Indianapolis Colts: Free Agents to Consider Following Cherilus’ Release
By Dave McKee
Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson against the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Should the Colts just pocket the savings for re-signing players currently on the roster?
Perhaps the smartest move for the Indianapolis Colts is to stick with what they now have on the roster. Currently the Colts have 10 offensive linemen on the roster. Grigson could decide to pass on the 29+ age group and just pocket the cash.
It is possible for that $4 million savings could be used to re-sign one of the 2012 draft class members who are on the last year of their rookie deals. That list includes T.Y Hilton, Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener.
Oct 19, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen (83) after scoring a touchdown is congratulated by wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole recently reported that Hilton’s asking price is upwards of $14 million per year. The good news is that they are negotiating a long-term extension for Hilton to stay with the Indianapolis Colts. The asking price is in the price range of the mega deals Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas signed earlier in July.
With agent Drew Rosenhaus as Hilton’s representative it will be an uphill battle to convince Hilton to sign for less on a “hometown discount.” Rosenhaus has stated that a new deal is unlikely to be done before training camp begins.
Left tackle Anthony Castonzo and inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman are also on deck for new deals in 2016. Perhaps adding a little buffer to the salary cap is a necessity to negotiate those new deals upcoming in 2016. If I were Grigson, I’d add that $4 million to retaining the services of T.Y. Hilton.
Next: The NFL's Last Two Unsigned Draft picks
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