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According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Indianapolis Colts restricted free agent tight end Mo Alie-Cox has received a second round tender:
#Colts TE Mo Alie-Cox received a second-round tender as a restricted free agent, source says. Coming off a 31-catch season and an excellent blocker in the eyes of many around the league, the former #VCU basketball player has developed nicely.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 17, 2021
The second round tender means that the Colts have the opportunity to match any potential offer that Alie-Cox may receive elsewhere, and if they elected not to do so (in such a scenario), it means that Indianapolis would receive a second round draft pick as compensation.
Of course, Alie-Cox could also simply sign the Colts tender outright of $3.384M.
The former coverted collegiate standout hoopster out of VCU has grown into a valuable tight end for the Colts over the past three seasons.
At a listed 6’5”, 267 pounds, the big bodied tight end has always been highly regarded as a physically imposing in-line blocker—utilizing his size and strength, but it’s been his developing route running and pass catching that also continue to flash on the field for the Colts.
This past season, Alie-Cox caught 31 receptions for 394 receiving yards (12.7 ypr. avg.) and 2 touchdown receptions during 15 games (6 starts)—despite battling through a knee injury.
Per PFF (subscription), Alie-Cox was their 5th best graded tight end in 2020 with a +80.9 grade overall.
Alie-Cox joins starting wide receiver Zach Pascal as another second round tender for the Colts this offseason, and special teams stud George Odum was given the low tender earlier on Tuesday as well.
It means there’s a very strong chance that Alie-Cox returns for at least the 2021 season.