The Indianapolis Colts have many decisions to make this offseason, and while wide receiver Andre Johnson reportedly won't be back next season and is said to be contemplating retirement, the Colts front office still has plenty of important decisions to make on the offensive side of the ball. Two players in particular stand out, as both the Colts' two top tight ends, Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen, are set to become free agents and expected to test the market.
The free agent waters for tight ends has been a bit "murky," and the team has made no real progress with Fleener so far this offseason, according to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora. The team is expected to retain Fleener, and Allen is considered "unlikely" to return to Indianapolis next season. There is no guarantee to that though, as Allen could end up the tight end back in Indianapolis while Fleener looks for suitors on the open market, according to La Canfora.
They both brought positives to the Colts in 2016, as Fleener has a strong chemistry with franchise quarterback Andrew Luck that goes back to college, but Allen may be the better all around tight end, especially in the run game. Allen saw a major dip in his numbers this past season only catching 16 passes for 109 yards, while Fleener continued to perform despite changes at quarterback, ultimately recording 54 receptions for 491 yards and scoring three touchdowns.
Both player's numbers were clearly down without Luck behind center during the 2015 season, and whoever doesn't stay in Indianapolis could end up in Pittsburgh in 2016, according to La Canfora. The Steelers are in the market for a tight end after Heath Miller announced his retirement, and the team may prefer to get a proven free agent rather than wait to try and find a prospect in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Either Fleener or Allen could make a strong addition in Pittsburgh, and would give quarterback Ben Roethlisberger an immediate safety outlet at the tight end position. The Steelers are expected to focus on continuing to build their defense through the draft, but it wouldn't be a shock if one of Indianapolis' tight ends were in the Steelers' black and yellow next season.