The Indianapolis Colts have a lot of decisions to make this offseason and whether they bring back left tackle Eric Fisher for another run is among them.
They hoped to find value in 2021 when they signed Fisher to a one-year, $8 million deal. Should his price point stay in that range, the Colts would be forced to consider running it back again if the options are bare.
But Pro Football Focus is projecting Fisher’s yearly salary to be double that on his next contract. Here is what they said about Fisher in their free agency rankings, which includes a projected contract:
Fisher suffered an unfortunate Achilles injury in the 2020 AFC Championship and then underwent surgery before returning to football action just seven months later in mid-September. The mere fact Fisher was even ready to play by Week 2 of the 2021 season is remarkable, and he showed improvement as the season wore on while protecting Carson Wentz’s blindside and working his way back to 100% health. Fisher is a former No. 1 overall pick, and while he may not have lived up to those lofty expectations, he’s a very solid NFL left tackle, which every team can always use. His one-year, $8.38 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts even while questions still remained about his recovery illustrates the kind of market he will have this offseason now back in top form — a strong one.
Projected contract: 3 yrs — $16m avg/yr
The Colts cannot go into free agency and pay Fisher $16 million per season. Not only did Fisher show he’s not worth that kind of money right now, but the Colts would be investing far too much money in the offensive line.
Fisher played at a relatively average level in 2021. At times, that would be putting it nicely. His pass protection was shoddy and inconsistent while he did make a strong impact in the run game. That alone is not worth $16 million per year.
If Fisher received that kind of money, it would make him roughly the eighth-highest paid left tackle in the NFL on a per-year basis. He didn’t play at that level during the 2021 season.
The Colts will need to consider re-signing Fisher if his market it closer to the $10 million mark but if it starts creeping up to where Pro Football Focus is projecting it, they should be all the way out.
Like Colts Wire on Facebook
Follow Colts Wire on Twitter
Follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinHickey11)
