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Indianapolis Colts News & Rumors

Colts To Sign Eric Fisher

May 10th, 2021 at 11:59am CST by Zachary Links

The Colts have agreed to sign Eric Fisher, as Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. Once finalized, it’ll be a one-year, $9.4MM deal for the Pro Bowl tackle. 

Fisher will now be tasked with protecting Carson Wentz’s blindside. He’ll also have some big shoes to fill, taking over for the job previously held by Anthony Castonzo. The former No. 1 overall pick should be well equipped for the role and he certainly profiles as a better option than the incumbents. After passing on elite tackles in the draft, the Colts were left with newcomers Sam Tevi and Julie’n Davenport as their best LT candidates.

The 30-year-old did not miss a start due to injury from 2014-18, but core muscle surgery derailed him afterwards. But, when he retook the field in 2019, he helped lift the Chiefs to a late-season win streak that culminated in a Super Bowl LIV victory. Last year, he was wiped out by an Achilles tear. The Chiefs opted to release him this offseason, paving the way for former Ravens standout Orlando Brown Jr.

The Colts are comfortable with Fisher’s rehab (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport), though he’s less than certain to be ready for Week 1. Either way, it’s a notable upgrade for Indy, especially since they can now keep guard Quenton Nelson on the interior.

Antwaun Woods Visiting Colts

May 10th, 2021 at 10:19am CST by Zachary Links

The Colts are set to meet with defensive tackle Antwaun Woods (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter). This marks Woods’ first known visit since he was released by the Cowboys last week.

The Cowboys retained Woods as a restricted free agent, but opted to cut him after adding younger (and cheaper) defensive linemen in the draft. Now, fourth-rounder Osa Odighizuwa and sixth-rounder Quinton Bohanna have a clearer path to the field in Dallas. Meanwhile, in Indy, Woods could backstop starters DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. But, odds are, there’d be only one spot available between him and reserve Taylor Stallworth.

Woods has started most of his games for Dallas over the past three years, tallying 80 tackles, four tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and a pair of fumble recoveries.

Colts Still Considering Eric Fisher

May 8th, 2021 at 8:09pm CST by Zachary Links

Eric Fisher‘s Thursday visit with the Colts ended without a deal. However, a league source tells Jim Ayello of the Indy Star (Twitter link) that the visit went well and a deal remains possible for the veteran left tackle.

The Colts passed on adding a top-level tackle in the draft, so the eight-year Chiefs starter could be a solid candidate for them. It also helps that he has history with GM Chris Ballard who was in KC when they tapped Fisher No. 1 overall in 2013 and extended him in 2016. Now, they need a solid LT to help replace Anthony Castonzo.

The Colts do have other options, including newcomers Sam Tevi and Julie’n Davenport. However, Fisher laps both in accomplishments and experience. The 30-year-old blocker did not miss a start due to injury from 2014-18 and proved instrumental upon return from core muscle surgery in 2019; his re-emergence coincided with the Chiefs’ late-season win streak that ended with a Super Bowl LIV victory.

The Chiefs dropped Fisher, a two-time Pro Bowler after he suffered a torn Achilles’ tendon in the AFC championship game. Since then, they’ve replaced him by trading for Ravens standout Orlando Brown Jr.

Colts Bring In 5 UDFAs

May 8th, 2021 at 3:54pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Colts have assembled their post-draft group, agreeing to terms with five UDFAs. Here is Indianapolis’ initial undrafted haul:

The Colts gave Jackson a lofty (for a UDFA) signing bonus, with NFL reporter Aaron Wilson tweeting the ex-Duke back will collect $45K to sign. Only two running backs clocked faster 40-yard dash times at 2021 pro days than Jackson’s 4.4-second sprint, according to Colts.com. Despite not topping 175 carries in any of his college seasons, Jackson totaled 2,267 rushing yards during a three-season run as a starter.

Vaughns will join former Trojans teammate Michael Pittman Jr. with the Colts; the former enjoyed a four-year run as a key USC aerial contributor. Working with Sam Darnold and 2022 first-round prospect Kedon Slovis, Vaughns totaled 2,801 receiving yards and 20 touchdown catches in four seasons. The 6-foot-2 wideout also saw extensive action as a punt returner. He posted 800-plus-yard seasons as a freshman and junior and was on pace for another in the Pac-12’s COVID-19-abbreviated 2020 slate.

Kaufusi will follow brothers Corbin and Bronson into the NFL. A 2016 Ravens draftee, Bronson played for the Ravens and Jets from 2017-19. The Packers and 49ers, respectively, gave Bronson and Corbin reserve/futures contracts in January. Father Steve Kaufusi also played in the NFL, spending time with the Buddy Ryan-era Eagles.

Minor NFL Transactions: 5/6/21

May 6th, 2021 at 3:52pm CST by Zachary Links

Today’s minor moves:

Atlanta Falcons

  • Signed: WR Juwan Green

Indianapolis Colts

  • Waived: CB Will Sunderland

Las Vegas Raiders

  • Signed: G Marquel Harrell

Los Angeles Chargers

  • Claimed (from Cowboys): DB Kemon Hall

New Orleans Saints

New York Jets

Seattle Seahawks

  • Claimed (from Cowboys): CB Saivion Smith
  • Signed: TE Nick Guggemos

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Claimed (from Cowboys): LB Ladarius Hamilton
  • Signed: CB Nate Brooks

Tennessee Titans

Colts Sign Kwity Paye, 4 Other Draft Picks

May 6th, 2021 at 3:01pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Colts have jumped out to an early lead in draft pick signings. They agreed to terms with five draftees Thursday, including their top two picks — defensive linemen Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo.

Chosen 21st overall, Paye will be expected to play a key role for the Colts as a rookie. The team entered the draft with a significant edge rusher need, and the Michigan product was viewed as one of the top outside pressure artists available. Paye ranked as Scouts Inc.’s top pass-rushing prospect in this year’s draft, and for good reason. This was thanks in part to a 2019 campaign where the Michigan product finished with 6.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss.

While this was not viewed as a strong D-line draft class, the Colts have not re-signed Justin Houston and did not have a steady edge presence opposite him in 2020. The team doubled up at this position group to start the weekend. Chosen 54th overall out of Vanderbilt, Odeyingbo may profile as a player who operates both outside and inside — perhaps similar to Denico Autry, who departed for Tennessee in free agency. Odeyingbo, however, qualifies as a project. He may miss his rookie season, having suffered an Achilles’ tendon tear in January while training for the draft.

Only fourth-round pick Kylen Granson, a tight end, and former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger (Round 6) are unsigned from Indianapolis’ draft class. Here are the Colts’ rookie signees thus far:

  • Kwity Paye, DE (Michigan, Round 1)
  • Dayo Odeyingbo, DL (Vanderbilt, Round 2)
  • Shawn Davis, S (Florida, Round 5)
  • Mike Strachan, WR (Charleston, W.V., Round 7)
  • Will Fries, OL (Penn State)

Minor NFL Transactions: 5/5/21

May 5th, 2021 at 3:40pm CST by Zachary Links

We’ll keep track of today’s minor moves here:

Dallas Cowboys

Indianapolis Colts

Kansas City Chiefs

  • Signed: WR Chris Finke

New York Jets

Seattle Seahawks

  • Claimed (from Jaguars): LB Nate Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Vikings Sign Shane Zylstra

May 4th, 2021 at 9:02pm CST by Rory Parks

The Vikings have signed Shane Zylstra, according to his agent, Jaymeson Moten (via Twitter). Zylstra, who starred as a wide receiver at Minnesota State, will convert to tight end, as Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press tweets.

If the last name sounds familiar, it’s because Zylstra’s older brother, Brandon Zylstra, signed with the Vikings in 2018 after a terrific couple of years in the Canadian Football League. He has been with the Panthers in each of the past two seasons, and while the CFL’s 2017 receiving yards leader has just 12 catches in his NFL career, he has served as a significant special teams contributor for both Minnesota and Carolina.

The younger Zylstra set Minnesota State records with 81 receptions for 1,676 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2019 — he was basically the D-II version of Ja’Marr Chase — but went undrafted last year. He will hope to follow in the footsteps of fellow Minnesota State alumnus and new teammate Adam Thielen.

Zylstra has put on 15 pounds of muscle for his position switch and is now up to 230 pounds, per Tomasson (Twitter link). The Vikings’ TE depth chart is currently topped by Irv Smith Jr., but beyond that, the club is rostering unproven talents Tyler Conklin, Brandon Dillon, and fifth-round rookie Zach Davidson. So Zylstra has a shot to make the team with a strong summer.

Tomasson notes that Zylstra also attracted interest from the Colts and 49ers (Twitter link).

Colts To Host Eric Fisher On Visit

May 4th, 2021 at 5:43pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Colts passed on adding a starter-level left tackle in the draft. They did not view potential first-round options as sufficient value picks and saw some later-round candidates scooped up ahead of their selections. But Indianapolis still has tackles in mind.

Eric Fisher is set to visit the Colts later this week, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets. The eight-year Chiefs starter popped up on the radar last month, and the Colts are now confirmed as one of the teams monitoring him.

A key connection exists here. Colts GM Chris Ballard was part of the Chiefs’ front office when they selected Fisher first overall in 2013. Ballard was still with the organization when it extended Fisher in 2016. Should Fisher prove healthy or on a reasonable track to full strength, he would stand to fill the Colts’ top need.

Anthony Castonzo‘s retirement made left tackle a Colts need for the first time in 10 years. Indy re-signed its left-edge stalwart last year, but the former first-round pick opted to walk away after the 2020 season. Fisher saw his team cut bait after the season. The Chiefs dropped the two-time Pro Bowler after he suffered a torn Achilles’ tendon in the AFC championship game. While Fisher’s absence helped doom Kansas City in Super Bowl LV, the Chiefs moved on with an expansive O-line overhaul — one that features trade acquisition Orlando Brown Jr. in Fisher’s left tackle spot.

The Colts have added possible Castonzo replacements this offseason, in ex-Chargers starter Sam Tevi and former Texans and Dolphins first-stringer Julie’n Davenport. However, Fisher laps both in accomplishments and experience. The 30-year-old blocker did not miss a start due to injury from 2014-18 and proved instrumental upon return from core muscle surgery in 2019; his re-emergence coincided with the Chiefs’ late-season win streak that ended with a Super Bowl LIV victory.

Fisher suited up for 17 Chiefs games last season, making the Pro Bowl and missing only the Super Bowl due to injury. But the Achilles malady certainly cost him, with the Chiefs shedding his eight-figure salary. With the compensatory pick deadline having passed, the Colts will look into giving Fisher another chance.

Colts Audition K Eddy Pineiro

May 4th, 2021 at 10:15am CST by Zachary Links

The Colts are working out former Bears kicker Eddy Pineiro today (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter). If signed, Piniero will compete with Rodrigo Blankenship over the summer for the Colts’ kicking job.

Blankenship joined the Colts last year after nailing 27 of 33 field goals in his final season at Georgia. His 82.5% make rate over four years ranked as the best in program history and he went 200-for-200 on all of his extra point tries. He wasn’t quite as sharp from long range as a pro, missing four kicks from beyond the 40-yard mark. Still, he finished his rookie year with a 86.5% FG rate.

Pineiro, meanwhile, made just 82% of his field goals for the Bears in 2019. Then, he missed all of 2020 due to a groin injury and ceded the job to Cairo Santos.

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