Indianapolis, IN — The Indianapolis Colts have been at an advantage thanks to strong tackle play this decade, with a brief transitional period at left tackle that otherwise found its footing rather quickly. On the opposite side of the line, however, has been locked down by longtime Colt Braden Smith.
Initially scoffed at by draft analysts for making the move from guard to tackle, the short-armed offensive lineman has been a mainstay in Indianapolis due to his consistency from snap to whistle over the years. The kicker with Smith is that he’s been unable to finish back-to-back seasons since his second and third years in the league.
Playing up to standard has hardly been the concern; it’s the recently established dwindling dependability.
This is the third installment of an article series that covers each of the Indianapolis Colts’ top free agents, offering a case for their retention, a case against it, and a final verdict.
In Favor Of
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Braden Smith #72 of the Indianapolis Colts drops back to block during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Braden Smith #72 of the Indianapolis Colts drops back to block during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
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In short, Braden Smith is a warrior. From battling physical injuries on the field to dealing with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder off the field, Smith has never been one to back down from a fight — even when the tough gets going.
Despite ending the season on injured reserve, Smith’s 13 starts featured 26 pressures and 1 sack allowed across 471 pass-blocking reps. Known as a mauler in the run game, it’s difficult to quantify his influence in this area, though, as of recent — the past three seasons — Smith’s run-block rate sits in the 82nd percentile.
Braden Smith’s injury concerns are nothing to scoff at, but at least he recognizes his shortcomings and has been willing to work with the front office to adjust his salary accordingly.
The Case Against
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 20: Braden Smith #72 of the Indianapolis Colts on the sidelines during the preseason against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 20, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 20: Braden Smith #72 of the Indianapolis Colts on the sidelines during the preseason against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 20, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
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As previously touched on, Braden Smith’s reliability (or lack thereof) has been his biggest detractor as of late. He has ended four of the last five seasons on injured reserve, proving that even despite strong play, it’s hard to commit to a player who more than likely will re-injure at some point in the season, if not down the stretch in the most important part of the calendar.
Smith’s play has dipped a bit on top of the injuries, though the latter far outweighs the former in impact. The 30-year-old is set to play his ninth season in the NFL.
The Verdict
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 6: Braden Smith #72 of the Indianapolis Colts stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 6, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 6: Braden Smith #72 of the Indianapolis Colts stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 6, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
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It’s hard to suggest whether they should or shouldn’t retain Braden Smith, given how similar both outcomes project to be.
On one hand, the veteran leadership and dependable play are enough to keep him around for the immediate future. On the other hand, Smith’s durability concerns, a required modest payday, and his replacement — second-year tackle Jalen Travis — waiting in the wings, combine for an easy break from the organization.
Ultimately, retaining Smith on a cheaper, 1-year deal would be beneficial if the organization can financially swing it. Although you almost anticipate losing Smith for some portion of the season, if not the final stretch, allowing Jalen Travis the opportunity to be the team’s swing tackle would do wonders for not only his progression both now and down the road, but also for the rest of the offensive line.
The right side of the Colts’ offensive line, including the center spot, would consist of three 24 to 25-year-olds with two combined years of starting experience. The succession plans at center and right guard have gone according to plan thus far, so using that same methodology for Travis checks out. The worry is that adding a first-time starter to the group may do more harm than good, especially considering there’d be no swing backup to confidently remedy any mid-season setbacks.