The Indianapolis Colts were able to scoop up longtime Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes earlier this offseason and head coach Frank Reich seems pretty thrilled about such a move. With Rhodes ultimately becoming an unrestricted free agent out of nowhere, the Vikings unexpectedly released the veteran defensive back, which allowed the Colts to swoop in before it was too late.
“So going forward, we’re excited about Xavier [Rhodes]. I’ve coached against Xavier several times,” Reich told reporters last week, via USA TODAY Sports. “This guy is long, he’s tough, he’s physical [and] he’s got good leadership. We really think he’ll come in and make an impact.”
Despite the fact that Reich and company are excited about the Colts adding Rhodes this offseason, it is more than evident that the longtime Vikings cornerback will have to earn his keep upon officially arriving in Indianapolis. It is also worth noting that Rhodes struggled mightily toward the end of his time in Minnesota while a one-year “prove it” deal from Indianapolis could help him bounce back in a big way.
“Obviously, we’ll give him the respect that is due, but he’s got to earn it just like everybody else,” Reich added, via USA TODAY Sports. “He’s got to earn it like just everybody else.”
The Colts notably missed out on the postseason in 2019-20 with two teams from the AFC South in the division champion Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans reaching the playoffs a season ago. If Indianapolis is going to compete in the divisional standings, the team must receive a well-rounded effort on both sides of the line of scrimmage from its players in 2020-21.
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