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According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, former Kansas City Chiefs Pro Bowl left tackle Eric Fisher will be visiting the tackle needy Indianapolis Colts later this week:
Former #Chiefs left tackle Eric Fisher is set to visit the #Colts later this week, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 4, 2021
For anyone who watched the Super Bowl, seeing the former first overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft cut was an initial surprise by the reigning AFC Champions.
The 30 year old left tackle made 113 career starts for the Chiefs, exclusively all on the left side aside from his rookie season. He was a Pro Bowler in both 2018 and 2020 for Kansas City—protecting superstar Patrick Mahomes’ blindside.
Per PFF (subscription), in 2020, Fisher was their 16th best graded tackle with a +80.1 overall grade—featuring a +77.0 pass blocking grade. In pass protection, Fisher allowed 3.0 sacks and 35 total QB pressures during 781 total pass blocking snaps this past season.
Of course, Colts general manager Chris Ballard has familiarity with Fisher, as he was a member of the Chiefs’ football operations when he was drafted.
The issue with Fisher isn’t his ability, but rather, his current health.
He suffered a torn Achilles late in the season, and there’s legitimate concerns regarding A) his initial availability to start the season and B) if he can regain his prior form from a serious injury that can sap explosiveness and the ability to plant for offensive tackles.
That being said, there are some reports that Fisher could return to the football field by mid-August, which while on the optimistic side, can’t be completely ruled out either.
Right now, given his talent, pedigree, and past production, Fisher is worth the gamble health-wise for Indianapolis—especially when recent free agent signing Sam Tevi is otherwise the projected starting left tackle.
Signing a short-term 1 to 2-year deal makes sense.
Worst case, the Colts may have to just get by with Tevi for a handful of games to start the season until Fisher is fully cleared for football—but the potential upgrade is enormous.