APEarlier this week, we shared a report that talks between the Colts and impending free agent defensive end Robert Mathis were “warming up.”
Len Pasquarelli of the Sports Xchange has been hearing differently. Pasaquarelli reports that there’s been no warming up in the talks because the two sides haven’t had any negotiations as of Thursday night. The only conversations between Mathis’ camp and new Colts G.M. Ryan Grigson have been of the getting to know you variety and that no contract proposals have been exchanged.
There’s still a chance that the Colts could use the franchise tag on Mathis, although Pasquarelli describes Mathis as “dead set” against being tagged. The tag would buy the Colts some time to take care of the Peyton Manning situation once and for all before moving on to other business. If they were willing to give Mathis a long-term deal, it’s possible they’d risk a little unhappiness now to make sure they don’t lose him once free agency opens on March 13th.
Complicating matters in Indy is that Chuck Pagano has a history of running 3-4 defenses while Mathis has only played defensive end in a 4-3 front. He might be athletic enough to make a switch, but how much money are the Colts really willing to risk on that? If they are moving on from Manning (and Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon and others), it doesn’t make much sense to make that kind of gamble on a player who, at 31, might not be around when they put everything together again.
Even though he’s 31, Mathis’ edge rushing ability figures to get him plenty of offers if he hits the open market. The Titans, to name one 4-3 team with a need at defensive end, would probably be interested in making a run at a guy they’ve been trying to block for years.
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He would look good in stripes. Come to Cincinnati, Robert.
They run a 4-3.
This is going to be full scale house cleaning.
Colts may stink for years to come.
Seems a lot of the Colts veterans all want out. I wonder if it’s just coincidence or a result of a bunch of vets used to winning and then going through the ‘suck for luck’ campaign.
Tag and trade him. Get something for him instead of just letting him walk. Your going to need to need the draft picks to get competative again.
I hope he talks to Mr. Holmgren and Heckert. We could use him.
Bears are a perfect fit. They run Cover 2 like the Colts did and he’s be opposite of Peppers. He could get 16 sacks a year for the next 3 years.
Hmmm. With his size I figured he’d look good as a 3-4 defensive end. Scaring O-linemen as they have to look at both him and Freeney on the same side of the line (Freeney at linebacker). At least that’s what my 2013-2015 World Champion Colts say (Madden ’12 of course).
That being said, I’d love to see him line up opposite Julius Peppers.
Might be good opposite Peppers for the Bears since he’s used to Tampa 2. I really want the Bears to try for Mario Williams though
Colts are in full blown rebuild mode.New GM, head coach, no more Peyton Manning , Reggie Wayne, Robert Mathis, Jeff Saturday, and Pierre Garcon. The Colts are taking a huge chance on Andrew Luck and he better be a hit or this team is going nowhere for the next 1-8 years.
Its a fact the Dolphins are interested. From Dallas Dolphins to Miami Colts?
If he’s available, he will get an offer from the Titans.
Bank on it…
Don’t over look Miami, they need a good pass rusher for there 4-3 set up. Bill
Better be a hit? LOL.
Welcome to New England.
they arent competing anytime soon, so whats the point? Might as well rebuild through the draft instead of signing veterans to big money. Mathis is a good player but the Colts arent going anywehre in the next few years even if they do sign him
He’ll be an eagle, jp’s replacement