According to PFF, Indianapolis Colts veteran starting right tackle Braden Smith’s ‘top landing spot’ is being back with the only NFL franchise he’s ever played for:
Braden Smith
- Best Landing Spot: Indianapolis Colts
- PFF Free-Agent Ranking: 106
Through injury and a mental health journey,
Braden Smith has been a stalwart presence along the Colts’ offensive line for the past eight seasons. Now 30 years old, he has plenty left in the tank. Smith’s grading profile over the past three seasons highlights his ability as both a run blocker and pass protector.
His 72.0 PFF pass-blocking grade on true pass sets over the span places him among the top 25 qualifying tackles. He also ranks sixth in sack percentage, having allowed just five across 1,151 pass sets. Although his PFF run-blocking grade suffered this past season, his overall resume on the ground continues to impress. His positively graded run-block rate ranks in the 82nd percentile over the past three seasons.
While fourth-round rookie Jalen Travis played well in relief of Smith after the veteran was placed on injured reserve late in the year, it would be a prudent move for the Colts to attempt to retain as many pieces responsible for their early-season success as possible.
The 29-year-old veteran right bookend made 13 starts for the Colts this past season before being placed on injured reserve with a concussion and neck injury following Week 14. Per PFF, Smith earned a +65.3 overall grade, which was ranked 50th among 89 qualifying offensive tackles.
During 471 total pass blocking snaps, Smith allowed just 1 sack and 26 total pass pressures.
It should be interesting how the Colts elect to proceed with Smith going forward, especially with both starting quarterback Daniel Jones and wideout Alec Pierce as their priority internal free agents in this year’s class.
Smith’s play dipped a bit last season, and he’s battled through a number of different injuries in recent seasons. Similarly to how the team transitioned from longtime center Ryan Kelly last offseason, the Colts could elect to roll with promising, rising 2nd-year offensive tackle Jalen Travis going forward.
Having played on a restructured 1-year, $10.52M contract last year, it’s possible that the Colts could run it back with Smith for at least one more year on a similar short-term deal again. However, it come could at another contract price reduction. Storing Travis as their top backup tackle, could prove to be valuable at the position.
Given their salary cap constraints, other free agent priorities, and greater roster deficiencies elsewhere, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Colts officially change the guard, and Travis is the new starter though.
