Colts' longest-tenured player lands $18 million deal with NFC contender

The Indianapolis Colts entered the young offseason likely with the expectation that a new name would be tasked with anchoring the middle of the offensive line. After nine seasons leading the big boys up front in Indianapolis, center Ryan Kelly is extending his career elsewhere for the first time. Kelly was the longest-tenured player on the roster coming out of the 2024 campaign — a title that now belongs to long snapper Luke Rhodes.

With the legal tampering period opening Monday, Kelly reportedly agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $18 million with the Minnesota Vikings , who reached the NFC wild-card round after a 14-3 season. As Kelly extends his career with the Vikings, likely as the battery mate for J. J.

McCarthy, the Colts are expected to turn the keys over to second-year player Tanor Bortolini, a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Though Bortolini has the versatility to work at every offensive line position, the Colts drafted him out of Wisconsin to eventually be the successor to Kelly in the middle. He showed some impressive work in a limited sample, too.

Playing 351 total snaps across eight games (five starts), Bortolini allowed no sacks and just seven total pressures while working from the center position, per Pro Football Focus. Kelly has been a fan favorite for a long time as a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time team captain, but it was time for these two to part ways. More NFL News Colts to sign 49ers Pro Bowl star cornerback on $60 million deal Colts lose ascending star to Bears on $48 million deal in free agency Why did Colts sign free agent safety Cam Bynum?.