The Colts are looking to add Cowboys CB Mike Jenkins to their secondary. (J. Meric/Getty Images)

The Indianapolis Colts are in play to trade for Dallas Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins, a source confirmed to NFL.com’s Ian Rapaport. 

Jenkins is in the final year of his contract and has not participated in any of the Cowboys’ offseason activities. Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said yesterday that the team is not going to trade Jenkins.

“If anyone understands, I understand, but at the same time, you want a guy like that to be around the team and what not,” linebacker Anthony Spencer said. “But it’s always a decision. I support him. He’s my teammate. Whatever decision he makes.”

Jenkins became expendable when Dallas drafted Morris Claiborne with the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft and signed free-agent cornerback Brandon Carr to five-year contract in March. That deal is said be around $7 million per season.

Jenkins had 24 tackles and one interception in 12 starts last season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have worked out former Indianapolis Colts tight end Dallas Clark, and they’re working this week to sign him, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Bucs worked out former Colts TE Dallas Clark last week, are expected to try to make a move on him this week.

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 21, 2012

Clark also worked out for the New England Patriots last week, as Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe reported. The veteran tight end has been a free agent for two months — along with quarterback Curtis Painter, running back Joseph Addai and a few others, he was part of the mass exodus from Indianapolis in early March when the team parted ways with Peyton Manning.

The Buccaneers are reportedly working on a trade to unload their current tight end, Kellen Winslow. Winslow had 75 receptions for 763 yards and two touchdowns last season; Clark had 34 catches for 352 yards and two TDs.

Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning sent a text to Andrew Luck, the man set to replace him, after Luck was drafted first overall in Thursday’s NFL Draft.

“Peyton did give me a text, a congratulatory text,” Luck told NFL Network on Friday. “It was nice of him to do so.”

Luck will now have the unenviable task of following a football legend.

“Big shoes might be an understatement,” Luck said at a news conference. “What he did is obviously legendary for this city, for this state really. I know that if I woke up every morning trying to compare myself to Peyton, I think I’d go crazy.

“If one day I can be mentioned alongside Peyton in football lore, that’d be a football dream come true.”

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck is expected to be chosen as the overall number one pick by the Indianapolis Colts in Thursday’s NFL Draft, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Luck’s contract will be four years, worth over $22 million.

When No. 1 overall picks Andrew Luck signs with Indianapolis, it is expected to be a four-year deal worth just over $22 million.—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 26, 2012

The Colts announced earlier in the week that they will choose Luck with the first pick.

Luck was a sensational college quarterback, twice being named an all-american while coming in second in Heisman Trophy voting his sophomore and junior seasons.

Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson has announced that Andrew Luck will in fact be the Colts No. 1 overall pick in this week’s NFL draft, according to Albert Breer of the NFL Network.

It’s official: Colts GM Ryan Grigson announces Andrew Luck will be the first pick.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 24, 2012

It was widely believed that the club would select the former Stanford standout with their top pick, however rumors arose in recent weeks that the team may have considered taking Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Robert Griffin III instead. Griffin will likely be selected with the second overall pick by the Washington Redskins, as the club specifically traded up to take whichever of the two quarterbacks were left available.

Luck finished with 3,517 yards and 37 passing touchdowns this year for Stanford, helping the Cardinal go 11-2 on the season. He finished his career with a 38-41 loss to Oklahoma State in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

The Baltimore Ravens have agreed to a one-year contract with former Indianapolis Colts backup quarterback Curtis Painter, according to the Associated Press.

Painter worked out for the Ravens today along with former starter Kyle Boller and former Pittsburgh Steelers backup Dennis Dixon; the Ravens decided on Painter. Financial terms of the deal have not been released.

Painter, a sixth-round draft pick in 2009, spent three seasons in Indianapolis as Peyton Manning’s backup. He started eight games last season with Manning injured — he threw for 1,541 yards, six touchdowns and nine interceptions, and the Colts went 0-8. Painter was benched late in the season in favor of Dan Orlovsky.

In Baltimore, Painter is expected to compete with Tyrod Taylor for the right to back up starting QB Joe Flacco.

The Indianapolis Colts have told former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck that they will choose him with the top pick in the upcoming draft, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

No great surprise, it's what most expected, but Colts have told Andrew Luck they will take him with the No. 1 overall pick, per NFL source.

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 19, 2012

With the first pick, the Colts could choose one of the two top quarterbacks which could be Luck or former Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.

Both quarterbacks have equally impressed many analysts and NFL coaches with their performance on the field in college and at the NFL combine. By telling Luck they will be choosing him as their next franchise quarterback, the Colts will be allowing the Washington Redskins, with the second pick, to choose Griffin.

The 2012 NFL Draft will take place on Thursday, April 26, followed by the second and third rounds on Friday, April 27. Rounds 4-7 will be held Saturday, April 28.

The speculation has been ongoing for months, but now we may have some finality — Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay today strongly implied, if not altogether stated, that he intends to take Stanford’s Andrew Luck with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft later this month.

Met with A Luck#12 n Indy 2day for 3 hrs;it's easy 2c why the #1 pick n this Stanford phenom has been synonymous with each other 4over 2 yrs

—
Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) April 10, 2012

Both the Colts and the Washington Redskins, who traded up to land the No. 2 pick, have been meeting regularly with both Luck and Baylor’s Robert Griffin III in the weeks leading up to the start of the draft on April 26. Luck has been the presumed favorite to go No. 1 all along, but Baylor’s Heisman Trophy-winning 2011 season and his fantastic pro day performance have helped to keep him in the running.

Now, it would appear, Luck has prevailed.

With Luck likely headed to Indy and Griffin going No. 2 as the consolation prize, all eyes are on the Minnesota Vikings at No. 3. It remains to be seen whether the Vikes will keep the pick or make a move as draft day draws closer.

While the Colts are traveling to California to hold a private workout for quarterback Andrew Luck, rival quarterback Robert Griffin III reportedly denied the Colts the same opportunity according to the team’s owner.

A Luck private workout 2day..we want 2b as thorough n disciplined n process of #1 pick..we wanted 2do private with RG3,but his agent said no

—
Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) April 03, 2012

While Luck is considered to be the favorite to be selected No. 1 overall by  Indianapolis, some have speculated that Griffin, the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner, could move up and take his spot. The Washington Redskins recently traded for the No. 2 overall pick in order to draft either Luck or Griffin.

Griffin has been seen recently attending events for fans in Washington, D.C.. This season Griffin threw for 4,293 yards for Baylor.

Stanford prodigy Andrew Luck has been the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft for over a year now — but with just a few weeks to go, it’s still not a slam dunk. In fact, ESPN personality Michael Wilbon said in a radio interview with Tony Kornheiser today that the Colts are still putting serious thought into drafting Baylor’s Robert Griffin III instead.

“It’s not like I’m following this closely,” Wilbon said. “But I had the occasion over the weekend to talk to a couple of people who have intimate knowledge of what the Colts are thinking. And you and I have talked very briefly on the show about are they still considering RGIII? Tony, I’m told they are.”

Luck passed for 3,517 yards, 37 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions for the Cardinal last season, winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award given to the nation’s best senior quarterback. He was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. Griffin won the Heisman, throwing for 4,293 yards, 37 TDs and only six picks.

Wilbon says the Colts’ intelligentsia have speculated that Griffin has the superior pocket-passing ability to Luck.

“They are of the opinion, some people that are having input into this pick, that RG3 is better in the pocket,” Wilbon said. “They have stats, they have analysis, they have information that says to them it’s Luck who is faster to leave the pocket and not be as good in the pocket. And RG3 is better in the pocket, he’s a better pocket passer, better arm. And that they are seriously still considering RG3.”

It’s widely assumed that Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck will eventually land in Indianapolis as the No. 1 overall pick in this spring’s NFL draft, but Luck insisted today that the Colts have not yet approached him to begin negotiating a contract.

“They haven’t said those words yet,” Luck said on the “The Dan Patrick Show.”

While Luck is the presumptive No. 1, it’s still possible that the Colts will reverse course and instead opt for Baylor’s Robert Griffin III. Luck says he doesn’t yet know which way things will go, and he looks forward to entering the league alongside Griffin either way.

“I’m sure it’ll be a classic comparison between the two,” Luck said. “In my mind that’s driven almost 100 percent by the media. I’ve gotten to know Robert pretty good. I’m a big fan of his, and I’ll probably always be a big fan. He’s a great guy, and I’m sure we’ll be compared throughout our careers.”

The cryptic talk is mutual, evidently — Colts general manager Ryan Grigson also isn’t tipping his hand about his plans with the No. 1 pick.

“We’re going to use the process every minute ’til we’re on the clock,” Grigson told the Indianapolis Star.

Despite reports speculating on the contrary, the Indianapolis Colts aren’t moving Dwight Freeney. The All-Pro defensive end will remain in Indy through 2012, as GM Ryan Grigson confirmed today to Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star.

“Everyone knows Dwight’s a great player. He’s going to be here this year,” Grigson said. “He hopes and fully expects to be a major contributor and a guy who strikes fear in our opponents and offensive lines every week.

“He’s a Colt, period.”

Freeney is under contract for next season — his base salary will be $14 million, and he’ll count against the Colts’ cap number for a massive $19 mil. Nevertheless, Grigson has vowed that he won’t trade Freeney, nor will he attempt to restructure the veteran end’s deal prior to the 2012 season.

Freeney has been a Colt for his entire 10-year pro career. The Colts’ first-round pick in the 2002 NFL draft (No. 11 overall), Freeney has amassed 256 tackles over the course of his career, including 102.5 sacks.

Drew Stanton was adamant from the start that he didn’t want to stay in New York with Tim Tebow there to usurp his role as the Jets’ backup quarterback. Now it appears he’s gotten his wish — the Jets have announced that they’ve traded Stanton to the Indianapolis Colts.

#RL The Jets have announced they have traded QB Drew Stanton to the Indianapolis Colts. Terms of the trade were undisclosed.

—
New York Jets (@nyjets) March 23, 2012

Ironically, it was the Colts who initiated this quarterback carousel — the Jets cut loose Peyton Manning to make room for likely No. 1 draft pick Andrew Luck, the Denver Broncos picked up Manning and dealt Tebow, and the Jets acquired Tebow only to ship out Stanton. It’s an upgrade for Stanton — rather than play third-string QB behind Mark Sanchez and Tebow, he’ll likely be the No. 2 option in Indianapolis after Luck (or, possibly, Robert Griffin III).

Stanton’s time with the Jets was very short-lived — the 27-year-old Michigan State alum just signed a week ago, signing a one-year, $1.25 million deal with a $500,000 signing bonus last Friday. He previously spent four seasons with the Detroit Lions.

Stanton was the Lions’ second-round pick in the 2007 draft. He’s made only four career starts under center, throwing for 1,158 yards, five touchdowns and nine interceptions.

The Green Bay Packers have signed offensive lineman Jeff Saturday, according to ESPN. Terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed.

Saturday had played a major role with the Indianapolis Colts since 1999, serving as the center for Peyton Manning. Today he became one of the many longtime Indianapolis stars to sign with another team this offseason, after Colts owner Jim Irsay made the move to make a top-to-bottom overhaul of the team following a 2-14 season.

The 36-year-old is expected to replace former Packers center Scott Wells. Wells recently signed with the St. Louis Rams.

Saturday played a major role with the NFLPA during the 2011 lockout.

The NFL draft is just five weeks away, and the Indianapolis Colts are still working on making a final decision with their No. 1 overall pick — will it be Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III?

Luck is certainly the favorite, but after seeing the Stanford standout perform at today’s pro day, the Colts official stance is still “undecided.”

“I don’t think you can go wrong either way,” Colts quarterbacks coach Clyde Christensen told the Indianapolis Star. “You go back and forth and keep looking for something that you can put a little red mark, that they can’t do this or can’t do that, that maybe there’s something [wrong] character-wise. You can’t find one on either kid.”

The Colts sent a delegation to Stanford today consisting of Christensen, tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts and scout Matt Terpening. A larger contingent was in Waco, Texas a day earlier for Baylor’s pro day, to see Griffin.

There’s still no final decision in Indy, but the Colts are certainly working on it. Luck told the Star today that he’s agreed to a private workout with the team, scheduled for “sometime in early April.”

The Denver Broncos told Peyton Manning that they can pay $95 million over five years, according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.

The Broncos reportedly told Manning during his first visit with the team that they would be willing to pay as much as $95 million. If true, his new deal would potentially top the contract he signed with the Colts last year.

The structure of Manning’s new contract with Denver still remains to be seen.  As Manning continues to recover from four neck surgeries, the Broncos are now faced with the dilemma of how to structure a contract that satisfies Manning as well as one that financially protects the team if the former 14-year Colts quarterback endures another season-ending injury.

Manning’s agent, Tom Condon, is reportedly finalizing the contract with the Broncos’ front office.  As of yet, there have not been any reports on the type of contract guarantees or protections.

The Denver Broncos have shown interest in signing former Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday , according to NBC Sports.

After news broke that Manning was going to sign with the Broncos, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Manning and Elway spoke about the possibility of bringing Jeff Saturday, Manning’s long-time center in Indianapolis, to the Broncos.

Saturday, the Colts’ center since 1999, has also received interest from the Titans and the Packers.

With news of Manning finalizing his contract with Denver, the Broncos immediately became the top spot for the free-agent Saturday.

The New England Patriots have signed wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez, the team announced today:

Patriots sign free agent WR Anthony Gonzalez: bit.ly/zBHzWl

—
New England Patriots (@Patriots) March 17, 2012

Gonzalez, 27, had spent the previous five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, who drafted him at the end of the first round in 2007. He had his best season in 2008, catching 57 passes for 664 yards and four touchdowns.

The former Ohio State Buckeye has played very little over the last three seasons, making a total of five catches for 67 yards.

The Indianapolis Colts have signed former Baltimore Ravens safety Tom Zbikowski to a three-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Nice pickup in Indy. RT @danpompei: Colts agree to terms with safety Tom Zbikowski. Chuck Pagano gets one of his former Ravens.

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2012

Zbikowski will join former Ravens teammate defensive end Cory Redding, who signed with Colts on Wednesday.

Last season, Zbikowski compiled 23 tackles in four games.  In 2009, he had his most productive year totaling a career-high 29 tacklets and two interceptions.

A week ago, Reggie Wayne was talking about leaving in free agency as a package deal with Peyton Manning, his old quarterback on the Indianapolis Colts. Now that appears unlikely, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Wayne is staying with the Colts another three years.

Reggie Wayne re-signing a three-year deal with Colts. Agreement reached.

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2012

Wayne has been a Colt his entire career — the team picked him with the No. 30 overall pick in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft. Over the last 11 years, he’s amassed 862 catches for 11,708 yards and 73 touchdowns.

After sticking it out with a miserable Colts team that went 2-14 last season, Wayne will be rewarded by a fresh start next year with the No. 1 overall pick — likely Stanford’s Andrew Luck — under center.

As for Manning, he won’t be back in Indy next year… unless, of course, it’s in the uniform of the visiting Tennessee Titans. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

As Peyton Manning prepares to return to the NFL in 2012, there are a number of insiders expressing skepticism about whether the former Indianpolis Colts quarterback still has the same physical abilities he once did. But Brandon Stokley, a former teammate of Manning’s in Indianapolis, is not among those skeptics.

“I saw him for three days at Duke,” Stokley told the Denver Post. “He threw a ton of balls for three straight practices, and the guy looked to me like he did when I was there six years ago.”

Stokley played with Manning on the Colts for four seasons, between 2003 and ’06. He also played for three seasons post-Indy on the Denver Broncos, who are now looking to sign Manning.

“People who say the Broncos are crazy for not watching his balls fly, or what are they doing? Those people are dead wrong,” Stokley said. “I’ll put whatever reputation I have on the line behind that guy right now. He looks great.”

Wide receiver Pierre Garcon will test the free-agent market, sources have told ESPN. The 25-year-old wide receiver was unable to come to an agreement with the Indianapolis Colts on a long-term deal.

Garcon has not ruled out a return to the Colts, however his departure appears to be part of an across the board rebuilding process by team owner Jim Irsay. The team has until 4 p.m. ET Tuesday to make a deal with Garcon before he becomes an unrestricted free-agent.

Garcon hauled in 70 receptions for six touchdowns last season despite the absence of Pro Bowl quarterback Peyton Manning.  In 2010, with Manning, Garcon had 67 receptions for 784 yards and six touchdowns.

He will join former teammate Reggie Wayne and fellow free agent Vincent Jackson as the top wide receiving free-agents this offseason.

Peyton Manning is not expected to make any more free agent visits, according to ProFootballTalk.

The 35-year-old is expected to announce his decision this week on which team he will continue his career with. According to ProFootballTalk, it is believed that Manning has narrowed his choices to the Denver Broncos and the Arizona Cardinals. Both teams currently have established quarterbacks in Tim Tebow and Kevin Kolb, however both teams have expressed interest in changing directions should Manning come their way.

Some believe the Miami Dolphins have an outside shot at the four-time Most Valuable Player; however he has not made a visit to the team’s facilities.

Manning was released by the Indianapolis Colts last week after owner Jim Irsay made the decision to completely rebuild the franchise from the bottom up following a 2-14 season. The move marked the end of an era in which Manning compiled 54,828 passing yards and 399 touchdowns. He was the number one overall pick by the Colts in 1998, and has been a four-time NFL MVP. In 2006, he led the Colts to a Super Bowl Championship, where he was named Most Valuable Player.

The Indianapolis Colts have released tight end Dallas Clark, quarterback Curtis Painter, running back Joseph Addai, linebacker Gary Brackett, and defensive back Melvin Bullitt, according to various reports.

Colts purge continues – announce release of RB Joseph Addai, LB Gary Brackett, DB Melvin Bullitt, TE Dallas Clark, QB Curtis Painter.—
Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 09, 2012

On Wednesday, Indianapolis released long time quarterback Peyton Manning.

Various reports also indicate that the Colts aren’t finished, and it is expected that wide receivers Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon will become free agents.

The Indianapolis Colts are taking calls from teams interested in trading for defensive end Dwight Freeney, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Filed to ESPN: Colts are fielding telephone calls from teams interested in trading for perennial Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney.

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 09, 2012

Freeney, 32, had 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles for the Colts last year. The seven-time Pro Bowler is one of just 27 players all-time with 100 sacks (102.5) and was named to the NFL’s 2000s All-Decade team.

The New York Jets have shown interest in acquiring quarterback Peyton Manning, who was released by the Indianapolis Colts today, according to the Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.

How about this: The Jets have inquired about Peyton Manning's interest in playing for them, according to a source. Story to come: #nfl—
Manish Mehta (@TheJetsStream) March 07, 2012

Rumors have swirled that the Jets were interested in Manning even towards the end of this season as Mark Sanchez failed to lead the team to the playoffs. There have been no reports publicly stating that New York was interested in Manning or any other quarterback to replace Sanchez, but Manning’s availability could alter that.

Earlier today, it was reported that the Denver Broncos were interested in Manning, as well.

The Indiana Pacers thanked Peyton Manning today for all of his service to the city of Indianapolis.

Thanks to Peyton Manning for all he's done for Indianapolis.

—
Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) March 07, 2012

In a joint press conference this afternoon, Manning and Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay announced that they were parting ways. The four-time Most Valuable Player, who had played his entire career for the Colts, thanked the fans as well as the city of Indianapolis while holding back tears during the conference.

It had widely been expected that the team would release Manning, who had missed the entirety of the 2011 campaign due to a neck procedure he underwent prior to the season. The Colts finished the year 2-14 and ownership decided to rebuild the organization across the board.

Wide receiver Reggie Wayne would be open to signing a contract with the Miami Dolphins, a source has told the Sun Sentinel.

Wayne could potentially become an unrestricted free-agent March 13 should the Indianapolis Colts choose not to tender him a contract. The 33-year-old receiver played his college ball for the Miami Hurricanes and currently maintains his offseason residence in the city, potentially making South Beach a perfect fit for the former Pro Bowler.

The acquisition of Wayne could also serve as a tool to help entice soon-to-be free-agent quarterback Peyton Manning to sign with the team. Manning is expected to be let go by the Colts today, and the Dolphins are believed to be one of his biggest suitors.

Manning and Wayne have played together on the Colts since 2001, and have together connected for 787 receptions, over 10,000 yards, and 69 touchdowns.

Peyton Manning helped increase the Indianapolis Colts value by $233 million, according to Forbes.com. It was reported yesterday that the team plans on releasing the four-time Most Valuable Player in an effort to avoid paying him a $28 million roster bonus he is due this season.

Forbes reports that when the Colts selected Manning No. 1 overall in 1998, the team was worth an NFL-worst $277 million. Today they are worth $1.1 billion, making them the 11^th most valuable franchise in the league. Forbes calculates that the average NFL team has increased in value by 263% since 1998, however the Colts have grown by 366%. According to them, this means that had the team grown at the median rate of the league, they would be worth $233 million less.

Manning missed the entirety of 2011 after undergoing neck surgery prior to the season, as a result, the team tied for an NFL worst 2-14 record. Reports indicate that he is expected to play in 2012, however, and does not intend to retire.

In 13 seasons with Indianapolis, Manning compiled 54,828 yards and 399 touchdowns. He was the number one overall pick by the Colts in 1998, and has been a four-time NFL MVP. In 2006, he led the Colts to a Super Bowl Championship, where he was named most valuable player.

The Indianapolis Colts will hold a press conference today at noon where they are expected to announce their decision to release four-time Most Valuable Player Peyton Manning, according to the NFL’s official Twitter account.

Colts/Peyton Manning news conference will air LIVE on @nflnetwork at noon ET. Watch NFLN now for LIVE coverage of the latest Manning news.

—
NFL (@nfl) March 07, 2012

It was reported yesterday that the Colts had made a decision to cut the 14-year-veteran, meaning that Manning, widely considered to be one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, will become a free-agent. There had been wide speculation over the past several months that the Indianapolis may release their one-time franchise star in order to avoid paying him a $28 million roster bonus he is owed entering this season.

Manning missed the entirety of 2011 after undergoing neck surgery prior to the season. Reports indicate that he is expected to play in 2012, however, and does not intend to retire.

In 13 seasons with Indianapolis, Manning compiled 54,828 yards and 399 touchdowns. He was the number one overall pick by the Colts in 1998, and has been a four-time NFL MVP. In 2006, he led the Colts to a Super Bowl Championship, where he was named most valuable player.

The Indianapolis Colts will cut 14-year NFL veteran Peyton Manning tomorrow, according to an ESPN.com report. The report says that the announcement will come Wednesday at a press conference.

Manning will become a free agent, and ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting that he still intends to play. Reports have indicated in the past month that his arm strength is returning and that his nerves had been properly healing. Manning missed all of 2011 after numerous neck surgeries.

In 13 seasons with Indianapolis, Manning compiled 54,828 yards and 399 touchdowns. He was the number one overall pick by the Colts in 1998, and has been a 4-time NFL MVP. In 2006, he led the Colts to a Super Bowl Championship, where he was named most valuable player.

With Manning’s release, the Colts are likely to draft either Robert Griffin III or Andrew Luck with the first pick of April’s NFL Draft.

The Indianapolis Colts and defensive end Robert Mathis have agreed to a new long term deal, according to the Associated Press. The report stated that the deal was reached less than 30 minutes after the Colts tagged Mathis their franchise player.

The team has made it an offseason priority to sign both Mathis and defensive end Dwight Freeney.

“First and foremost, we’re going to make sure that we put both of those guys in position to make plays,” head coach Chuck Pagano told reporters during the NFL’s recent scouting combine in Indianapolis, according to the report. “I don’t think it would be very smart on my part or anybody else’s part to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Freeney is the Colts all-time leader in sacks, while Mathis is second.

The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly attempting to sign Robert Mathis to a new deal, however if they are unable, a source has told ESPN that they will use their franchise tag on him.

Mathis recorded 43 tackles, three forced fumbles, and 9.5 sacks for the Colts in 2011.  In 2010 he has 11 sacks, 60 total tackles, and one forced fumble.

Over the course of his career, he has tallied 83.5 sacks, which is second all-time in Colts history. First all-time is current teammate Dwight Freeney, who has 102.5 career sacks.

The 30-year old is in his ninth season with the Colts.

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has received a lot of negative press in recent weeks due to his never-ending soap opera with quarterback Peyton Manning, but here’s one bit of positive news — the owner has pledged $50,000 to the relief efforts for tornado victims in southern Indiana, according to the AP.

A severe storm front hit the area on Friday killing dozens — a Reuters report indicates 20 fatalities in Kentucky, 14 in Indiana, three in Ohio, one in Alabama and one in Georgia.

The Colts have also asked others to help in any way they can.

Former Indianapolis Colts Vice Chairman Bill Polian has joined ESPN as an NFL analyst, according to the network’s Adam Schefter.

A big welcome: former Indianapolis Colts Vice Chairman and six-time NFL Executive of the Year Bill Polian has joined ESPN as an NFL analyst.

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 29, 2012

Polian is best known for his work as the lead executive for the Indianapolis Colts beginning in 1999. His reign began with the drafting and signing of Peyton Manning with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft, it ended this offseason when Colts’ owner Jim Irsay decided the team needed a complete front-office reshuffle after a 2-14 season.

Polian also served as the general manager of the Buffalo Bills from 1986-1993, and of the Carolina Panthers from 1994-1997.

He is a six-time NFL Executive of the Year award recipient.