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One of the first unofficial signings on the first day of free agency has gone down. According to Ian Rapaport of NFL Network, the Indianapolis Colts will sign outside linebacker Trent Cole once free agency signings can become official at 4 PM ET.
The #Colts are signing pass-rusher Trent Cole
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2015
Cole is just one of several veteran free agent signings the Colts are expected to make today or in the next couple of days. Wide receiver Andre Johnson and running back Frank Gore are reportedly set to sign with Indianapolis as well. The 6-foot-3 270-pound Cole will likely play outside linebacker in a pass rusher role for the Colts and he brings a much-needed veteran presence and some winning experience to the Indianapolis front seven. Colts general manager Ryan Grigson knows Cole well from their time together with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Cole became an unrestricted free agent after being released on March 4 by the Eagles. The two sides reportedly were unable to come to an agreement on a restructured contract. As durable as any player in the league, Cole missed only five games during his ten-year career in Philadelphia. In 15 games in 2014, Cole had 6.5 sacks and 52 combined tackles. His best years are behind him, but he still has plenty of production left in him. Jonathan Newsome led the Colts with 6.5 sacks in 2014 and a premier pass rusher like Cole should help push the team over the top defensively.
