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Redding Announces Return: May Not Be With Colts

By Luke Schultheis

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The Indianapolis Colts Cory Redding announced via Twitter that he intends to play for next season:

While it was assumed that if Redding did return, it would be in a Colts uniform that looks like it may no longer be the case. The 12-year NFL veteran also announced that he’ll be visiting the Arizona Cardinals tomorrow and possibly reuniting with a former Colts coach in Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians:

Jan 4, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive end Cory Redding (90) celebrates the Colts 45-44 win over the Kansas City Chiefs after the 2013 AFC wild card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

The 34 year old was assumed to be welcomed with open arms if he decided to return, given that he was highly productive and one of the veteran leaders of the defense. However, it looks as though Redding is either weighing his options or the Colts are looking at younger options, possibly with Detroit Lions defensive lineman Nick Fairley as a top priority.

Either way, it’s somewhat surprising that Redding announced his decision at the very onset of when free agency can officially begin. He’ll now hit the open market, and it will be interesting to see if the Colts are actually serious in retaining his services. The team has already re-signed key veterans like Darius Butler, Joe Reitz, and Mike Adams, and it was expected that Redding would’ve been high on their list should he decide to return.

The veteran leader made all 16 starts for the Colts last season, recording 35 tackles and 3.5 sacks. His production graded out favorably both on the field and by the advanced grades provided by ProFootballFocus. However, it’s possible that the Colts are looking to get younger along their defensive line and that Redding isn’t perhaps the perceived priority he once was.

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