Indianapolis Colts re-sign Pierre Desir: Grade, reaction and more
By Chris Wurtz
After performing well on a one-year “prove it” deal, the Colts rewarded cornerback Pierre Desir with a multi-year contract.
The Indianapolis Colts entered the 2019 offseason with plenty of money to spend, and many expected them to be one of the most active teams in free agency. According to Albert Breer, Indianapolis had over $100 million in cap space to work with in free agency to build on a surprising 2018 campaign that resulted in a playoff berth. But, the Colts have largely stood pat.
Many analysts linked them to ex-Steeler Le’Veon Bell, but the Colts’ hypothetical interest in the star running back never materialized. After the first two days of the legal tampering period, the only move the Colts had made was bringing in former Panthers receiver Devin Funchess on a one-year deal. Now, the Colts are reported to be bringing back cornerback Pierre Desir on a multi-year deal.
Contract Details
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Desir is getting a three-year deal worth $25 million from the Colts. He’ll get $12 million guaranteed.
National Reaction
Really underrated player, Desir is signing a 3-year deal after emerging in the Indy secondary in 2018. https://t.co/NhWwgZfNVc
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2019
Giants had interest in Desir, but never really considered them a legit suitor. Were never going to compete with Indy's $ if it came down to it. No one could, actually. https://t.co/xaVeti1KYV
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) March 13, 2019
Smart to bring him back. Pierre Desir was great last year in Indy. Love his size and physicality. https://t.co/Kh57TlzHIH
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) March 13, 2019
This is great move by the Colts, in my opinion. Desir earned this extension. Well-respected guy in the locker room who worked his way up in this league. https://t.co/dRXAkDQVZ8
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 13, 2019
Can confirm #colts re-signing Pierre Desir. Was a priority.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) March 13, 2019
B. . CB. Indianapolis Colts. PIERRE DESIR
Desir was oft-injured and struggled to find a home during his first four years in the NFL. He had short stints with the Browns, Chargers and Seahawks before landing a one-year “prove it” deal with the the Colts before the 2018 season. He didn’t lock down a starting job until the second half of the season, coinciding with the the Colts emergence as a top-flight defense
Desir emerged as a one of the best tackling cornerbacks in the NFL as the season progressed. He racked up 79 tackles in 2018 and didn’t miss a single tackle all year. Desir is also great in man coverage; he was routinely tasked with the opponent’s toughest matchup and he locked up top-flight receivers like DeAndre Hopkins and Amari Cooper.
The Division II Lindenwood University product’s 2018 campaign earned him a 77.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, good for 18th in the league among cornerbacks. His run-defense grade of 90.1 was second among cornerbacks, a testament to his aforementioned tackling ability.
It looks like the Colts did a great job of locking up a mainstay on their resurgent defense for the near future.