Turns out Jerry Hughes will miss minimal training camp work after all.
While the Colts were holding their first training camp session of 2010 on Monday morning negotiations were being finalized with Jerry Hughes, the TCU DE who the Colts drafted with the second to last pick in the first round of this years draft.
According to USA Today sources the deal is in the realm of $12 million over 5 years. Hughes is expected to supplement Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, giving the pro bowl pass rushers valuable rest during games and providing a three pronged attack that is set to give opposing quarterbacks nightmares.
Colts coach Jim Caldwell went as far as telling reporters he expected Hughes to practice later on Monday. “He’ll be here this afternoon,” Caldwell said.
Getting Hughes on the practice field is a huge boost for both the player and the team. There have been plenty of draft picks down the years who have held out during camp and never recovered essentially ruining their careers before they even began. It gives the Colts a full summer to see what Hughes can do, and as he will not be counted on to start during the regular season he will see plenty of time in preseason matches.