Colts center Jeff Saturday disagreed with President Bill Polian’s suggestion that the team’s offensive line struggled in the Super Bowl.
But Polian is the one that makes personnel decisions, and he spoke loud and clear by releasing starting guard Ryan Lilja Monday, according to Alex Marvez of Fox.
Lilja was due a $1.73 million bonus soon, but the move is still surprising. He started every game for the Colts last season and is only 28 years old.
Ultimately, the Colts need better run blockers and Polian decided Lilja was only going to get in the way with a hefty base salary. Polian trusts the team’s ability to develop players and he’s usually right.
That trust allows Polian to make strong statements in print and on the transaction wire.