Surprise! Colts Re-sign Ryan Diem

On the same day that the Colts officially released cornerback Kelvin Hayden, the team also re-signed offensive lineman Ryan Diem.  Just earlier this week, most observers thought that Hayden would stay and Diem would be cut loose, but Mike Chappell reported earlier today in the Indianapolis Star that Diem has accepted a pay cut on a new one-year deal.

Although Diem, 32, is not aging particularly gracefully, he may be deemed more important than he otherwise would have been thanks to the NFL lockout.   Because there were no OTAs or rookie activities this year, the Colts already announced that draftees Anthony Castonzo and Ben Ijalana would not open the season as starters on the O-line.   With camp opening today, Castonzo has not agreed on contract terms, so his development is likely to be further delayed.    Diem is an experienced insurance policy, a tutor for the young bucks on the line and a bridge to the past hoping to pick up one more Super Bowl ring.   Hopefully, he is not being paid too handsomely for this revised role.