Indianapolis Colts sign Xavier Rhodes: Grade, reaction and more
By John Buhler
After spending the last seven seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Pro Bowl cornerback Xavier Rhodes is joining the Indianapolis Colts on a one-year deal.
Cornerback Xavier Rhodes was a three-time Pro Bowler and a 2017 First-Team All-Pro during his seven years with the Minnesota Vikings. Even though the team drafted him in the first round out of Florida State in 2013, Rhodes will not be returning to the Twin Cities on a new contract.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Rhodes is signing a one-year deal to play for the Indianapolis Colts in 2020. Rhodes had a great year with the Vikings in 2017 but is coming off two disappointing years in Minnesota. He was released by the team shortly before free agency. While the Vikings wanted to bring him back, Rhodes has bet on himself with this a one-year deal.
Once Indianapolis parted ways with Pierre Desir in free agency, it was only a matter of time before the Colts brought in a veteran defensive back to offset this loss. For the Vikings, they have lost plenty of great players this offseason and Rhodes is now the latest to not officially be coming back.
Here are the contract details, the national reaction and a grade for Rhodes going to the Colts.
Contract Details
Updated: Per Schefter, this is only a one-year deal for Rhodes to join the Colts. The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported an about an hour later that it looks to be a $5 million, one-year deal for Rhodes. For a former All-Pro player, this is quite the bargain for Indianapolis. It’s definitely a worthwhile move for the Colts to make, as this is a fair number for a player on the rebound.
National Reaction
Former Vikings’ All-Pro CB Xavier Rhodes is signing a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts, @ShahSportsGroup tells ESPN. Rhodes will be a free agent again after 2020 season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 26, 2020
My understanding is Rhodes’ deal with the #Colts is worth around $5 million. Not a bad payday after #Vikings cut him, and a bargain if he returns to top form. https://t.co/jszv0CdusM
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 26, 2020
Four days after cutting Pierre Desir, the Colts add cornerback help in the form of former Vikings' All-Pro Xavier Rhodes, per @AdamSchefter. This is the type of veteran addition I expected them to make.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 26, 2020
Was told despite Xavier Rhodes' release from Minnesota before free agency, Vikings recently made an offer to bring him back. But Rhodes opts for the fresh start, as @AdamSchefter reports he's headed to the Colts on a one-year deal.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 26, 2020
First impression on the Colts signing Xavier Rhodes... This is a bigger move in terms of name recognition than in recent performance.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 26, 2020
BUT
Rhodes has a chance to resurrect himself in Indy in a different scheme/different role. That could help.
The feelings about this signing are mixed from a Vikings’ perspective. Even though he routinely got burnt like toast in the defensive backfield in recent years, it is a tad alarming how many players have left the Twin Cities this offseason after they extended quarterback Kirk Cousins.
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From an Indianapolis standout, you have to love a former Pro Bowl player on a prove-it deal playing on a team with major playoff aspirations. Along with the Tennessee Titans, the Colts have to be the favorites to win the AFC South next year. Though it has been years since the Colts won the division, perhaps Rhodes can be a difference-maker for them in the back-end of the defense?