Johnson Gore Colts, The Indianapolis Colts confirmed that they have struck a deal with San Francisco 49ers free agent running back Frank Gore.
And now, things are getting really interesting. Rumors continue to swirl that former Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson, released Monday, could be Indy-bound as well.
And it wouldn't be a coincidence.
Gore and Johnson were college teammates at the University of Miami (Fla.) and have been competing against one another since playing for rival high schools in Miami. Their long history seems to be playing an important role in their common interest in joining the Colts. And the presence of coach Chuck Pagano and assistant Rob Chudzinski — both once on the Miami coaching staff — is no small factor, either.
Neither player is a long-term answer. Age is a working against both (Gore is 31, Johnson is 33). But both have been productive and durable in recent years, and they both play positions where the Colts need a boost.Gore gives the Colts the sort of tough, between-the-tackles runner they were seeking to land when they traded for Trent Richardson in 2013. Gore has rushed for at least 1,000 in eight of his 10 NFL seasons. Now, consider this fact: The Colts have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Joseph Addai ran for 1,072 yards in 2007.
Meanwhile, Johnson would augment a very, very young group of receivers and would be considered an upgrade over another former Miami standout — Reggie Wayne — who the Colts on Friday said they would not re-sign.Houston would preferred to have kept Johnson. But the Texans could not find a financial solution that would have enabled them to do that. Johnson would have counted $16.1 million against the salary cap, a number the Texans just couldn't accept.
Now, if Johnson does land in Indy — he'll have other suitors, certainly — he would be in position to play the Texans twice a season in the AFC South.
The Colts also announced they had agreed to terms with linebacker Trent Cole. The 32-year-old had 6.5 sacks last season and 85.5 in a 10-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles.
And now, things are getting really interesting. Rumors continue to swirl that former Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson, released Monday, could be Indy-bound as well.
And it wouldn't be a coincidence.
Gore and Johnson were college teammates at the University of Miami (Fla.) and have been competing against one another since playing for rival high schools in Miami. Their long history seems to be playing an important role in their common interest in joining the Colts. And the presence of coach Chuck Pagano and assistant Rob Chudzinski — both once on the Miami coaching staff — is no small factor, either.
Neither player is a long-term answer. Age is a working against both (Gore is 31, Johnson is 33). But both have been productive and durable in recent years, and they both play positions where the Colts need a boost.Gore gives the Colts the sort of tough, between-the-tackles runner they were seeking to land when they traded for Trent Richardson in 2013. Gore has rushed for at least 1,000 in eight of his 10 NFL seasons. Now, consider this fact: The Colts have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Joseph Addai ran for 1,072 yards in 2007.
Meanwhile, Johnson would augment a very, very young group of receivers and would be considered an upgrade over another former Miami standout — Reggie Wayne — who the Colts on Friday said they would not re-sign.Houston would preferred to have kept Johnson. But the Texans could not find a financial solution that would have enabled them to do that. Johnson would have counted $16.1 million against the salary cap, a number the Texans just couldn't accept.
Now, if Johnson does land in Indy — he'll have other suitors, certainly — he would be in position to play the Texans twice a season in the AFC South.
The Colts also announced they had agreed to terms with linebacker Trent Cole. The 32-year-old had 6.5 sacks last season and 85.5 in a 10-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles.
