The Indianapolis Colts have solidified four of their five starting positions on the offensive line ahead of the upcoming season, but one key spot remains unfilled: right guard. This vacancy was created after former starter Will Fries departed in free agency, signing with the Minnesota Vikings. With the rest of the offensive line mostly set, the competition at right guard is expected to become a focal point during the offseason. Several players will likely be in contention for the job, including a promising young lineman from last year’s draft class.
Matt Goncalves, a former Day 2 selection by the Colts, is expected to be a strong contender for the starting right guard role. During his rookie season, Goncalves served as a valuable swing tackle. He started three games at left tackle and five games at right tackle, playing a total of 566 snaps. Despite being in a backup role, he managed to hold his own, surrendering 22 pressures, four quarterback hits, and three sacks. His Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades were respectable: a 57.1 in pass protection, 69.3 in run blocking, and an overall grade of 65.9. These numbers suggest he is more than capable of holding down a starting role somewhere on the line.
Because the two tackle positions are currently occupied, the coaching staff views the transition to guard as a natural next step for Goncalves. Sitting on the bench would not fully utilize his skills or developmental potential. During a recent press conference, offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. confirmed that Goncalves will officially shift from tackle to guard this offseason. According to Sparano, this isn’t an entirely new position for Goncalves—he took snaps at guard last year, and the team is confident in his ability to adapt.
“We’re prioritizing him to play right guard,” Sparano stated, emphasizing Goncalves’s physical tools. He praised the lineman’s size, strength, agility, and particularly his ability to block effectively in space—an essential skill for the Colts’ offensive scheme. Sparano concluded by calling Goncalves a tough and physical player, traits the team considers non-negotiable for their interior linemen.
