Reports: Colts active in DL market, Nick Fairley

Dec 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) celebrates after making a play during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at Ford Field. Giants beat the Lions 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) celebrates after making a play during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at Ford Field. Giants beat the Lions 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

According to multiple reports, the Indianapolis Colts have been active in the defensive line market


Free agency is inching closer and teams are beginning to make big moves in the tampering window. While players can’t officially sign until Tuesday, teams are allowed to negotiate with the agents of players. Looking to take the next step and become Super Bowl contenders, the Indianapolis Colts are looking to add dynamic talent to the defensive line.

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The Colts recently released defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois and are looking to upgrade the position.

One potential replacement could be Lions free agent defensive tackle Nick Fairley.

Fairley was a first round pick for Detroit in 2011 out of Auburn and alongside Ndamukong Suh, the duo created one of the best defensive lines in football.

According to Ian Wharton, the Colts are offering double the guaranteed money than whatever anyone else is offering for Fairley.

Prying Fairley away from Detroit won’t be easy after the team has reportedly lost Suh to the Miami Dolphins. After having one of the best defenses in football, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Detroit do everything in their power to keep one of the main cogs of their defensive line.

Another defensive lineman that the Colts have also been linked to is Terrance Knighton.

According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, the Colts are among teams showing serious interest in the former Denver Broncos defensive tackle.

With Denver up against the cap, they are expected to lose many key free agents. With Knighton having many suitors, he will probably command more than Denver can afford.

Knighton would be another instant upgrade to the Colts defensive line. The 335 pound defensive lineman takes up a lot of space in the middle and brings a veteran presence to a young Colts team that fell in the AFC Championship Game to the eventual Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots.

While these are just reports for now, it is clear the Colts are looking to make a splash on the defensive line.

[H/T: Ian Wharton, Josina Anderson]

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