Indianapolis Colts: Free Agents to Consider Following Cherilus’ Release
By Dave McKee
Indianapolis Colts release Right tackle Gosder Cherilus who started 100 of 104 games in his 9-year career.
The Indianapolis Colts pulled a surprise move – just days before the start of training camp – by releasing right tackle Gosder Cherilus. He was only two years into a 5-year $34 million contract. He will be replaced by Jack Mewhort who is sliding over from left guard to right tackle this season. Mewhort has taken the majority of first-team snaps during the OTA’s and minicamp.
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Cherilus had an outstanding 2013 after he signed as a free agent. Unfortunately his 2014 performance went into a tail spin as he was plagued by injuries throughout the season. Shoulder and groin injuries forced him onto the injured reserve late in 2014. Cherilus was also recovering from an offseason arthroscopic knee surgery which is the same knee he had previous procedures on including micro fracture surgery. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required) only 12 OTs had a worse grade in pass protection in 2014.
Second year The Colts took a wait-and-see approach to Cherilus’ recovery and despite reports from his agent declaring his client is 100% healthy. The timing of the release is indicative of a potential cap maneuvering by general manager Ryan Grigson. Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis star confirmed Cherilus’ agent’s report that the Colts had attempted to restructure Cherilus’ deal prior to his release.
More on Cherilus. His agent: "He is very healthy and in great shape." Called restructure offer "not reasonable." http://t.co/hKTF2HalZT
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) July 26, 2015
Cherilus was scheduled to make $6.9 million this year cutting Cherilus cost the Colts $8.7 million in dead cap space. The caveat is that because the release came after June 1st they can spread that cap hit over this season and next. In total, the Indianapolis Colts save $8.1 million over the next two seasons.
For those asking, #colts cutting Gosder Cherilus saves them $4M base this year, but he counts $2.9M in dead money, and $5.8M in '16.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) July 26, 2015
That savings will play a factor next season with all the re-signings on the table for the 2012 draft class. With a need for depth and continuity on the offensive line what should the Colts do now? Where should they turn for another offensive lineman?