starter. It’s just about timing. I’ll continue to work hard like I always have and try to make the most of my opportunities.”
Here’s more out of the AFC:
- After releasing former top-10 pick Justin Gilbert, it’s time for the Steelers to stop giving up draft picks for other teams’ cornerbacks, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler opines. The Steelers also gave up a pick for their short time with cornerback Brandon Boykin and Fowler would rather see the team acquire secondary help in the draft and cultivate their own corners. Recent late-round picks Anthony Chickillo, Dan McCullers, Vince Williams and L.T. Walton all contributed to the Steelers’ 2016 defense in varying degrees, so the mechanisms are there to build a CB.
- An Antonio Brown extension won’t have guaranteed money like the deal given to Falcons standout Julio Jones, former agent Joel Corry says (on Twitter). Instead, Corry says, it will be more like the structure of A.J. Green‘s since the Steelers do not guarantee base salary. The Steelers and Brown have already started extension talks as the wide receiver enters his final year under contract.
- New Colts GM Chris Ballard will use analytics in his decision making, Colts.com’s Kevin Bowen writes. In his 16 years in the game, Ballard has watched analytics evolve to a point where they must be taken in heavy consideration along with watching game film.