The Indianapolis Colts face a tough decision regarding tight end Mo Alie-Cox. Will his fan-favorite status be enough to secure his roster spot for the 2024 NFL season?
The Indianapolis Colts are gearing up for the 2024 NFL season with high hopes of returning to the playoffs. After a near miss in 2023, the team focused on retaining talent and developing their young quarterback, Anthony Richardson. However, tough decisions loom, especially at the tight end position. This article delves into the possibility of the Colts parting ways with fan-favorite Mo Alie-Cox.
The Tight End Battle in Indianapolis
The Colts boast a talented tight end group, with Jelani Woods, Kylen Granson, and Mo Alie-Cox all vying for playing time. This creates a fierce competition for roster spots, potentially leading to the departure of a valuable player.
Indianapolis Colts Tight End Mo Alie-Cox
The Case for Cutting Alie-Cox
Despite his popularity, Alie-Cox’s production has declined, making him a potential cut candidate. His high salary of nearly $6 million further complicates his position within the team. Cutting Alie-Cox would offer significant cap relief without impacting the team’s overall cap space. Several analysts, including ClutchPoints, suggest that releasing Alie-Cox is a financially sound move for the Colts.
Alie-Cox’s Diminishing Role and High Salary
In the 2023 season, Alie-Cox played in 17 games but only managed 13 receptions for 161 yards and three touchdowns. While he offers a reliable red-zone target due to his size and athleticism, his overall contribution has decreased significantly. His salary, however, remains substantial, making him a prime candidate for release. The Colts could allocate those resources to address other needs or retain younger, more productive players.
The Value of Alie-Cox: Size and Red Zone Threat
Despite his declining production, Alie-Cox possesses unique qualities that make him a valuable asset. At 6-foot-5 and nearly 270 pounds, he presents a mismatch for opposing linebackers, especially in the red zone. His basketball background allows him to excel at jump balls and contested catches, providing a reliable target for quarterback Anthony Richardson.
The Future for Alie-Cox and the Colts
While cutting Alie-Cox seems logical from a financial and performance perspective, his experience and unique skillset could still be valuable to the Colts. The final decision will likely depend on his performance in training camp and preseason. If he can demonstrate renewed value and outperform his younger counterparts, he may secure his spot on the roster. However, if his performance doesn’t improve, the Colts might choose to move forward with their younger, less expensive tight ends.
The Colts’ training camp and preseason will be crucial in determining Alie-Cox’s fate. His performance will directly impact the team’s decisions regarding his future with the franchise. Will the Colts prioritize financial flexibility and youth, or will sentimentality and Alie-Cox’s unique skill set prevail? Only time will tell.
