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Report: Colts ‘Hoping to Keep’ Free Agents Darius Butler, Robert Turbin

By Luke Schultheis

Nov 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Steelers won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Steelers won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to CBS Sports Jason La Canfora, the Indianapolis Colts are ‘hoping to keep’ veteran free agents: defensive back Darius Butler and running back Robert Turbin.

Both players are coming off productive seasons for the Colts and would help the team’s depth at both their defensive secondary, as well as backfield:

Regarding Butler, the 30 year old is fresh off of a season in which he appeared in 12 games (7 starts) for the Colts, recording 33 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 3 interceptions.

Dec 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Robert Turbin (33) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Robert Turbin (33) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

The 8-year veteran played well as both the Colts slot cornerback and situationally at safety–although Butler is apparently seeking to play more safety to extend his playing career.

Either way, given his versatility, Butler should help the Colts or any potential suitor for that matter in their secondary with his ability to play either slot cornerback or safety at a high level.

Meanwhile, Turbin emerged as the primary backup to starter Frank Gore last season and really shined in short-yardage and 3rd down packages.

The 27 year old running back had 47 carries for 147 rushing yards (3.5 ypc avg) and a team-high 7 rushing touchdowns this past season. The journeyman appeared to have finally found a home in Indianapolis and could prove to be reliable veteran depth backing up Gore once again.

While Turbin’s re-signing shouldn’t preclude the Colts from drafting a younger running back to groom behind Gore, he figures to once again handle situational packages for the Colts. Something that he did very well for the Colts last season.

Both veterans are well-deserving of being re-signed by the Colts, as they’ve recently provided the Colts with solid production and additional depth and are young enough where that should continue in the short-term.

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