When it comes down to it, what owner Jim Irsay said about running back Marlon Mack is just weird.
The Indianapolis Colts addressed the media on Sunday on an array of topics.
Some of those included Anthony Castonzo’s future to the quarterback situation to Mack’s future with the team.
According to Irsay, the Colts will not pursue an extension with Mack.
Jim Irsay presser notebook from yesterday:
-The Owner will be involved in massive QB decision
-No contract extension coming for Marlon Mack?
-Russell Wilson as a Colt?https://t.co/CgjMleZHT5— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) February 24, 2020
Irsay Debunks The Rumor
Jim Ayello of the Indianapolis Star shared a report that the Colts were interested in signing Mack to an extension.
Irsay debunked the rumor by providing this statement at the press conference:
“Marlon Mack, we love him, but we love the other two guys,” via Mike Chappell of Fox 59. “We will want him back and he wants to be back. Really, there were some misreports that we were pursuing an extension there. That’s not the case. I don’t know where those came from.”
Irsay: ‘Strong likelihood’ Anthony Castonzo returns; debunks Marlon Mack extension speculation https://t.co/9iv8abWCRm
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) February 24, 2020
The other two guys that Irsay was referring to was Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins.
Mack’s Case For An Extension
Mack is entering the final year of his contract.
Out of the three running backs, Mack has been the most consistent.
In 2018, Mack rushed for 908 yards and nine touchdowns and followed that up with 1,091 yards rushing and eight touchdowns in 2019.
At 23-years old, Mack has plenty of productive years ahead of him.
Most Rush TDs since 2017
Todd Gurley – 42
Derrick Henry – 33
Mark Ingram – 28
Aaron Jones – 28
Alvin Kamara – 27
Melvin Gordon – 26
Ezekiel Elliott – 25
Jordan Howard – 24
Christian McCaffrey – 24
Marlon Mack – 20
Carlos Hyde – 19
Latavius Murray – 19— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) February 19, 2020
Strange Wording By Irsay
Why would the Colts not want to sign Mack to an extension?
Since being drafted as a fourth-round pick out of South Florida in 2017, Mack has been the most productive running back since 2018.
He’s making just over $2.2 million this season, which is considerably low for the numbers he is producing.
It does not make sense why Irsay would refute the possibility of keeping Mack for the long haul.
Hines, who is also 23, rushed for just 199 yards but caught 44 passes for 320 yards.
Mack is the perfect complement for Hines as he is a ground and pound runner.
Not to mention, when he has space, he can do some damage on the field.
When @Marlon_Mack25 finds a lane… he’s gone. 👋
The best plays by the @Colts‘ RB in 2019! pic.twitter.com/nNssgVBMgq
— NFL (@NFL) February 20, 2020
Final Thoughts
Irsay is likely deferring the report because he wants to see what Mack does in the final year of his contract.
It’s not the worst idea in the world but it could pose as a distraction for their starting running back.
It could call for a meeting between the two if feelings are hurt.
If Mack produces another 1,000-yard season though, Irsay could be eating his words.
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