Should the Indianapolis Colts re-sign free agent Danny Pinter? While he’s not a superstar like running back Jonathan Taylor or as high-profile as quarterback Anthony Richardson, Pinter remains a reliable offensive lineman who adds valuable depth to the roster.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard faces a challenging offseason with several key players hitting free agency. The decisions on who to retain will be critical, and Pinter is someone Ballard should strongly consider keeping.
The Indianapolis Colts Should Re-sign Free Agent Danny Pinter This Offseason
His Football Career
Danny Pinter starred at John Adams High School in South Bend, Indiana. As a sophomore, he led the school to its best record in over 50 years. He wound up helping John Adams win back-to-back sectional championships.
Pinter then traveled two and a half hours south to Muncie, Indiana, and played college football at Ball State University. He began his collegiate career as a tight end. After redshirting his first year, Pinter started 11 games at tight end in 2016 and 2017. He later switched to an offensive lineman in 2018.
Playing at right tackle, Pinter flourished during his first two years with the Cardinals. In 2019, he became just the first Ball State offensive lineman to earn first-team All-MAC honors since 2013 (Jordan Hansel).
The Colts then drafted Danny Pinter in the fifth round (149th overall pick) of the 2020 NFL Draft. He was the first player from the Mid-American Conference selected in that draft.
During a Thursday Night Football game against the New York Jets in 2021, Pinter caught the first touchdown pass of his NFL career. He later missed the 2023 season after breaking his ankle during the preseason. Pinter has played 60 games with the Colts, starting nine contests: seven at guard and two at center.
Why the Colts Should Retain Danny Pinter
Ryan Kelly is the most prominent free agent for the Indianapolis Colts this offseason. A first-round pick in 2016, Kelly has been with the team since and is widely regarded as one of the best centers in the NFL, earning four Pro Bowl selections.
Recently, Kelly hinted at the possibility of leaving the Colts:
“Never been a free agent, so I’m excited to see what’s out there,” Kelly said, according to Fox59. “My plan is to see what’s out there on the market. Indy can always match it. I’ll miss it, if that’s it. It was a good run for nine years.”
If Kelly departs, the Colts would likely turn to Tanor Bortolini, a fourth-round pick from the previous year, to take over at center. Additionally, the team could re-sign Danny Pinter, who would provide depth as a backup center and guard in 2025.
General Manager Chris Ballard noted that the offensive line’s depth and talent will be a priority in the offseason. While Pinter may not be a marquee signing, his experience could be valuable as a reserve, stepping in if a starter is injured.
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