:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68983779/usa_today_13874630.0.jpg)
The Colts are re-signing running back Marlon Mack, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
One year, $2 million for Marlon Mack, who heads back to Indianapolis to finish what he started after last year's Achilles tear. https://t.co/EefV7BAnrA
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2021
After tearing his Achilles during Week 1 of last season, Mack returns to Indianapolis on a very team-friendly, fully guaranteed 1-year, $2 million deal.
General manager Chris Ballard spoke highly of Mack after the 2020 season, stating, “Marlon Mack deserves a contract extension unequivocally. He deserves a good contract.”
“I think he’s a really special player and I could see just see a backfield of Marlon, Jonathan (Taylor), Nyheim (Hines), and (Jordan) Wilkins,” Ballard added.
The Colts are unquestionably happy to have Mack back. He’s been a major contributor for the team over the last four seasons, and he’s a highly respected leader both on and off the field, too.
“He’s even a better teammate, unselfish, everything you want,” Ballard said.
Mack, who was drafted by Indianapolis in the 4th round of the 2017 NFL Draft, has been very productive for the team. In his four seasons with the Colts, Mack has garnered 2,383 yards from scrimmage on 539 touches, 20 total touchdowns, while averaging 4.4 YPC.
With Mack now set to return, he will likely split touches with second-year back Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines.
According to Zak Keefer, one of the team’s beat reporters for The Athletic, the Colts felt like bringing back Mack was “an easy decision.”
Can tell you two things on the Marlon Mack front: This was an *easy* decision for the team — they love Marlon — and they don't see any issue splitting up carries between Mack, Taylor and Hines. All bring a different element to the attack, and all are really unselfish players.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 17, 2021
This comes as no surprise, as Ballard has been known for rewarding the players he’s drafted with contract extensions since taking over as the team’s general manager in 2017.
Given Mack’s production over the last four seasons, Jonathan Taylor’s emergence as an up-and-coming star, and Nyheim Hines’ unique skillset as a back and pass-catcher, Indianapolis will have one of the more dominant running back trios going into the 2021 season.