Why the Colts Should Bring Back Rock Ya-Sin

The Indianapolis Colts are entering the 2023 season with a significant need at the cornerback position. While they boast great talents like Kenny Moore II and Isaiah Rodgers Sr., they have quite raw and inexperienced players behind them to compile the defensive back room. While it’s likely general manager Chris Ballard will fire away (potentially twice) on a cornerback in the draft, he can still make an impact in free agency.

No better place to find a familiar face than free agent corner; Rock Ya-Sin fits the bill.

Ya-Sin was initially drafted out of Temple by the Colts in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Right away, he would start for the defense.

In 2019, he had 62 tackles with 5 passes defended, kicking off his career with a solid season. However, he would regress immensely for the 2020 campaign. He would return to a great year in 2021 and stabilize for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022.

To hone in on his career a bit more, let’s see what Ya-Sin has posted for overall defensive performance and coverage metrics, per Pro Football Focus from 2019 to now:

2019: 65.3 (third out of seven)

Coverage grade: 62.2 (third)

2020: 49.9 (last out of six)

Coverage grade: 48.2 (last)

2021: 69.9 (second out of six)

Coverage grade: 72.4 (second)

2022: 65.7 (second out of nine)

Coverage grade: 65.8 (third)

As the numbers displayed, Ya-Sin had one brutal season where he fell off the map for defensive efficiency.

That season, he gave up easy catches, was burned deep, and allowed overall big plays to happen. However, he returned immediately the following season and with a consistently good performance week after week. While his exit from Indy could have ended better, time heals all wounds, and the Colts have wounds to heal on defense.

Through four seasons, he’s averaged about $1.97 million per year, according to Spotrac. Last year with the Raiders, he made the most money with $2.54 million. It’s hard to believe that if Ya-Sin was ready to come back to Indianapolis that it would cost much at all.

While there could be negotiating room for more money on Ya-Sin’s end with him still in his prime, it wouldn’t be too much more. I could see a two-year/$8-10 million deal getting done. Or, if Ballard wants Ya-Sin to prove his return is worth it, a one-year/$4.5 million deal could be inked up.

Is there a long shot that a Ya-Sin and Colts reunion will happen? Maybe. But, it would be a reliable signing with high-upside.

Ya-Sin has had two straight solid seasons and was excellent in his rookie campaign. He will only be 27 years old and likely hit the stride of his prime. Ballard may want to consider an offer for a guy that might just get better with a fresh return to Lucas Oil Stadium.

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