NFL Rumors: Indianapolis Colts release Samson Satele

Jan 4, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts center Samson Satele (64) celebrates the victory against the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2013 AFC wild card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Kansas City 45-44. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

The Indianapolis Colts stole the NFL headlines early on Thursday when they announced they had come to an agreement with D’Qwell Jackson.

Jackson, who was released by the Cleveland Browns, agreed to a four-year, $22 million deal.

The Colts made another move on Thursday, releasing starting center Samson Satele.

"Satele’s release comes as little surprise. Indy gains $4 million against the cap by cutting a seven-year NFL starter who finished as the league’s 31st-ranked center out of 35 qualifiers last season, according to Pro Football Focus.The Colts are primed for further changes up front after guard Hugh Thornton graded as the team’s second-worst lineman in 2013, per PFF. While Andrew Luck absorbed fewer sacks last season (32) after a whopping 50 takedowns the year before, the quarterback still took too many bone-crushing hits in the pocket."

The Colts, taking advantage of quarterback Andrew Luck’s rookie salary before they have to give him a big money deal, can obviously afford a new center.

Satele, 29, has played for both the Colts and Miami Dolphins, starting 98 of the 102 games he has played in.

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