This offseason, the Indianapolis Colts should think about re-signing free agent offensive lineman Danny Pinter.
Should the Indianapolis Colts re-sign free agent Danny Pinter? No, he’s obviously not a superstar like running back Jonathan Taylor. He is not as well-known as quarterback Anthony Richardson. However, Danny Pinter is a capable offensive guard who adds depth to the Colts’ roster.
This offseason, Colts general manager Chris Ballard will face significant challenges. Several players are set to become free agents. It’ll be interesting to see who is retained and who isn’t. Ballard, though, should consider holding on to Danny Pinter.
The Indianapolis Colts Should Re-sign Free Agent Danny Pinter This Offseason
His Football Career
Danny Pinter starred at John Adams High School in South Bend, Indiana. As a sophomore, he led the school to its best record in over 50 years. He wound up helping John Adams win back-to-back sectional championships.
Pinter then traveled two and a half hours south to Muncie, Indiana, and played college football at Ball State University. He began his collegiate career as a tight end. After redshirting his first year, Pinter started 11 games at tight end in 2016 and 2017. He later switched to an offensive lineman in 2018.
Playing at right tackle, Pinter flourished during his first two years with the Cardinals. In 2019, he became just the first Ball State offensive lineman to earn first-team All-MAC honors since 2013 (Jordan Hansel).
The Colts then drafted Danny Pinter in the fifth round (149th overall pick) of the 2020 NFL Draft. He was the first player from the Mid-American Conference selected in that draft.
During a Thursday Night Football game against the New York Jets in 2021, Pinter caught the first touchdown pass of his NFL career. He later missed the 2023 season after breaking his ankle during the preseason. Pinter has played 60 games with the Colts, starting nine contests: seven at guard and two at center.
Why the Colts Should Retain Danny Pinter
Ryan Kelly is the Colts’ most well-known free agent this offseason. He has been in Indy since the team made him a first-round pick in 2016. The four-time Pro Bowler is hands-down one of the league’s top centers.
Kelly recently made comments that indicated he might not stay with the Colts:
“Never been a free agent, so I’m excited to see what’s out there,” Kelly said, via Fox59. “My plan is to see what’s out there on the market. Indy can always match it. I’ll miss it, if that’s it. It was a good run for nine years.”
If Kelly leaves, Tanor Bortolini, who the Colts drafted in the fourth round last year, will likely replace him as the team’s starting center. Then Indianapolis can re-sign Danny Pinter, who can play behind Bortolini and also serve as a backup guard in 2025.
Ballard said the depth and the talent level of the offensive line is something that will be addressed during the offseason. Pinter could be valuable off the bench with his experience and can fill in if a starter goes down with an injury. While it wouldn’t be the greatest signing of all time, it could certainly help out the team next season.
