Report: Colts, OLB Trent Cole agree to reduced salary

The Indianapolis Colts are running short on time to make cuts to the roster, but made a deal this morning to get halfway there.

Long thought to be on the list of roster cuts was outside linebacker Trent Cole. He was brought in last year to help bolster a lacking pass rush, but was a non-factor for most of the season. Cole played better towards the end of the season but finished with just three sacks.

A report form ESPN’s Field Yates indicates that Cole has accepted a pay cut rather than being outright released from the roster.

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The Colts are heading into the season in desperate need of some pass rushers, but Cole really didn’t show much last season. He played more like a slower Erik Walden than Robert Mathis, which is what the team was hoping for.

This is a clear sign that the Colts likely aren’t going to find a edge rusher in free agency or the draft. GM Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano have both spoken about how there is a lack of these players this year. With Jonathan Newsome‘s release and Bjoern Werner being a bust, the Colts have to have some experienced player to fill out the position.

Regardless of talent and need, the move saves the Colts $2.25 million and could help them re-sign a key player (like Jerrell Freeman) or bring in a free agent cornerback or offensive lineman.

The Colts are expected to make more cuts this week (they still haven’t officially released Andre Johnson) and we’ll keep you updated on all the team moves.