Busy Colts Add 5 From The Market

The Indianapolis Colts were a very busy team in free agency last season as they signed 5 players from the free agency pool. The Colts added right tackle Gosder Cherilus, cornerback Greg Toler, linebacker Erik Walden, guard Donald Thomas, and linebacker Lawrence Silbury.

Adding offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus fills a huge need for the Colts. Last season, rookie quarterback Andrew Luck got beaten down like squash last season as he constantley got pressured, due to the fact the Colts didn't have a solid pass protecting offensive tackle. They added Cherilus, which should make life easier for Luck this season. Gosder has missed only 4 games during his tenure with the Lions and should upgrade this Colts need

With the Colts looking for a cornerback on the market, they decided to not to go huge by signing Greg Toler. This was going to be more cheaper than if the Colts signed Cary Williams. Toler didn't get to start as much at cornerback with the Cardinals last season as he started only 2 games. Toler and the Colts agreed to a 4 year, $16 million contract according to Bob McGinn. Toler will be a upgrade at corner as his physicality at that postion should help him size up with recievers

The Colts added guard Donald Thomas as well. Thomas should fill the Colts have needed at right guard for years. At 27, Thomas has some expierence and should have plenty of talent still left with him, as he will probably start for the Colts this season.

The Colts beleived that linebacker Erik Walden would be their guy opposite of Robert Mathis, but his contract seems too generous for a player who has managed only 9 sacks in 3 seasons. Walden does provide some insurance against the run and is good at covering curl and flat routes. Waden isn't any Dwight Freeney, but he's a good tackler and is a fairly smart run defender as well.