NFL Free Agency: Jack Doyle coming back to the Indianapolis Colts
By John Buhler
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck had great chemistry last year with tight end Jack Doyle. It makes sense that Doyle is coming back to the Colts.
The Indianapolis Colts look to get back to the AFC Playoffs after a two-year absence in 2017. Indianapolis has a new general manager in charge of personnel in former Kansas City Chiefs front office executive Chris Ballard.
Before free agency hits on Thursday, Ballard wisely decided to bring back a favorite receiving target of franchise quarterback Andrew Luck. According to Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star, “the Colts and [tight end] Jack Doyle have agreed to terms” on a new contract. The NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo reports that it is a three-year deal for Doyle he’ll be inking with the Colts.
The #Colts and Jack Doyle have agreed to terms, per source. Big move for Chris Ballard ... and Andrew Luck.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 8, 2017
Colts are keeping TE Jack Doyle on a three-year deal, source says
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 8, 2017
Doyle had been with the Colts the four previous seasons. While he didn’t do much as a receiving threat his first three years in the league, Doyle had a bit of a breakout season with the 2016 Colt.s Doyle had 59 catches for 584 yards and five touchdowns. His 9.9 yards per reception is solid for a pass-catching tight end.
The most important thing for Ballard to do now that he is charge of the Colts personnel department is to surround Luck with as much talent as possible. Doyle may not be a Pro Bowl level tight end, but he seems to have a good working relationship with Luck.
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Having a tight end that Luck can lean on in Doyle will be crucial in third down situations and when the Colts are in the red zone. This was a no-brainer move for the Colts, given how weak the tight end market was going to be entering free agency.