The Indianapolis Colts took care of some free agent business on Monday, and it raises some interesting questions. The team has re-signed free agent tight end Dwayne Allen. Pro Football Talk is reporting the four-year deal is worth up to $29.4 million. The deal includes $12 million in year one (likely including signing bonus), $7 million in year two, and $5 million in year three. The deal reportedly includes $16 million guaranteed, but that is likely not all fully guaranteed.
Allen signs the deal coming off his worst season as a professional. He played in 13 games, and had 16 receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown. Through four years (only playing one year in 2013), he has 91 receptions for 1,045 yards and 13 touchdowns.
It is safe to say this means Coby Fleener likely will land a slightly better deal. Fleener had 54 receptions for 491 yards and three touchdowns last season. Through the same four years, he has 183 receptions for 2,154 yards and 17 touchdowns, and has not missed a game since his rookie season. Allen is a strong red zone presence and quality blocker, but Fleener has been the more active of the two. The Colts very well could get both extended, but my guess is Fleener walks.
The San Francisco 49ers currently have quite a few tight ends under contract. They have Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek, Blake Bell, Busta Anderson, and Je'Ron Hamm all competing for opportunities. None jumps out as a clear threat, although Bell showed some things in limited time last year. Will the 49ers look to add some limited depth, or will they make a modest splash with a guy like Fleener?