Colts Trade Rumors

Familiar Gonzalez report: He's still 'close' to returning
"As Anthony Gonzalez has discovered, being "close" to returning from a knee injury isn't close enough. The Indianapolis Colts receiver insisted Thursday afternoon that he's on track and close to rejoining the offense after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee earlier this month. The procedure was deemed necessary after Gonzalez aggravated an injury to the same knee during the rehabilitation process. He first injured the knee in the season opener. "I felt like I was close the last time," Gonzalez said. "So in that sense, it's a little hard to say. I do feel the 'scope I had helped a lot. Now it's just a matter of getting a little flexibility back and all my strength back. "But I ..."
Colts' secondary absorbs more hits
"Two years ago, it appeared the Indianapolis Colts had the makings of one of the NFL's outstanding secondaries. Two weeks ago, it appeared it was all about to come together. Not this year. Safety Bob Sanders has been placed on injured reserve and will require season-ending surgery to repair a torn biceps, and starting cornerback Kelvin Hayden is expected to miss up to four weeks with a knee injury, the club announced Friday. With the season-ending knee injury cornerback Marlin Jackson suffered in practice Wednesday, free safety Antoine Bethea will be the only member of the projected starting secondary on the field Sunday when the Houston Texans meet the Colts in a key AFC South game at ..."
Colts' injury woes mount: Marlin Jackson, Anthony Gonzalez, Bob Sanders
"The Indianapolis Colts have placed cornerback Marlin Jackson on injured reserve and filled his roster spot by signing free agent defensive end Josh Thomas. The club also announced that on Thursday wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez underwent arthroscopic right knee surgery to "clean out loose particles" and safety Bob Sanders visited Dr. James Andrews to get an opinion on the left elbow injury Sanders suffered on Sunday against San Francisco. Jackson tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a non-contact drill on Wednesday and will require season-ending knee surgery. Jackson also suffered a season-ending knee injury during practice last year. Gonzalez aggravated his injury ..."
Stover dressed for success, at last
"It didn't take long for Matt Stover to convince the Indianapolis Colts he was a suitable temporary replacement for Adam Vinatieri, their ailing place-kicker. Actually dressing for the part was a bit more problematic. In a business teeming with large bodies, Stover is an exception. He's 5-11 and 178 pounds, and fitting him with uniform pants required some scrambling. "My butt's so small,'' Stover said with a smile. "They had (waist size) 34s, but I needed 32s, a pair of 32 regulars.'' With none available, the Colts had to order a pair. The team also provided Stover a special helmet. He jokingly described it as a "Toys R Us'' model. "A lot lighter,'' said Stover, who made further adjustments ..."
Bob Sanders goes through a full practice, seems ready to play Sunday at St. Louis
"Will he or won't he? For the first time this season, strong safety Bob Sanders participated in all drills Wednesday as the Indianapolis Colts practiced for their Sunday game at St. Louis. The 2007 NFL Defensive Player of the Year offered no guarantees, but he was bullish. "Definitely," he said. "I feel better than I've felt for a long time. I definitely feel excited about it and hopefully I'll be able to get in there and get some plays." Sanders has been rehabilitating since offseason surgery on his right knee. He has not played this season and began practicing on a limited basis two weeks ago. Pro Bowl end Dwight Freeney sounded like he fully expects his teammate to be on the field at the ..."
During bye week, a handful of injured Colts near their return to action
"As the unbeaten Indianapolis Colts turn their attention toward returning from a bye weekend and preparing for next Sunday's game at St. Louis, they expect to have several key players back from injury. Cornerback Kelvin Hayden and left tackle Charlie Johnson assure they should be ready. It's also possible two-time Pro Bowl safety Bob Sanders finally could see his first action of the season. The oft-injured Sanders, sidelined for 40 of 85 games in his five-year career, is recovering from offseason surgery on his right knee and has practiced on a limited basis for two weeks. "He is hungry, there's no question about that," coach Jim Caldwell said before the team was given four days off. "I ..."
Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini has no interest in trading Josh Cribbs
"Browns coach Eric Mangini said Friday he has "no interest in moving Josh Cribbs." In response, Cribbs' agent J.R. Rickert said, "It is unfair for the Browns to hold Joshua back. They should either give him an extension or allow another team to acquire him. Their current position of doing nothing is no longer fair or appropriate.'' Rickert made it clear that he and Cribbs want the extension -- or a chance to go somewhere else. A source told the Plain Dealer on Thursday that Cribbs would welcome a trade if they won't re-do the deal, which runs through 2012. At least five teams have expressed interest in trading for Cribbs, including Miami, Oakland, Jacksonville and San Francisco, according ..."
Browns' Josh Cribbs reportedly would like trade if new deal can't be reached
"Browns receiver Josh Cribbs wants to remain a Brown for the rest of his career, but if the team is unwilling to extend his contract, he'd welcome trade, a source close to the situation said. Cribbs, who signed a six-year extension in 2007 worth $6.77 million, is under contract through 2012. He has made it clear since the off-season that he wants a new deal in the form of a contract extension. In fact, he considered holding out at the beginning of the season. The Browns are believed to be unwilling to trade Cribbs before Tuesday's deadline, a source said. They prefer to hang onto him and perhaps work out a deal in the future. Cribbs is the prototypical player for coach Eric Mangini, one who ..."
Colts waive starting DT Ed Johnson again
"The Indianapolis Colts waived starting defensive tackle Ed Johnson for unknown reasons Tuesday in a roster move that will deprive an improving defense of arguably its best run-stuffing lineman. The team declined comment, but Johnson's name appeared on the league waiver wire. A team spokesman said any comment on roster moves would be made today. It's the latest in a series of setbacks for the talented-but-troubled Johnson. The third-year pro had been given a second chance this season after a 2008 release, prompted by an arrest for marijuana possession and speeding. The team cut him after one regular-season game last year. After no other NFL team gave him a look, the Colts re-signed him in ..."
Colts try out kicker; Vinatieri hurting?
"The Indianapolis Colts are taking a look at veteran place-kicker Matt Stover, presumably due to concerns about a reported knee injury to Adam Vinatieri. The team has yet to comment on Vinatieri being hurt -- the first mention came from national media reports Monday night -- but Stover has been contacted for a workout, his agent, Jim Steiner, confirmed Tuesday. Stover, 41, broke into the NFL in 1990 but has yet to play this season. He spent the previous 13 years in Baltimore, where he was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2000. The league's fifth all-time leading scorer, with 1,944 points, set an NFL record with his 372nd consecutive extra point last year. He spent five seasons in Cleveland ..."
Still no decision on Sanders for Sunday
"Safety Bob Sanders practiced for the third time this week on Friday, and the Indianapolis Colts' injury report listed him as doubtful for the Colts' game at Tennessee on Sunday. Doubtful, according to NFL guidelines, means there is a 75 percent chance a player will not play, but Sanders didn't rule himself out. "Not sure yet. We haven't made a decision on that," Sanders said after practice. "If you hear anything, you'll hear it from coach Caldwell." Colts coach Jim Caldwell was noncommittal when he spoke with the media earlier in the day. "Not real sure at this point," Caldwell said. Sanders had surgery on his right knee during the offseason. The 2007 NFL Defensive Player of the Year has ..."
Colts' Sanders could play Sunday
"Safety Bob Sanders practiced for the third time this week on Friday, when the Indianapolis Colts injury report listed him as doubtful for the Colts' game at Tennessee on Sunday. Doubtful, according to NFL guidelines, means there is a 75 percent chance a player will not play, but Sanders didn't rule himself out. "Not sure yet. We haven't made a decision on that," Sanders said after practice. "If you hear anything, you'll hear it from coach Caldwell.""
Hayden, Jackson doubtful for Sunday
"Kelvin Hayden doesn't expect to play when the Indianapolis Colts square off against AFC South rival Tennessee in Nashville on Sunday night, and Marlin Jackson might be a spectator as well. The veteran cornerbacks are dealing with injuries: Hayden wants to make certain a hamstring issue is fully resolved and Jackson aggravated an injury to his right knee in Sunday's win over Seattle. What to do? "Next guy up," rookie cornerback Jerraud Powers said Thursday. "That's sort of been the motto since training camp started. If Kelvin's down or if Marlin's down, we're not worried about it. We've all got faith in each other as a secondary." Powers and Tim Jennings should remain the starters Sunday, ..."
Colts to wait and see on Freeney's injury
"The Indianapolis Colts are in a holding pattern regarding the health and availability of Dwight Freeney. The team's four-time Pro Bowl defensive end and career sack leader underwent a magnetic resonance imaging test Monday to determine the severity of an injury to his right quadriceps he sustained in Sunday night's win at Arizona. Team president Bill Polian was unable to offer a prognosis on Freeney on his Monday night radio show. He had yet to meet with the team's medical staff. "We'll get the results of the tests, but my sense is we'll probably have to play it be ear as the week goes on,'' Polian said. "But I have not received any bad news at this point.'' Conversely, Polian noted ..."
Colts unsure if Freeney will play Sunday
"The Colts said today that they don't know if Dwight Freeney will be able to play in Sunday's home game against Seattle. The Pro Bowl defensive end was scheduled to have an MRI today. After Sunday night's 31-10 victory at Arizona, Freeney said he "felt something pop" in his right quadriceps. "Dwight has spoken to a couple of you and expressed he had an injury in a certain area," Colts coach Jim Caldwell said today. "We've reserved comment until the MRI." Freeney had two sacks against the Cardinals. Since the Colts didn't return until 4 a.m. today after the Sunday night game, the players were not required to come to the Colts complex until later in the day and the normal Monday media ..."
Irsay: Don't worry about Manning's contract extension
"Peyton Manning's seven-year contract runs through next year, but Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said this week he expects to have a new contract in place for his franchise quarterback before the 2010 season begins. "With Peyton, it's about the last thing you worry about," Irsay said. "You know that he's going to be with the top guys at the position. It comes down to just getting things worked out and moving things forward. I expect it to quietly get done, but there are no conversations going on with the season going on." Irsay knows that as long as Manning plays at or near the level of his first 11 years, the Colts will be a winner. But the owner has ulterior motives for keeping ..."
Source: Colts to sign Baskett
"The Indianapolis Colts will sign former Philadelphia Eagles receiver Hank Baskett on Thursday, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The Colts have been in the market for a receiver since losing Anthony Gonzalez to a knee injury. After releasing Marvin Harrison in a cost-cutting move in February, the Colts expected two former first-round picks, receivers Reggie Wayne and Gonzalez to step up. But Gonzalez sprained ligaments in his right knee Sunday and is expected to miss several weeks. The Indianapolis Star, citing a source, reported Thursday that Gonzalez won't require surgery and hopes to return after the Colts' Oct. 18 bye -- meaning he will miss four games."
Colts to sign former Eagles WR Baskett
"Wide receiver Hank Baskett, who was released by Philadelphia Tuesday, has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts, according to his agent. He is expected to sign his contract this morning and practice with Indianapolis today. Baskett was waived by the Eagles to make room for the activation of quarterback Michael Vick off the exempt list. Indianapolis, meanwhile, needs help at wide receiver after starter Anthony Gonzalez suffered a strained posterior cruciate ligament in his knee in a season-opening victory over Jacksonville."
With Gonzalez out for now, Colts caught in quandary
"The names haven't changed but the magnitude of the question has regarding who will help Reggie Wayne carry the load at wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts. It won't be Anthony Gonzalez, at least for the immediate future. The veteran receiver sprained ligaments in his right knee in Sunday's season-opening 14-12 win over Jacksonville. Team president Bill Polian said on his Monday evening radio show on the injury isn't "year-ending. The fact that it's not season-ending is a good thing." Although Polian was unable to offer a timetable for Gonzalez's return, he could be out as long as six weeks. If that's the case, who will help ease the pressure that undoubtedly awaits Wayne, especially ..."
Caldwell: No word yet on Gonzalez
"Coach Jim Caldwell wasn't prepared at mid-day today to give an update on the status of Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez, who suffered a right knee injury Sunday during the Colts' 14-12 victory over Jacksonville at Lucas Oil Stadium. "Today is a day when the guys come back in we have an opportunity for them to be reviewed by trainers and doctors and MRIs and things of that nature," Caldwell said. "That's the process we're going through right now and until we have an opportunity to sit down and talk about it in detail and get all of the facts before we make an announcement." Gonzalez fell to the turf while coming off the line of scrimmage on a first-quarter running play. ..."
Sanders noncommittal on return to Colts
"Bob Sanders is making progress on his comeback from offseason knee surgery, but the Indianapolis Colts veteran safety was noncommittal today on when he'll return to the lineup. Sanders missed all of preseason after undergoing surgery on his right knee. "I feel good,'' he said in his first meeting with the local media since he reported to training camp on Aug. 2. "It's been a long time since I've talked to you guys, but I'm feeling good. "I'm encouraged about the rehab and everything. We'll see what happens in the next few weeks.'' Sanders hasn't been officially ruled out of Sunday's opener against Jacksonville at Lucas Oil Stadium, although that would run counter to how the Colts have ..."
Colts activate Sanders, make final cuts
"The Indianapolis Colts moved safety Bob Sanders to the active roster as part of trimming their roster to 53 today. Sanders had been on the physically unable to perform list since the start of training camp after undergoing surgery on his right knee. The NFL's 2007 Defensive Player of the Year is eligible for next Sunday's regular-season opener against Jacksonville, but it's highly doubtful he's far enough along in his rehabilitation to play. The team waived cornerback Dante Hughes, running backs Mike Hart, Lance Ball and Walter Mendenhall, wide receivers Sam Giguere, Taj Smith, John Matthews and Brett McDermott, defensive linemen John Gill, Adrian Grady, Marcus Howard, Terrance Taylor and ..."
Union chief worried about 2011 lockout
"Super Bowl XLVI will be played Feb. 5, 2012, in Lucas Oil Stadium. Maybe. The fate of Indianapolis hosting the NFL's biggest event following the 2011 season hinges upon whether the league and players association reach agreement on a new labor contract. Owners opted out of the current collective bargaining agreement in 2008. It was to have run through the 2012 season. Minus a new CBA, a lockout looms for 2011, which would threaten Super Bowl XLVI. DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFL Players Association, visited Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology on Monday. It was his latest tour stop while trying to keep his union membership informed on the latest developments on the labor ..."
Caldwell: Sanders in question for opener
"The availability of safety Bob Sanders for the Indianapolis Colts' regular-season opener remains in doubt. Sanders is on the physically unable to perform list after undergoing surgery on his right knee during the offseason. He missed 10 games in 2008 after having surgery on the same knee. "I'm not certain,'' coach Jim Caldwell replied this morning when asked if he was confident Sanders would be ready for the Sept. 13 opener against Jacksonville. "I would say that if I felt that way. I'm really not certain. "The most important thing is to get him healthy.'' The team recently discussed Sanders' situation with its own doctors and James Andrews, the noted orthopedic surgeon who performed ..."
Moore, Mudd return to Colts as consultants
"Retirement was short for Tom Moore and Howard Mudd, which should mean continued stability for the Indianapolis Colts offense and bad news for defenses across the NFL. "They're back,'' said Larry Kennan, executive director of the NFL Coaches Association, of the two former Colts assistant coaches. In a development long anticipated, Kennan confirmed Thursday that Moore and Mudd, who retired in May because of concerns with the league's pension program, have returned to the Colts as consultants. There was no announcement from the team. Neither Moore nor Mudd could be reached for comment. Kennan, a close friend of Mudd, couldn't address the specific roles each will assume. Since 1998, Moore, 70, ..."
Is anyone interested in Derrick Brooks?
"The days pass. The phone does not ring. We are two weeks from the start of the opening of training camps, and Derrick Brooks, a linebacker all his life, does not have a job. How can this be? Has the NFL reached the point where it has 250 or so better linebackers than Brooks? Was the tape on Brooks from last year really that bad? Is Brooks' agent holding out for a really, really big offer from the newly formed United Football League? Or, perhaps, has time caught up to the fastest linebacker of his generation? That, of course, is the last thing you want to consider. Around Tampa Bay, the easiest thing to believe in always has been Brooks. By now, most of us agree that Brooks is the finest ..."
Colts first-round draft pick Donald Brown: It's all about hard work
"Donald Brown realized his dream last month when the Indianapolis Colts made him the 27th pick in the NFL draft. He had reason to celebrate, and did. "He fell off the wagon," said his mother, Lisa Brown. He went to the Windmill, a restaurant on the Jersey shore. He indulged in banned substances. "Their foot-long hot dogs and cheese fries are great," Brown said. "I treat myself occasionally, but I very rarely let myself veer off my diet." The journey that brought Brown from tiny Atlantic Highlands, N.J., (population 4,631) to the NFL is one of hard work and strict discipline. You might say it brought him out of nowhere. As a freshman at Red Bank Catholic High School, Brown not only didn't ..."
Is IR system in line for a change?
"When the NFL adopted its system for placing players on season-ending injured reserve, the main issue was stashing. Teams had long been allowed to place players on injured reserve and bring them back later in the season. But some felt that clubs were circumventing the rule by placing players who weren't truly injured on IR, opening a roster spot for someone else. Thus, a competitive advantage was scored. Colts president Bill Polian remembers high-profile coaches and personnel executives, such as Don Shula and Jim Finks, pushing for a change to combat stashing, and it finally came in 1993, when the league made two significant adjustments. At that time, players placed on injured reserve would ..."
Colts add to coaching staff
"The impact of the retirements of Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Tom Moore and offensive line coach Howard Mudd have been temporarily eased by the addition of two interns to coach Jim Caldwell's staff. Ron Johnson is working with the receivers while Frank Winters is working with the offensive line. Johnson, 28, spent the 2002-03 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and played in the Arena Football League the past two seasons. Winters, 48, was an offensive lineman in the NFL for 16 seasons, the final 11 (1992-2002) with Green Bay. Johnson is assisting Clyde Christensen, the team's receivers coach/assistant head coach, who assumed coordinator responsibilities after Moore's retirement. ..."
Colts' offense takes hit: Coordinator Moore, line coach Mudd file retirement papers
"Two integral components of the Indianapolis Colts offense have officially left the team. But coordinator Tom Moore and line coach Howard Mudd may not be gone for good. Owner Jim Irsay confirmed Thursday afternoon his two longtime assistant coaches have filed their retirement papers. Each chose to retire after more than 30 years in the NFL because of a recent change in the league's pension plan. Neither Moore, 70, nor Mudd, 67, could be reached for comment Thursday. Although Moore and Mudd are no longer part of coach Jim Caldwell's official staff, either or both could possibly return as consultants by the start of training camp, pending pension guidelines. Players report to Rose-Hulman ..."
Agent: Harrison healthy, not planning to retire
"Former Colts WR Marvin Harrison, now a free agent, said he has no plans to retire and that he wants to play in 2009, according to his agent, Tom Condon. The problematic knee that has limited some of Harrison's speed and overall effectiveness the past two seasons hasn't been an issue either, Condon said. "I played in 15 games last year and a playoff game, and I intend to play again this season," Condon said Harrison told him in a conversation Thursday afternoon. Harrison, who turns 37 in August, was released by the Colts after the 2008 season, in large part for salary-cap relief. Harrison, who didn't agree to a restructured contract, was scheduled to count more than $13 million against the ..."
Pension concern forces Mudd to retire
"Offensive line coach Howard Mudd plans to retire after 11 years with the Indianapolis Colts and 35 seasons in the NFL, Larry Kennan, executive director of the NFL Coaches Association, confirmed Wednesday. "Howard gave me his permission to talk about this because he doesn't want to and won't," Kennan said. "He doesn't want to jeopardize what he already believes is a tenuous position. "I know Bill Polian and Jim Irsay are trying to work things out so he can continue coaching, but right now it doesn't look like it's going to happen." Irsay is the Colts owner. Polian, the team president, issued a statement Wednesday afternoon: "While we have not received formal notice from Howard Mudd, we ..."
Mudd a cantankerous codger, but he'll be missed
"The jagged battle scars on Howard Mudd's artificial knees tell the story. As a player and as a coach, the man gave his heart, soul and several body parts to the National Football League. He played eight years and coached for 35 consecutive seasons, the league's longest tenure as an assistant coach. He wasn't about to walk away from this game -- limp, actually -- without every last dollar of the pension he'd earned through his decades as an assistant coach. Can anybody blame the 67-year-old for reacting to the league's changes in its pension program by retiring? Take the money and run, Howard. Take the money the game owes you and do what you've been talking about doing for years now. Move ..."
Colts O-line coach plans to retire
"Offensive line coach Howard Mudd is planning to retire after 11 years with the Indianapolis Colts and 35 seasons in the NFL, Larry Kennan, executive director of the NFL Coaches Association, confirmed today. "Howard gave me his permission to talk about this because he doesn't want to and won't," Kennan said. "He doesn't want to jeopardize what he already believes is a tenuous position. "I know Bill Polian and Jim Irsay are trying to work things out so he can continue coaching, but right now it doesn't look like it's going to happen." Colts season primer: Click here to see all key dates heading into the 2009 season, plus the full roster with contract and salary-cap information. Mudd's ..."
Keiaho signs new contract with Colts
"Freddy Keiaho's absence from the Indianapolis Colts' roster was brief. The veteran linebacker, who had been on the NFL's open market since late February when he became an unrestricted free agent, was re-signed Wednesday. Terms of the contract were not immediately available. The team had no comment on Keiaho's return, but his re-signing bolsters Indy's linebacker corps. Keiaho, 26, was a 2006 third-round draft pick who emerged as the weak-side starter the past two seasons. He had a career-high 114 tackles in 2008. With Keiaho unsigned, the Colts were expected to enter training camp with a starting group of Gary Brackett in the middle, Clint Session on the weak side and Philip Wheeler in the ..."
Roncalli's Kuntz signs with Colts
"Some local flavor has been added to the Indianapolis Colts roster. The team has signed Pat Kuntz, a defensive tackle out of Notre Dame who played at Roncalli H.S. Kuntz is one of several rookie free agents the Colts signed in the hours after the two-day, seven-round NFL draft. The team isn't expected to release the complete list until Tuesday. "It feels great,'' said Kuntz, who still resides in Indy. "My phone has basically exploded from all the calls. It's pretty amazing.''"
Jim Irsay on CIB: A deal is a deal
"Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is refusing calls to renegotiate his team's stadium lease with the city, firing back at critics who suggest the Colts should foot more of the bill for Lucas Oil Stadium. In comments during Saturday's NFL draft and in a call to The Indianapolis Star on Sunday, Irsay took a firm stand against calls for the Colts organization to kick in as much as $5 million extra for operating costs to help bail out the city's ailing Capital Improvement Board. The city and the Colts spent more than four years working out lease terms for the $720 million stadium. "I'm not going to renegotiate. That's the bottom line," Irsay said. "All we did was negotiate in good faith. ..."
Colts cornerback Ratliff signs with Pittsburgh
"Veteran cornerback Keiwan Ratliff has agreed to a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers according to ESPN.com, adding to the list of players the Indianapolis Colts have lost on the veteran free-agent market. Ratliff appeared in 13 games for Indy in 2008, four as a starter. He collected 31 tackles and two interceptions. His 35-yard touchdown return following an interception against Jacksonville lifted the Colts to a 31-24 victory in mid-December."
Former Colts punter Hunter Smith signs with Redskins
"His 10-year relationship with the Indianapolis Colts over, punter Hunter Smith is looking ahead after agreeing to a one-year contract with the Washington Redskins. "I was blessed to play for the Colts for 10 years during arguably the best 10 years in franchise history,'' Smith said Thursday night. "It was an incredible run. "This isn't the end. I've got a great opportunity and I'm looking forward to the second half of my career with another outstanding team that wants me.'' Smith, 31, handled the punting for the Colts since they selected him in the seventh round of the 1999 draft. He became a free agent in February. Smith ranks third in franchise history in attempts (577), yards (25,040) ..."
Colts sign arena football center
"The Indianapolis Colts have signed center Kyle DeVan. The 6-2, 295-pounder had been the starting center for the Boise (Idaho) Burn of arenafootball2. There was no announcement from the Colts, but the Burn confirmed the transaction on the team's website. DeVan worked out for the Colts Tuesday morning and signed his contract in the afternoon. "I'm excited to get another opportunity to play in the NFL and am ecstatic about joining the Colts organization,'' DeVan said."
While others dive in, Colts barely test pool
"The Denver Broncos and New England Patriots have spent the past few months engrossed in the NFL's version of "Extreme Makeover." The Indianapolis Colts, as is their custom, have been content to watch from afar. The Broncos' trade of disgruntled quarterback Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears is the latest phase of sweeping change to their roster. Denver previously signed a league-high 13 veteran free agents. The Patriots shipped quarterback Matt Cassel to Kansas City and reinforced their roster by adding nine free agents, most notably running back Fred Taylor, wide receiver Joey Galloway and cornerback Shawn Springs. The Colts, meanwhile, have looked on. Quietly. The team's only venture into ..."
Harrison can't find a taker so far
"Marvin Harrison's first venture into the NFL's free-agent market has entered its seventh week, and there are no indications the former Indianapolis Colts standout receiver is close to a deal. "I'm not surprised," said Charley Casserly, a former general manager with the Houston Texans and Washington Redskins who is an analyst with NFL Network. "When I watch him as a player and look at the package, he's not going to get any better at this point in his career. "He's been injury-prone the last two years. He's missed time. That has to be a consideration when you're going to sign a guy." If teams have any interest in Harrison, they are keeping it to themselves. In a media environment rife with ..."
T.O., Manning could headline Bills-Colts Toronto game
"The Buffalo Bills added a major drawing card for their series of games in Toronto by signing Terrell Owens. Now, the NFL could take a big step toward doing the same by lining up an attractive opponent for this year's game. Peyton Manning's Indianapolis Colts are the NFL's leading choice to be the Bills' opponent, according to a league source. An announcement could come during the March 22-25 owners' meetings in Dana Point, Calif. The NFL, and especially Toronto promoters paying $74 million over five years for five Bills regular-season and three preseason games at Rogers Centre, were disappointed last year by sluggish ticket sales for a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and ..."
Reid headed to Broncos
"Darrell Reid's stint as a special teams standout with the Indianapolis Colts translated into a big payday from the Denver Broncos. An unrestricted free agent, Reid agreed to a three-year, $6.8 million contract with the Broncos on Saturday, according to his agent, Blake Baratz.

Reid, 26, appeared in 55 regular-season games with the Colts the past four seasons after signing as an undrafted rookie in 2005. He started only twice at defensive tackle but emerged as one of the league's premier special-teams contributors."

Colts short at linebacker spots
"The Indianapolis Colts must retool at linebacker next season after not offering contracts to Freddy Keiaho and Tyjuan Hagler. The decisions came Thursday, the same day the team retained center Jeff Saturday with a three-year contract reportedly worth more than $13 million. Keiaho, a third-round draft pick in 2006, started 25 regular-season games the past two seasons, including 14 on the weak side in 2008 when he finished second on the team with 114 tackles. The Colts would have had to offer Keiaho, a restricted free agent, at least a one-year deal worth $1 million. That would have allowed him to sign an offer sheet with another team, but the Colts could either have matched the offer or ..."
Rhodes latest Colt to test free-agent market
"Add Dominic Rhodes to the list of Indianapolis Colts who will test the free-agent market starting Friday, his agent said this morning. The veteran running back is one of eight Colts who will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of today when his contract expires, and agent Todd France said the Colts don't plan to offer a new deal before then. The other impending free agents are center Jeff Saturday, punter Hunter Smith, linebacker Tyjuan Hagler, defensive linemen Josh Thomas and Darrell Reid, cornerback Keiwan Ratliff and safety Matt Giordano. Several of those others also will be allowed to become free agents, their agents have said, including Saturday. The Colts offered the ..."
Agent: Colts agree to release Harrison
"Marvin Harrison's 13-year tenure with the Indianapolis Colts will end as anticipated with his release -- unless Jim Irsay can engineer a last-minute agreement. The Colts owner insisted late Monday that Tom Condon, Harrison's agent, was "premature" when he said the Colts had agreed to release the veteran receiver. Condon told the Associated Press that the team had agreed to the move after Harrison declined to restructure his contract. "Marvin and I are talking (today) at mid-afternoon and we'll see where we go from there," Irsay said. "I'm not going to start talking like he's not here, because nothing's been determined officially by any stretch." Asked if it still was possible for Harrison ..."