EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 14: Indianapolis Colts defensive back Pierre Desir (35) during the National Football League Game between the New York Jets and the Indianapolis Colts on October 14, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
After performing well on a one-year “prove it” deal, the Colts rewarded cornerback Pierre Desir with a multi-year contract.
The Indianapolis Colts entered the 2019 offseason with plenty of money to spend, and many expected them to be one of the most active teams in free agency. According to Albert Breer, Indianapolis had over $100 million in cap space to work with in free agency to build on a surprising 2018 campaign that resulted in a playoff berth. But, the Colts have largely stood pat.
Many analysts linked them to ex-Steeler Le’Veon Bell, but the Colts’ hypothetical interest in the star running back never materialized. After the first two days of the legal tampering period, the only move the Colts had made was bringing in former Panthers receiver Devin Funchess on a one-year deal. Now, the Colts are reported to be bringing back cornerback Pierre Desir on a multi-year deal.
Contract Details
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Desir is getting a three-year deal worth $25 million from the Colts. He’ll get $12 million guaranteed.
National Reaction
Desir was oft-injured and struggled to find a home during his first four years in the NFL. He had short stints with the Browns, Chargers and Seahawks before landing a one-year “prove it” deal with the the Colts before the 2018 season. He didn’t lock down a starting job until the second half of the season, coinciding with the the Colts emergence as a top-flight defense
Desir emerged as a one of the best tackling cornerbacks in the NFL as the season progressed. He racked up 79 tackles in 2018 and didn’t miss a single tackle all year. Desir is also great in man coverage; he was routinely tasked with the opponent’s toughest matchup and he locked up top-flight receivers like DeAndre Hopkins and Amari Cooper.
The Division II Lindenwood University product’s 2018 campaign earned him a 77.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, good for 18th in the league among cornerbacks. His run-defense grade of 90.1 was second among cornerbacks, a testament to his aforementioned tackling ability.
It looks like the Colts did a great job of locking up a mainstay on their resurgent defense for the near future.