Should the Colts sign Richie Incognito?

41 and 32…………………..

No that’s not a record. That’s the number of times Colts QB Andrew Luck was sacked in the 2012 and 2013 NFL season.

Then look at Peyton Manning. I hate always using Peyton as an example, but let’s face it, Luck will forever be linked to Manning.

Peyton was only sacked 21 and 18 times respectively in 2012 and 2013. The Colts almost doubled the total of sacks allowed by the Broncos offensive line. You would think protecting your franchise quarterback would be top priority, but the Colts front office has felt differently in recent years.

From Luck’s draft in 2012 through this year’s 2014 NFL Draft, the Colts have selected a total of of five offensive linemen. Two of those five picks were guards selected in the 7th round, the other three selections will be counted on heavily by the Colts this year.

None of the three were 1st round picks. Guard Hugh Thornton (3rd round Illinois), starting center Khaled Holmes (4th round USC), and rookie guard Jack Mewhort (2nd round Ohio State).

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The Colts haven’t been too successful turning to free agency either. Other than the signing of tackle Gosder Cherilus before the 2013 season, the Colts have laid a couple eggs trying to scramble to put together an offensive line to protect Luck.

Mike McGlynn and Samson Satele are no longer with the team (actually a good thing). Donald Thomas hasn’t been able to stay healthy, and will once again be out for the season. Phil Costa retired before the ink could dry on his contract. Khaled Holmes went down the first drive of the preseason to an ankle injury as well. Though Holmes is expected to return, it’s safe to say the Colts offensive line is still a question mark.

Enter Richie Incognito.

It’s quite possible Incognito is more known for his on/off-field issues than he is for his actual football skills. Incognito was a part of one of the stranger football stories last year involving teammate Jonathan Martin and bullying accusations.

Incognito was recently cleared by the NFL to return after suspension, and could be a player the Colts consider signing. He has already received interest for the likes of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who instead traded for Patriots Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins.

Incognito has started 15 games or more five times since making his NFL debut in 2006 with the Rams. If not for the Martin situation, and a headbutting incident in 2009, it’s quite possible Incognito could have 6 or 7 seasons with 15 starts or more.

His durability alone should be cause enough for the Colts to give Incognito a chance. If there’s one organization and group of leaders that could handle a player like Incognito, it’s Jim Irsay, Chuck Pagano, Reggie Wayne, Robert Mathis, and Andrew Luck (that list could have continued).

Coming off the suspension, Incognito would get one last chance to stick in the NFL. If being on a playoff team, another chance in the NFL and protecting one of the top up & coming quarterbacks in league doesn’t do the trick, I’m not sure what does?

The interest should be mutual for the Colts as well. Cherilus and Anthony Castonozo hold their own at the tackle spots, but where the Colts struggle is up the middle with the guard and center positions. Both positions that Incognito has played in the NFL.

Bringing in Richie Incognito would definitely be risky, but would you rather risk Incognito not working out, releasing him and cutting our losses? Or risk the Colts future, and franchise quarterback?

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