Ryan Kelly has spent his entire career with the Colts, but his next deal may very well come from a different team. The veteran center recently confirmed he will test the open market this spring. 
“Never been a free agent,” Kelly said (via Mike Chappell of Fox59), “so I’m excited to see what’s out there. My plan is to see what’s out there on the market. Indy can always match it. I’ll miss it, if that’s it. It was a good run for nine years.”
Kelly, 31, has started all 121 of his appearances with Indianapolis, providing the team with a consistent presence in the middle over that span. The four-time Pro Bowler made it clear after the end of the 2024 season that his preference is to remain with the Colts, although he is aware he will likely need to be on the move in March. Indianapolis did not include Kelly in the team’s long list of in-house players who were extended or re-signed last offseason, a strong sign a 2025 departure will take place.
The Colts selected a potential Kelly replacement in the form of Tanor Bortolini during last year’s draft. The Wisconsin product made 12 appearances and five starts as a rookie, filling in at center when Kelly missed time with a knee injury. Bortolini could serve as a cost-effective replacement for Kelly over the remainder of his rookie contract, allowing the Colts to focus on other positions with respect to free agent spending.
Kelly has remained steady in terms of PFF evaluation over the course of his career, ranking in the top 10 amongst qualifying centers three times. The most recent of those occasions was in 2023, so the former first-rounder could generate a notable market in spite of his age. Kelly’s PFF grade from this past season (67) was still good enough for 12th at his position.
The Alabama product landed an extension averaging just over $12.4MM in 2020. Kelly will be hard-pressed to command a similar AAV on a new pact this March (especially if he secures a multi-year commitment), but he will have the opportunity to receive offers from suitors before deciding on a potential Indianapolis departure.
Alright Vikings time to step up.
The Buccaneers certainly could use him, they used a rookie basically all year, but experience sure would help and really strengthen the overall line of the Bucs
They didn’t draft Barton in the first round to replace him with a 31-year old a year later. I think Barton will be more than fine with a little more experience.
Hahaha, I know Licht likes his guys and draft choices, but!!!!
I thought Barton played somewhere else in college and slid over to Center out of necessity
He played left tackle in college, but evaluators thought he would end up a high level interior lineman through the whole process, and he played center at the Senior Bowl last year so people could get a look. It wasn’t a reach to take him in the first round as a center. People loved his athleticism, technique, and brains, and he was just never going to have the size and arm length to be a left tackle in the pros. Give him a little time there and I think he’ll be very good.
He (Barton) will be fine, but I think there is a hole in the line
Barton could slide into that hole (he can play any position) I think and Kelly can play center and Licht can draft a defensive end or top corner-back!
Who would you be replacing, Bredeson? Mauch has looked good to me. I’m honestly surprised that a Tampa fan is particularly worried about the line. You have one of the better ones in football. I would assume leaving Barton at center is the call. If he can develop into a very good one, that’s harder to find than a good guard.
Texans should scoop him up. Or dolphins.
Good calls. I’d add Seattle to that list.
Yes Seattle. And also panthers
Houston could make sense. Same with Seattle, the Bears, or a few other teams, depending on what they think of his medicals. But the Dolphins just paid Aaron Brewer, who can’t really play anywhere but center.
Texans it is. Stroud needs all the help he can get. I can see Texans drafting 2-3 Onlinemen that’s how strong the need is
I wouldn’t be shocked. But they’re also committed to a lot of their guys, at least short term. Blocking scheme and coaching were a big problem beyond personnel. That’s the biggest reason Slowik got ousted. That team was completely puzzled by any kind of exotic blitz.
Fair enough
I am sure the Bears will kick the tires on a possible deal to help shore up their interior?!
Cmon 9ers!!!!