After being limited in the free agent market last year, the Colts had a lot of space under the cap to use this time around.
They aren’t wasting much time using it. As previously reported, the team has reached agreements in principle with tackle Gosder Cherilus, cornerback Greg Toler and linebacker Erik Walden. You can now add former Patriots guard Donald Thomas and former Falcon Lawrence Sidbury to the list.
Thomas made seven starts with New England last season as Logan Mankins and Dan Connolly dealt with injuries at various points in the year. It was his second year with the Patriots and he’s also spent time with the Lions and Dolphins during his five years in the NFL.
Sidbury was a defensive end in Atlanta, but the Colts are listing him as a linebacker which suggests he’ll be vying for time at the spot vacated by Dwight Freeney. Sidbury had four sacks for the Falcons in 2011, but had just one tackle for them last season. He made it clear after the season that he had no intention of returning to the Falcons and did not wait long to find a new place of employment.