Ricky Jean Francois left Philadelphia without a contract.
He won’t be leaving Indianapolis without one. Just after Colts owner Jim Irsay promised news of a big new signing, Adam Caplan of TheSidelineView.com scooped him by reporting that the former 49ers defensive lineman had agreed to a four-year, $22 million deal with the team.
There’s no word on guarantees or how the contract breaks down, but it’s a pretty nice contract for a player who has been a reserve for the 49ers throughout his career. He’s done a good job in the role and filled in well for Justin Smith when Smith was injured in the second half of last season, but he’ll still be asked to play the lion’s share of snaps for the first time in his career.
Jean Francois played all over the line for the 49ers so we’ll have to wait and see exactly how Chuck Pagano plans to use him up front for the Colts in 2013. Defensive end would be the most logical spot, but the Colts are adding players quickly so things could wind up differently.
UPDATE 3:46 p.m. ET: Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reports that there is $8.5 million guaranteed and $6.5 million fully guaranteed and that Jean Francois.