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Indianapolis Colts News & Rumors

Colts Re-Sign Jerrell Freeman

April 27th, 2015 at 8:49am CST by Luke Adams

Restricted free agent linebacker Jerrell Freeman has signed his one-year tender and will return to the Colts for the 2015 season, the team announced today in a press release. Because Indianapolis assigned him a second-round RFA tender, Freeman will be in line for a salary of $2.356MM.

Freeman, who turns 29 later this week, was one of a number of players around the league to skip his team’s voluntary workouts last week, apparently due to his contract situation. However, even if the linebacker would have liked to sign a more favorable, longer-term deal, his leverage was limited — Friday was the last day for RFAs to sign offer sheets with rival teams, so unless the Colts withdrew their tender, Freeman didn’t have any other viable options besides signing.

During the 2014 season, Freeman and D’Qwell Jackson saw the majority of the snaps for the Colts at the inside linebacker spots on the team’s 3-4 defense. After playing 781 defensive snaps in 2014, Freeman may have to fight to earn that many opportunities in 2015, since Indianapolis added free agent linebacker Nate Irving to the mix last month.

Irving and Freeman complement each other well, with Irving excelling as a run defender while Freeman’s is stronger in pass coverage. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the two players trade snaps depending on the situation, while Jackson continues to be a full-time contributor, or close to it.

South Notes: Bucs, Winston, Saints, Colts

April 26th, 2015 at 3:27pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston is expected to selected first overall by Tampa Bay on Thursday night, and the Buccaneers have certainly done their research on the 2013 Heisman winner. General manager Jason Licht tells Joey Johnston and Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune that his club spoke with more than 75 people in an attempt to properly vet Winston. Curiously, the Bucs did not speak with the woman who accused Winston of sexual assault in 2013, but they did talk to a member of the Tallahassee State Attorney’s Office, which declined to press charges against Winston.

Here’s more from the NFL’s South divisions…

  • Of the 18 prospects who are known to have visited the Saints, 12 are defensive players, which could be an indication of which direction New Orleans is leaning with its two first-round picks, writes Evan Woodbery of NOLA.com. Of course, as Woodbery adds, each club is allotted 30 predraft visits, so there up to 12 Saints player meetings that the public isn’t aware of.
  • Speaking of the Saints, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com doesn’t think the club will take a risk on players with off-the-field trouble, such as edge rusher Randy Gregory or receiver Dorial Green-Beckham.
  • The Colts will likely have to trade up if they want a chance at a player like Alabama safety Landon Collins, according to Mike Wells of ESPN.com. Indianapolis owns nine picks, so they could have the draft capital to make such a move.
  • Although a poor draft (and a similarly underwhelming 2015 season) would probably threaten the job of Titans GM Ruston Webster more than head coach Ken Whisenhunt, Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com thinks both could be in jeopardy if Tennessee struggles this year.

Jim Irsay Discusses Chuck Pagano’s Future

April 25th, 2015 at 4:20pm CST by Ben Levine

The Colts have had some incredible success since hiring Chuck Pagano prior to the 2012 season. The organization has won 11 games in three straight seasons, and they’ve advanced an extra round in the playoffs in each of his three years.

However, there was some skepticism surrounding the 54-year-old, particularly his inability to lead a talented roster to a Super Bowl appearance. News that the team wasn’t planning on extending Pagano only added fuel to the fire. However, owner Jim Irsay hushed any speculation on Friday evening, asserting that he wants Pagano, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season, to be the head coach going forward.

Stephen Holder of IndyStar.com compiled some quotes from Irsay, which we’ve collected for you below…

On previous negotiations between the organization and Pagano’s representatives:

“There were some efforts to talk about it. We just didn’t get there. Sometimes that happens. If you go back to the old days, there were no agents involved, either. Now general managers and coaches sometimes have agents. In fact, oftentimes … We’re real positive about Chuck Pagano and the things that he’s done. It’s not a sign of anything extremely negative. We just haven’t gotten anything done in terms of a long-term contract.”

On the two sides’ inability to agree on a contract extension:

“These things are ongoing a lot of times behind the scenes. We’re working on contracts, whether it’s management, coaches, players. We had discussions and it doesn’t mean that they won’t continue. It’s not a Super Bowl-or-bust season or anything like that.”

On Pagano’s accomplishments and contributions to the organization:

“We were proud of our (2014) season and I really feel positive about Chuck and what he’s done for us. There’s no question that he’s accomplished a lot since he’s been here. And we’re here tonight for this gala because he had that illness (leukemia) in 2012. Really, it’s only been two years, kind of, that he’s been coaching. So, he’s done a very good job and nothing rules out that we couldn’t have an extension done before the season. And if not, we can still, I’m sure, work things out.”

AFC South Notes: Colts, Greene, Titans, Jags

April 25th, 2015 at 1:52pm CST by Ben Levine

The Colts have thought outside the box as they’ve attempted to round out the bottom of their roster. As Stephen Holder of the Indy Star points out, the team currently has four former CFL players, two college basketball players and a Kenyan rugby player under contract.

The mix of different backgrounds isn’t unusual to general manager Ryan Grigson, who is willing to look anywhere to make his team better:

“If you have elite athletic traits, you can do this. This isn’t one of those specialized sports, like golf. If you have a level of toughness and you can move and you have instincts, if you have those at an elite level, you’re going to get a chance.”

Let’s take a look at more notes out of the AFC South, including additional whispers from Indianapolis…

AFC South Notes: Titans, Gurley, Mariota

April 23rd, 2015 at 8:53pm CST by Zachary Links

Earlier today, we learned that the Titans are going to pick up Kendall Wright‘s fifth-year option. Wright, 25, grabbed a career-low 57 balls last season, though a career-high six of those receptions went for touchdowns and his struggles can be partially blamed on the team’s unstable quarterback situation. More from the AFC South..

  • Georgia running back Todd Gurley was one of the 30 pre-draft visit for the Titans, Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean tweets. Recently, sources from five different teams told Albert Breer of NFL.com that Gurley has a great shot to be ready by Week 1 of the NFL season. The Rams are said to be among the teams that are fond of him and it has been speculated that they could trade back from No. 10 with an eye on grabbing him.
  • Wyatt wouldn’t be surprised if the Titans have a change in mindset regarding Marcus Mariota and select him at No. 2 if he’s available. While sticking with Zach Mettenberger and building around him is an option, the Titans may have no choice but to take Mariota if they view him as a franchise quarterback. Wyatt also feels that the Titans should keep their ears open on a Philip Rivers trade in the event that the Chargers would also be willing to part with the No. 17 selection.
  • Colts GM Ryan Grigson is building to win both now and later, Mike Chappell of FOX 59 writes. This offseason, the Colts invested heavily in four players that are undoubtedly past their primes: Andre Johnson, Frank Gore, Trent Cole, and Todd Herremans. Meanwhile, most of the team’s core – including stars Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton – are youngsters still building towards their primes. The Colts will look to infuse even more young talent in the upcoming draft.

Extra Points: Rivers, Brown, Johnson

April 22nd, 2015 at 9:33pm CST by Zachary Links

A federal judge has approved a plan to resolve thousands of NFL concussion lawsuits that could cost the league $1 billion over 65 years, Maryclaire Dale of The Associated Press writes. The awards could reach $1MM to $5MM for those diagnosed in their 30s and 40s with Parkinson’s disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease, or for deaths involving chronic brain trauma. NFL actuaries estimate 6,000 of nearly 20,000 retired players to someday suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or moderate dementia. The settlement between the two sides ends a four-year legal battle. Here’s more from around the league..

  • A possible trade of Philip Rivers to the Titans is complicated by the fact that Tennessee would have to work out a contract extension in the days prior to the deal, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network tweets. A deal couldn’t begin and end while the Titans are on the clock at No. 2 since Tennessee would need permission from the Chargers to work on Rivers’ contract (link).
  • Antonio Brown took to Twitter to explain his absence from the Steelers‘ voluntary offseason program. “Just enjoying my new born Ali can not wait to get back with my teammates! I am dad first and working to be best player I can be,” Brown tweeted. It’s very possible that Brown is holding out for a new contract too, but that’s apparently not the sole reason.
  • Andre Johnson insists that he didn’t sign with the Colts just to get revenge on his former team, as Stephen Holder of the Indy Star tweets. “I didn’t come here because we play against the Texans twice a year..I have bigger goals than just playing against the Texans,” the wide receiver said. Johnson signed with the Colts on a three-year, $21MM deal.
  • Former Oregon tight end Colt Lyerla working out this spring and is a player worth watching, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report tweets.
  • Washington defensive tackle Danny Shelton feels that he could form an “unstoppable” duo with Haloti Ngata if the Lions draft him, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press tweets.

Draft Visits: Strong, Steelers, Lions, Langford

April 22nd, 2015 at 11:00am CST by Luke Adams

With draft night just eight days away, several teams who are doing research and due diligence on Marcus Mariota are also intrigued by Bryce Petty, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. While Petty may not be a first-round pick, he could very well be the third signal-caller off the board after Jameis Winston and Mariota, says La Canfora.

The fact that the draft is now right around the corner also means that today is the final day for teams to host pre-draft visits for prospects. While clubs can still conduct private workouts over the next several days, visits have to be completed by tonight. Here are a few updates on the final visits happening around the NFL:

  • Jaelen Strong, WR (Arizona State): Visiting the Texans today, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). The team will get a chance to look at his injured wrist.
  • Landon Collins, S (Alabama); Preston Smith, DE (Mississippi State); Dexter McDonald, CB (Kansas); Davis Tull, OLB (UT-Chattanooga): All visiting the Steelers today, per Scott Brown of ESPN.com (Twitter links).
  • Danny Shelton, DT (Washington): Visiting the Lions today, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
  • La’el Collins, T (LSU); Jamon Brown, T (Louisville): Also visiting the Lions today, tweets Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com.
  • Jeremy Langford, RB (Michigan State): Has had visits with the Colts and Buccaneers in addition to previously-reported visit with Broncos, tweets Josh Katzenstein of the Detroit News.
  • Paul Dawson, LB (TCU): Recently visited the Falcons, after previously having worked out for the club, per Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
  • John Miller, G (Louisville): Visiting the Saints today, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter).
  • Alani Fua, OLB (BYU): Visiting the Eagles today, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.

Extra Points: Brown, Jets, Winston

April 21st, 2015 at 9:55pm CST by Zachary Links

Steelers star Antonio Brown is seeking a new deal, but Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette doesn’t see it happening. Brown is in the middle of a six-year, $43MM pact that he signed in 2012 and the scribe can’t remember another Pittsburgh player pushing for a new deal with three years still to go. The Steelers might want to compensate Brown better (he’s not among the top 10 highest-paid wide receivers), but doing so would set a very bad precedent going forward. Here’s more from around the NFL…

  • It turns out FSU quarterback Jameis Winston won’t visit the Jets after all, Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com tweets. That doesn’t mean Gang Green has removed him from the draft board, but it does mean that they probably have enough info on the signal caller. Of course, the Jets pick at No. 6 and Winston is widely expected to go No. 1.
  • No surprise here, but ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky hears from a source that Winston is ‘in play’ for the Titans if he’s available at No. 2. The Titans have done their homework on Winston and feel that he “checks out,” according to the source.
  • Starting inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman has abstained from the Colts‘ voluntary workouts so far, Stephen Holder of the Indy Star writes. Freeman, a restricted free agent, was issued a tender but has yet to sign it. Ostensibly, the 28-year-old is holding out for a more favorable deal. Freeman led the Colts in tackles in 2012 and 2013.
  • The Bengals hosted TCU linebacker Paul Dawson on a visit spanning Monday and Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. The Bengals are keeping a watchful eye on Dawson and other intriguing linebackers in this year’s class as Vontaze Burfict recovers from microfracture surgery.
  • The Dolphins brought in Texas A&M guard Jarvis Harrison on Tuesday, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes. The Dolphins are looking for help on the interior of their offensive line and the potential mid-round pick has caught their eye.

Draft Notes: Edwards, Beasley, Agholor

April 21st, 2015 at 8:47pm CST by Zachary Links

Florida State defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. visited the Jets today, as Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post writes. Edwards, who is regarded as a rising draft prospect, also has visits scheduled with the Cowboys, Lions, Panthers, Seahawks, 49ers, Bears, Patriots, and Texans, among other NFL teams. Edwards had 44 tackles and three sacks last season for the Seminoles. Here’s a look at the latest draft news..

  • Clemson outside linebacker Vic Beasley is visiting Washington today, Aaron Wilson of the National Post writes. Beasley ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds at the NFL scouting combine, where he also had a 41-inch vertical leap and bench pressed 225 pounds 35 times. The collegiate star is regarded as one of the top pass rushers in this year’s class.
  • USC wide receiver Nelson Agholor will be visiting the Dolphins on Wednesday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Agholor has been gaining more and more steam as a first round possibility lately.
  • Maryland defensive tackle Darius Kilgo worked out for the Ravens during their local prospect day, Wilson writes. Kilgo, who has also visited the Bills, Packers, Dolphins, and Washington, is projected as a late-round pick.
  • James Madison wide receiver is Daniel Brown is drawing interest from the Dolphins, Colts, Falcons, and Washington, Wilson writes.

Extra Points: Daniels, Allen, Bucs, Eagles

April 20th, 2015 at 10:45pm CST by Luke Adams

Packers defensive end Mike Daniels is entering a contract year but he’s not thinking too hard about his financial future, as Tyler Dunne of the Journal Sentinel writes.

“All of that is just a distraction,” Daniels said. “That’s just a distraction. I’m here to play football. I’m here to get better. I’m here to watch film, relearn the defense, get bigger, faster, stronger. All that stuff, that’s nothing but a huge distraction. The instant people start putting a focus on something like that, that’s when their play starts to suffer. And I don’t have time for my play to suffer.”

Daniels played in 63.8% of the defensive snaps last season and has 76 tackles and 14 sacks across three seasons. Here’s more from around the NFL..

  • After checking in for the Colts‘ first day of offseason conditions, tight end Dwayne Allen is heading back to Arizona to work out on his own there, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter links). Rapoport notes that Allen, who is entering a contract year, doesn’t expect to discuss a new deal with the club until after the season.
  • Buccaneers GM Lovie Smith says that he and GM Jason Licht are in “total agreement” as to who the team should draft, Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com tweets.
  • Linebacker Mychal Kendricks and running back Chris Polk were not present for the start of the Eagles‘ spring workouts, sources tell Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer (on Twitter). Polk has yet to sign his low-level restricted free agent tender offer and therefore cannot partake in activities yet. Kendricks, meanwhile, is entering the final year of his rookie deal.
  • Dion Jordan was not present for the Dolphins‘ voluntary workouts today and it’s not immediately clear why, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald tweets. The defensive end is under contract through 2016 with cap numbers of $5.6MM and $6.5MM in each of the next two seasons.
  • The Dolphins discussed trading for Matt Barkley before ultimately signing Josh Freeman, according to Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4 (on Twitter). That deliberation is what kept the Eagles from signing Tim Tebow even sooner.
  • Paul Posluszny‘s 2015 cap number with the Jaguars should go from $9.5M to $6.8MM with his renegotiated three-year deal, according to Joel Corry of CBSSports.com (on Twitter).
  • Toledo safety Jordan Haden, the younger brother of Pro Bowler Joe Haden, has decided not to pursue an NFL career, his father tells Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. The younger Haden drew interest from nine NFL teams, but has elected to work for the family business after sustaining a number of injuries during his college career.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

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