The Indianapolis Colts are entering a fresh shift in their offensive approach with new head coach Shane Steichen calling the shots. Steichen has also been able to assemble an offensive-centric staff around him to help out quarterback Anthony Richardson, as well as a multitude of other rookies.
One position group that is packed to the brim with competition is tight end. Tight end has been a position room that has had talented players filling the depth chart. One of the veteran talents is Mo Alie-Cox.
Since 2018, Alie-Cox has provided depth and flashes of playmaking ability throughout his tenure with the Colts. However, after being handed a nice three-year, $17.55 million contract in 2022, Alie-Cox hasn't played into that type of pay. Now, there have been swirlings and rumors over the past couple of months of a potential cut or trade, which would save the Colts over $2 million in cap space.
Back in December, I wrote an article on why Alie-Cox's time as a Colt could be approaching its end. But things have changed. In the following piece, I'll break down that, despite underperforming, there is a good chance he will stay on the roster and find his rhythm in the process.
Why the Colts Will Keep Alie-Cox
Alie-Cox struggled mightily with the rest of the tight end group in 2022. In a full 17 games of action, he mustered a mere 19 catches for 189 yards and three touchdowns. The year prior, which was his first real contract year, he put together 24 catches for 316 yards and four touchdowns.
As the numbers reflect, this isn't worthy of the contract he currently has. But the Colts a massive amount of young players on the roster. While it's possible that the veteran presence of Alie-Cox could benefit Richardson, it's also possible that he is kept on the team simply for how well he knows the Colts franchise.
Alie-Cox can help the rookies adjust to the NFL. Keeping in mind that the 30-year-old long snapper Luke Rhodes is the oldest player on the team, the experience could be a big factor in developing the younger talent around Alie-Cox.
Even in the tight end room, there is rookie Will Mallory from Miami, who could compete for snaps on passing downs and may surprise many given how well Steichen can utilize his tight ends and maximize their efficiency.
Since I mentioned Steichen, it's time to discuss why Alie-Cox could finally produce at the level he's been expected to.
How Alie-Cox Can Have a Career Year
As the offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, Steichen helped catapult Dallas Goedert to solid levels of production. He also coached now-New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry with the Los Angeles Chargers, who was a consistently effective weapon in the passing game.
With the size and athleticism that Alie-Cox has, Steichen may be the perfect coach to ignite a career-season. However, one area Alie-Cox must improve is his blocking. Last year, he was between mediocre and average in this department. It should be said that the entire tight end group wasn't the most effective at protection or blocking efficiency.
If Alie-Cox can shore up his blocking, he can start to progress more in Steichen's offense. He is already acclimated to using his athleticism as a red zone threat creating separation to get open. Having a 6'5" frame and weighing an insane 270 pounds, this is a man who Steichen could potentially use in unique ways alongside the giant Jelani Woods, who made a serious case to have the TE1 designation on the depth chart.
It will be interesting to see how Steichen will utilize Alie-Cox should the Colts' front office choose to keep him on the roster.
Outlook
Alie-Cox has been in Indianapolis for the entirety of his five-year career. While he's struggled at times to find his footing, he's also experienced an insane QB carousel almost every season paired with various coaching changes.
Now, things are solidified that Steichen and Richardson aren't going anywhere for a while. Mix this in with the injection of raw talent that is on the team, and perhaps Alie-Cox is on tap to have a bigger year than anyone could have expected.
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