Ahmad Bradshaw, Indianapolis Colts have been in talks
Indianapolis Colts running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) reacts after running for a 5 yard gain in the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. The Colts defeated the 49ers 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The Indianapolis Colts aren’t expected to re-sign oft-injured running back Ahmad Bradshaw this offseason, but it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible for a deal to happen. Although the Colts seemed locked in with high-priced trade acquisition Trent Richardson and Vick Ballard with fellow impending free agent RB Donald Brown being a bigger priority, they aren’t going to completely shut out the idea of bringing back Bradshaw.
A source told the Indianapolis Star’s Stephen Holder that the Colts and Bradshaw have been in “recent conversations” and the Indy Star also reports that the team hasn’t “closed the door” on re-signing him either.
Bradshaw appeared in just three games last season after suffering a neck injury, but he averaged 4.5 yards per carry and is the team’s most talented running back. There’s no question that the 27-year-old is a great all-around back with his vision, speed, pass-catching ability, and excellent pass blocking, but he’s simply too injury-prone to count on. His days as a feature back in the NFL are long gone, and there’s no way he can be trusted with shouldering the load as a starter. Although the Colts haven’t shut the door on re-signing Bradshaw and have been in recent talks with him, it’s still unlikely that he actually stays with the team.
A one-year deal with incentives is all Bradshaw will command on the open market from here on out, but a team should definitely take a gamble on his talent. Because he if he manages to shake off his frustrating injury woes, then he would be a diamond. We’ll see if the Colts do end up keeping him, but my guess is that Brown is the RB who stays.