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The wait is over, and it's some big news: the Colts have re-signed cornerback Vontae Davis.
Glad to welcome back Vontae Davis to the team! #COLTSTRONG
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) March 11, 2014
Many had thought that if Davis reached free agency, he would be gone, but now just an hour into free agency he has re-signed with the Colts. The team made a late push for Davis and, while the Jets were seriously interested, the Colts won out.
According to Schefter, the Colts gave Vontae Davis a 4-year, $39 million deal with $20 million guaranteed. That's an average of $9.75 million a year - the same that the Packers gave Sam Shields. Honestly, I'm fine with that contract for the Colts. I had said if it was under $10 million a year, I'd be ok with it.
Davis is only 25-years old and has great man coverage skills. He struggled with his consistency a bit in 2013 (which I'll get into later in the article), but something that many fans get wrong is that Davis does NOT get burned too much. The Colts often play in press man coverage with only a single high safety, which means that Davis is left all alone. Thus, when Davis gets burned it's more noticeable because it more often turns into a big play.
The Colts now have their number one cornerback back for 2014, which is huge considering that Antoine Bethea had already left the secondary. Now, the Colts have prevented leaving a huge hole in the secondary at cornerback by re-signing Davis, who they are comfortable with and really like. He was their primary target in free agency, and he wanted to be back in Indy. It took them into the new league year to complete the deal, but it's done and Vontae Davis is back with the Colts. As with all of the moves, we'll have more coverage here on Stampede Blue, and once the news period calms down I'll start on a piece on why this is a good move for the Colts.
Vontae Davis is back with the Colts. It's reportedly a 4-year, $39 million deal with $20 million guaranteed. A lot of guaranteed money, but overall it's a contract that I can live with. I like this move for the Colts and think it was one that needed to happen.
#BTM HOME SWEET HOME!!!!!! http://t.co/IeTMRmKwvz
— Vontae Davis (@VontaeDavis23) March 11, 2014
[UPDATE:] Colts general manager Ryan Grigson on Vontae Davis:
"He is a rare talent at 25 years of age who is still ascending as a player. We are excited to see him reach new heights in his career and help us attain our ultimate goal."