The Facts: We all know by now that Vinatieri is going to return for a 23rd NFL season in 2018. Whether or not that's with the Indianapolis Colts is the question. For his part, Vinatieri said he'd love to return to Indy for a 13th season with the Colts, but certainly understands the business side of those types of decisions either way. "I feel like my body is still in good shape, and I can help and contribute to a team," he said. "So, hopefully it's here. We'll see. It's a business. I understand how all that works, so we'll see where it goes."
Diehards Line:
Vinatieri, who at 45 has seemingly gotten better with age — particularly since turning the 40 — as the Colts’ kicker, is set to become an unrestricted free agent when the league’s new year begins March 14. That gives GM Chris Ballard some time to either decide to reach out to pursue a new deal, or let Vinatieri test the market and risk starting over at the position. Vinatieri in 2017 continued his solid ways, as he converted 29-of-34 field goal attempts (85.3 percent) and 22-of-24 extra-point tries (91.7 percent). Of his five field goal misses, two came during an absolute blizzard Week 14 against the Bills in Buffalo, and two others happened two weeks later against the Baltimore Ravens in a driving rainstorm, as one attempt from 60 yards out was inches away from clearing the crossbar, while another attempt was blocked. He also earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors for the 17th time in his career in Week 5 when he connected on all four of his field goal attempts — including the game-winner in overtime — in the Colts’ 26-23 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Two of his kicks, including the winner, were from 50-plus yards. For what it's worth, Vinatieri said the direction of the Colts franchise “definitely weighs in on all decisions” he’ll make moving forward.