[JAFF]

https://www.indystar.com/story/sport...cy/2772180001/

INDIANAPOLIS — Anthony Castonzo is mulling retirement. The Indianapolis Colts star left tackle, slated to become a free agent this offseason, said Monday that he is weighing whether he wants to return for his tenth NFL season.

Asked in no uncertain terms if retirement was an option, he replied, “It is. Absolutely.”

“I just need to think. I need to sit down and think and see how different things play out.”

Castonzo cited “personal reasons” for why he would consider cutting his career short while still playing some of the best football of his life.

“I just got some thinking to do,” he said. “That’s what it’s going to come down to. I’ve got a decision to make, then I gotta live with it.”

More Colts:

Indianapolis Colts: Here are a decade of Nos. 13 and 34 draft picks
Insider: Frustrated Colts star TY Hilton says ball didn't come his way enough in December
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo (74) wards off defensive tackle Isaiah Mack (97) in the third quarter of their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019.
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo (74) wards off defensive tackle Isaiah Mack (97) in the third quarter of their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019. (Photo: Matt Kryger/IndyStar)
Castonzo said he has spoken with Colts general manager Chris Ballard “here and there,” but was slated to meet with the Colts general manager later Monday afternoon.

There was some consternation in the Colts community that an extension with Castonzo had not been reached and that he could potentially hit the open market, where his services would be coveted by plenty of teams.

Castonzo played a key role in making Andrew Luck the least-sacked quarterback in the league last year. While the Colts offensive line hasn’t been quite as dominant in pass protection this year, it did help the offense churn out more than 2,000 rushing yards for the first time as a franchise since 1994.

If Castonzo were to reach the open market, he’d be in line to sign a monster contract. Tackles of his caliber don’t often reach free agency. A couple of years ago, the New York Giants signed ex-Patriots tackle Nate Solder to a four-year, $62-million with $34.8 million guaranteed. He was a year younger, 30, than Castonzo is now when he signed that deal.

Castonzo has never been a free agent. After playing out his rookie contract, he signed a 4-year, $43,812,000 contract, with $18 million guaranteed, ahead of the 2016 season.