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Indianapolis Colts News & Rumors

AFC Notes: Foster, Brady, Colts, Nicks

August 7th, 2015 at 11:48am CST by Luke Adams

As we inch close to the start of the NFL’s preseason schedule, let’s round up a few of the latest updates from around the AFC….

  • Texans running back Arian Foster underwent successful surgery on his groin this morning in Philadelphia, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that there’s some hope Foster’s recovery period will be less than three months. The star running back still appears to be a strong candidate for the club’s IR-DTR slot to open the regular season.
  • The settlement conference between the NFL and NFLPA is scheduled to take place at 11:00am eastern time next Wednesday, tweets Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and commissioner Roger Goodell will both attend the meeting in Judge Richard M. Berman’s courtroom.
  • The Colts snagged cornerback Tevin Mitchel off waivers from Washington this week, despite the fact that he’s expected to miss the season with a shoulder injury, writes Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star. As Holder explains, the Colts were targeting Mitchel in the draft this year before Washington grabbed him in the sixth round, and the club now has the opportunity to stash him on its IR for the season.
  • Teresa M. Walker of The Associated Press examines Hakeem Nicks‘ efforts to earn a roster spot in Tennessee after signing a one-year deal with the Titans this offseason.

More Minor NFL Transactions: 8/6/16

August 6th, 2015 at 7:22pm CST by Zachary Links

We rounded up some of the minor signings and moves in the NFL earlier today. Below, we’ll round up the very latest..

  • The Bills are signing former Eastern Michigan running back Bronson Hill, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Hill should provide Buffalo with more depth as they get set to install a run-heavy offense. To make room, the Bills cut defensive end Erik Williams, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets.
  • The Colts were awarded cornerback Tevin Mitchel off waivers from Washington and waived safety Robert Smith to make room for him, Wilson tweets.
  • The Steelers waived-injured Rob Blanchflower and claimed tight end Ray Hamilton off waivers from the Cowboys, Wilson tweets.
  • The Patriots announced today that they have signed offensive lineman Mark Asper and tight end Mason Brodine. To make room, offensive lineman Harland Gunn has been let go. Asper, 29, originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick by the Bills in 2012.
  • The Cardinals waived/injured guard John Fullington (knee) and released tight end Ted Bolser, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com tweets.
  • The 49ers have waived/injured offensive lineman Ben Gottschalk, Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group tweets.
  • The Saints waived defensive end Glenn Foster with a failed physical designation, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com tweets. To fill his spot, New Orleans inked undrafted rookie cornerback Travis Manning.

South Notes: Saints, David, Texans, Colts

August 6th, 2015 at 8:50am CST by Luke Adams

It’s been an eventful year for cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, who received a raise for 2015 and won a Super Bowl with the Patriots within the first few weeks of the year. However, since then, he’s been cut twice, by the Pats and Cardinals, negating that non-guaranteed raise that he earned back in January. Currently, Dennard is a free agent, and Josina Anderson of ESPN.com reports (via Twitter) that he’s working out for the Saints today.

Dennard missed 10 regular season contests in 2014, as he was plagued throughout the season by shoulder and hamstring issues. In New Orleans, he could help provide depth for a secondary that’s banged up early in training camp — cornerbacks Keenan Lewis and Delvin Breaux were among the players absent from the team’s walkthrough on Wednesday.

Here’s more from around the NFL’s two South divisions:

  • Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David will likely be keeping a close eye on the financial terms for DeAndre Levy‘s new extension with the Lions, since David figures to surpass Levy’s deal. According to Anderson (via Twitter), the Bucs and David were “still not close” to working out a new contract as of Wednesday morning.
  • Pierre Thomas and the Texans could revisit a deal, even though there’s no pact at this time, writes Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. Wilson, who says Houston offered Thomas a minimum-salary contract, indicates that the two sides will likely remain in touch, since the former Saint was “clearly” the Texans’ preferred choice of the backs that auditioned for the team.
  • Former Patriots and Rutgers linebacker Steve Beauharnais worked out for the Colts on Wednesday, a source tells Wilson (Twitter link). The 25-year-old saw a little regular season action with Washington in 2014.

Community Tailgate: T.Y. Hilton’s Value

August 5th, 2015 at 4:37pm CST by Zachary Links

We’re still a few weeks away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, we’ll be discussing T.Y. Hilton‘s value as he is in contract discussions with the Colts. Hilton, of course, is a very productive player, but he’s not the sort of prototypical No. 1 receiver that guys like Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas are. This offseason, Bryant and Thomas signed nearly identical deals with their respective clubs worth $70MM over five seasons. That comes out to an average annual value of $14MM, and Hilton is expected to look for at least that much on a new long-term pact.

While Hilton probably isn’t on the same level as Bryant and Thomas, there is something to be said for timing. With the salary cap growing each year, Hilton could have a case for a contract on the same level. There’s also something to be said for the Colts taking the “safe” route and locking Hilton up before he could potentially have the best season of his career in 2015, boosting his value even further.

What kind of a contract do you think the Colts should give to Hilton? Do you think he can match or come close to the deals given to Bryant and Thomas? Let us know in the comment section below!

AFC Notes: Foster, Hilton, Bills, Raiders

August 5th, 2015 at 2:00pm CST by Luke Adams

Texans running back Arian Foster is headed to Philadelphia to get a second opinion on his groin injury, according to Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com (Twitter link), and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that the second opinion will come on Friday from Dr. William Myers, an expert on sports hernias. Adam Schefter of ESPN.com goes one step further, tweeting that Foster won’t just be in Philadelphia for Myers’ assessment — he’ll also undergo surgery on Friday.

With Foster expected to miss the start of the regular season, the Texans wanted to sign Pierre Thomas, but the two sides couldn’t agree to terms today after the ex-Saint worked out for Houston. Now that they failed to lock up Thomas, the Texans may not sign a veteran, since they like their young backs and want to get them reps, tweets Rapoport.

Even if the Texans do continue to explore the free agent market, Ray Rice probably won’t be considered, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, who says owner Bob McNair likely wouldn’t approve such a move. Rice may not be an appealing on-field option anyway — one GM tells Ed Werder of ESPN.com (Twitter link) that his most recent game tape “isn’t get enough to get excited about.”

Let’s check in on a few more items from around the AFC….

  • Agent Drew Rosenhaus left Indianapolis today, despite the fact that he and the Colts have yet to work out an extension for wideout T.Y. Hilton. However, talks are ongoing, tweets Albert Breer of the NFL Network.
  • Appearing on WGR 550 in Buffalo today (Twitter link), GM Doug Whaley admitted that the Bills are in “quarterback purgatory,” since the team doesn’t have a clear long-term answer at the position, and doesn’t expect to pick near the top of the draft within the next couple years.
  • The Raiders have likely made contract with defensive tackle Tony McDaniel, who was released on the weekend by the Seahawks, writes Jerry McDonald of the Bay Area News Group. GM Reggie McKenzie said “there’s a chance” Oakland could bring in the veteran, who has a history with new Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr.
  • In the wake of reports suggesting they tipped off the Colts about the Patriots deflating footballs, the Ravens issued a strong denial of their involvement today, via a team release.
  • Bills running back Boobie Dixon, who isn’t considered a lock to make the team’s roster, is expected to miss several weeks with a calf injury, writes Mike Rodak of ESPN.com.

AFC Notes: Brady, Patriots, Hunter, Texans

August 4th, 2015 at 9:54pm CST by Zachary Links

Earlier today, a mammoth 457-page transcript of Tom Brady‘s testimony was released. As Jimmy Golen of The Associated Press writes, the Patriots quarterback denied under oath to Roger Goodell that he tampered with footballs before the AFC title game. Meanwhile, investigator Ted Wells apparently never warned the Brady he would be punished if he didn’t turn over his cellphone. Brady denied discussing air level with the ballboys or even thinking about how inflated the footballs were when he selected them. He also said he’s never asked anyone from the Patriots to tamper with footballs. While we wait to see how that all shakes out, here’s more out of the AFC..

  • The transcript also contains confirmation that the Ravens tipped off the Colts on the Patriots‘ alleged doctoring of footballs, Ben Volin of The Boston Globe tweets.
  • The NFLPA filed its counterclaim and amended answer in federal court in Manhattan today, as Tom Pelissero of USA Today tweets. As a part of the counterclaim, the union brought forth the Brady appeal transcript, which led it it becoming public.
  • Titans receiver Justin Hunter is facing a felonious assault charge following a bar fight last month, but his attorney is confident that the case will “end will” for Hunter, as John Glennon of The Tennessean writes. “I can tell you I’m confident that Justin didn’t do what he’s been charged with and that I have significant concerns about the credibility of the accuser,” attorney Toby Vick said. The NFL is also looking into the incident, and will likely wait for resolution in court before deciding on possible discipline for the wideout.
  • Former University of Texas wide receiver Mike Davis recently worked out for the Chiefs and has also worked out for the Panthers, a source tells Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (Twitter link).
  • Arian Foster‘s groin issue isn’t the only bad injury news the Texans received today. According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter), sixth-round rookie OLB Reshard Cliett went down with a knee injury in the club’s first practice, and is expected to be sidelined for the year.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

Latest On T.Y. Hilton Extension Talks

August 4th, 2015 at 2:55pm CST by Luke Adams

The Colts and T.Y. Hilton are working “diligently” on a contract extension, but there’s no definitive timeline for a deal in place, Rand Getlin of NFL Network reported on Monday (Twitter link). Agent Drew Rosenhaus, appearing today at Colts camp to discuss Hilton’s deal in person, offered a possible timeline of his own, suggesting that the two sides would like to get something done by Labor Day, tweets Mike Wells of ESPN.com.

“It’s one of those things where we’ve made some progress and we’re working hard at it,” Rosenhaus told reporters, including Mike Chappell of IndySportsCentral.com. “What the time frame is . . . all we can do is give it our best effort, which both sides are doing.”

Rosenhaus appeared optimistic about the Hilton negotiations, telling reporters that the wide receiver “wants to be here for his career” (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com). Colts owner Jim Irsay also seemed hopeful about locking up Hilton when he discussed the topic last week, indicating he didn’t see any reason why the two sides couldn’t work something out within the next several weeks.

For an agreement to be reached, the Colts and Rosenhaus will have to reach a compromise on Hilton’s value. The agent will undoubtedly be seeking the same sort of five-year, $70MM deal signed by Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas last month, making the case that his client is the Colts’ No. 1 receiver, having racked up over 160 receptions and 2,400 yards over the last two years.

On the other hand, the Colts could make the case that the 5’10” Hilton isn’t an elite No. 1 receiver or a red-zone threat like Bryant or Thomas, pointing to Randall Cobb as a more apt comparison — Cobb, who hauled in 91 balls and scored 12 touchdowns in 2014, signed a four-year, $40MM deal with the Packers earlier this year.

If the two sides do reach an agreement, I’d expect Hilton’s annual salary to fall somewhere in between the Cobb contract and the Bryant/Thomas deals, perhaps leaning more toward $14MM per year than $10MM per year. As Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap observes (via Twitter), the initial figures reported on any contract may be a little inflated as well, since Rosenhaus often negotiates incentives that would make a extension’s maximum value exceed its base value.

Colts, Anthony Castonzo Talking Extension

August 3rd, 2015 at 3:14pm CST by Zachary Links

Left tackle Anthony Castonzo confirmed that he’s discussing a new deal with the Colts, as Zak Keefer of the Indy Star writes. Recently, team owner Jim Irsay expressed optimism about getting a new deal done with the tackle, so it’s not a big surprise to hear that the two sides have started on contract talks.

“We have a little time with trying to work on a few extensions,” Irsay said. “There’s no reason Anthony Castonzo and T.Y. Hilton can’t get done. Look for us to keep core players and our top players. I don’t think it’ll be a distraction. I can’t see why we can’t get something done before Labor Day with T.Y. and Anthony.”

As a former first-round pick with a fifth-year option, Castonzo will earn a $7.438MM salary this season if he doesn’t agree to a new deal. Castonzo, who turns 27 on Sunday, took over the Colts’ left tackle job on a full-time basis shortly after being selected by the club in the first round of the 2011 draft. In 2013, he ranked 27th out of 76 qualified offensive tackles, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required). In 2014, he placed 12th out of 84 qualified tackles, likely increasing his value even further. For his part, Castonzo isn’t sweating a new deal.

“If you play well, you get taken care of, that’s sort of the way I see it,” Castonzo said Monday morning.

AFC South Notes: Colts, Hunter, Clemons

July 31st, 2015 at 5:40pm CST by Luke Adams

In his look at the Colts‘ top five priorities for training camp, Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star suggests the team needs to solidify its offensive line and attempt to work out some contract extensions within the next few weeks. Although the Colts have been mentioned as a potential suitor for Evan Mathis, they have no plans to sign him, preferring instead to work on developing their long-term pieces on the line, says Holder. He also notes that extension discussions between T.Y. Hilton and the Colts have re-opened, which could be a promising soon as the wide receiver enters a contract year.

Here’s more on the Colts and their division rivals:

  • Hilton, left tackle Anthony Castonzo, and a pair of tight ends top the list of the Colts‘ most important expiring contracts, writes Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star. Castonzo is another player that Indianapolis would like to lock up before the season, if possible.
  • Speaking to the media today, Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter said he has yet to hear from the NFL following his arrest on a felonious assault charge, writes Terry McCormick of 247Sports.com. “Right now, it’s in the hands of my attorneys and I’m just focused on football,” Hunter said of his legal situation.
  • Jaguars pass rusher Chris Clemons, who missed the team’s OTAs this spring, reported to training camp today, tweets John Oehser of Jaguars.com. Clemons was placed on the non-football injury list and won’t practice right away.

Irsay Optimistic About Hilton, Castonzo Deals

July 30th, 2015 at 12:04pm CST by Luke Adams

The Colts don’t intend to negotiate a new contract with quarterback Andrew Luck until 2016, and head coach Chuck Pagano also isn’t expected to have his contract extended before the season. However, team owner Jim Irsay believes there’s a good chance Indianapolis can lock up wide receiver T.Y. Hilton and left tackle Anthony Castonzo to new deals within the next few weeks, as he tells Mike Wells of ESPN.com.

“We have a little time with trying to work on a few extensions,” Irsay said. “There’s no reason Anthony Castonzo and T.Y. Hilton can’t get done. Look for us to keep core players and our top players. I don’t think it’ll be a distraction. I can’t see why we can’t get something done before Labor Day with T.Y. and Anthony.”

Both Hilton and Castonzo are entering the final year of their respective contracts — as a former first-round pick with a fifth-year option, Castonzo will earn a $7.438MM salary this season if he doesn’t agree to a new deal, while Hilton will get a more modest $1.542MM base salary.

There have been conflicting reports on Hilton’s contract situation recently, with Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com writing earlier this week that Luck’s eventual extension could make it tricky for Indianapolis to lock up Hilton to a big-money deal of his own. However, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report indicated that the Colts are currently engaged in extension negotiations with Hilton, adding that there’s a decent chance the two sides work something out within the next few weeks. Irsay’s comments seem to support that report.

As for Pagano, the Colts head coach reportedly turned down a one-year extension offer from the team earlier in the offseason, opting to coach the final year of his current deal instead. Despite the lack of an agreement, Irsay is confident that things will eventually work out with Pagano.

“With Chuck’s situation, we’ve had conversations and it’s all been friendly,” Irsay said. “He understands where I’m coming from. I understand where he’s coming from. My hope is we’re going to have a great season and Chuck will end up eventually signing an extension. Chuck is really motivated and he’s excited about this year.”

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