Zack Moss, a running back with the Colts, is open to returning to Indianapolis before free agency: “It would be great.”
In 2023, running back Zack Moss was a huge asset to the Indianapolis Colts, providing insurance and a reliable option for the team while star quarterback Jonathan Taylor recovered from injuries.
Moss, who is approaching free agency, wouldn’t mind going back to Indianapolis to continue playing with Taylor.
According to the Indianapolis Star, Moss recently stated, “It would be great if I did come back here.”
The running back bounded out of the gates while the Colts waited for Taylor to return from the physically unable to perform list, having missed Week 1 due to a forearm injury. Moss accumulated 88 rush yards and a touchdown, 122 rush yards, 70 rush yards, and 165 rush yards and two scores in his first four games of action.
Moss remarked, “You remember how much fun it is.” In this league, you sometimes realize that a lot of it is business. However, when you have a chance like I did to play a lot, start, and stuff like that, it helps you go back to enjoying yourself, letting go, and not worrying about the business side while you merely play the game.”
As Taylor got back, the numbers dropped, and Moss never reached the 70-yard barrier again, but he proved he was a valuable supporting runner who could carry a heavy burden for a few games if necessary.
Taylor stated, “I think he’s proven that he’s a top back.” “He participated in (nearly) every snap of the Baltimore game. How many running backs are out there playing every snap? I have no idea. Thus, in my opinion, he demonstrated both his toughness and his ability to write plays.”
When free agency rolls around, it will be intriguing to watch Moss’s market.
The declining running back market was the topic of the offseason last year. With players like Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard, Derrick Henry, and Austin Ekeler expected to be free agents, those same conversations will probably come up. Moss is an example of a second-tier RB who can produce at the position and probably wouldn’t cost as much.
According to Next Gen Stats, Moss produced 129 run yards beyond expectations in 2023, ranking seventh among RBs. His 0.7 RYOE per carry placed him fifth (minimum of 100 carries).
The Colts have a significant amount of cap space to work with this offseason, but before they examine the RB position, they should prioritize signing higher-priority free agents like Michael Pittman, Kenny Moore II, Julian Blackmon, Gardner Minshew, etc. Re-signing Moss makes sense for Indianapolis, though, unless another team is willing to pay a premium, given Taylor’s injury history and the franchise’s desire to protect the star from overload.
