The Colts appear to want to bring back veteran Adam Vinatieri.
The team is interested in re-signing the 46-year-old kicker, according to a report from Indianapolis CBS4, which cites an unidentified team source. Vinatieri’s contract is set to expire in early March, the report says.
Vinatieri, one of the best kickers in NFL history, converted 23 of his 27 field goal attempts in 2018. He also connected on 44 of his 47 extra points.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard said Monday that Vinatieri — who has been with the team since 2006 — is a valuable leader in the locker room.
“Do I think he can still kick in the league and be a really good kicker?” Ballard told reporters, via the Indianapolis Star. “Absolutely, I do.
“I don’t know if I’ve been around a special-teams player that has as much impact as Adam does in the locker room from a positive standpoint. All of our young guys that come in get to see Adam Vinatieri work, rehab, prepare his body every year, be a pro, handle the hard times, handle the good times.”
Vinatieri spent 10 seasons with the Patriots before joining the Colts. He said he doesn’t envision retiring but hasn’t made an official decision.
“If they’re (the Colts) wanting, I can’t imagine (I’d) not keep playing, you know?” Vinatieri said. “I haven’t made the decision yet. I’ll spend a week or two and just kind of see where we’re at.”
The Colts finished this season with a 10-6 record and advanced to the AFC divisional round, where they fell to the Chiefs.