2019 NFL Free Agency: Jay Ajayi visits the Colts and leaves without a deal
Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Jay Ajayi took on his first visit during the 2019 NFL Free Agency period and left without a deal.
Torn ACL’s have derailed the seasons of a few Philadelphia Eagles players in 2018. Two guys specifically were set to become Free Agent’s this year, which made the entire situation highly unfortunate. As we all know, hitting the market after a season-ending injury always kills the value of a player. And typically, if they are still a bit unproven, guys will struggle to find a new home.
Last week, Eagles’ cornerback Ronald Darby was in this situation. Although he had a few offers on the table, he wasn’t intrigued by any of them enough to sign yet. Therefore, he took a one-year gamble with the Eagles after entertaining the Kansas City Chiefs for a visit. Now, could former Eagles’ running back Jay Ajayi get into a similar situation this offseason?
On Wednesday, Jay Ajayi went on his first scheduled visit to the Indianapolis Colts. Obviously, we have to think that Frank Reich must’ve made this suggestion. Considering that Reich coached Ajayi during the Eagles 2017 Super Bowl run, he’s clearly familiar with the veteran running back. Unfortunately for Ajayi, he did not get what he was looking for in Indy. Whatever that may be.
Could Ajayi find his way back to Philly?
Ajayi had a short stint with the Eagles that lasted about one season in total. Before the trade deadline in 2017, Ajayi was dealt to the Eagles from the Miami Dolphins. Although it was evident that Ajayi was probably the most talented player in the backfield when he arrived, he still took a bit of a backseat to LeGarrette Blount. As Blount left off for Detroit in 2018 though, the Eagles issued Ajayi the opportunity to lead the charge in the backfield.
Unfortunately, Ajayi’s ability to stay healthy killed his chances of maximizing his value while in his contract season with the Eagles. First, Ajayi suffered a broken back during week two, which didn’t stop him from staying on the field moving forward. Ajayi would make it to week seven, but during that game, he didn’t even know he was playing with a torn ACL for most of it.
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After the loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Ajayi’s season, along with his career on the Eagles was potentially over. Now, Ajayi awaits for a deal that comes in with the right price. Considering that the Eagles are looking to add to their backfield this year through both, Free Agency and the 2019 NFL Draft, there’s a possibility that Ajayi could be back.
Similar to Darby’s situation, the Eagles could offer Ajayi a one-year, prove-it deal, while also drafting a rookie out of this year’s draft class. Since the Eagles missed on signing some of the bigger names available, getting Ajayi back in Philly makes sense for both parties.