Jelani Woods looks like man on a mission in workout video

Jelani Woods shows off some real progress.

Indianapolis Colts tight end Jelani Woods lost the entire 2023 season dealing with nagging hamstring injuries, but he appears to be on track to making an impact in 2024.

His absence was nothing short of disappointing considering the explosiveness he brings to the offense. Not being able to see what he looked like in Shane Steichen’s offense was a major letdown.

But a workout video he posted Wednesday should give Colts fans a little hope that we’ll see him on the field in 2024.

The uber-athletic tight end posted some medicine ball workouts emphasizing explosiveness and body control. It’s easy to forget how mammoth of a person Woods is after not seeing him for an entire season.

Woods posted a 25-312-3 receiving line on 40 targets during his rookie season, showcasing some immense explosiveness despite a limited role.

The Colts are likely to address the tight end position one way or another during the 2024 offseason, but this development should bring a sliver of hope for Woods’ return after a long absence.

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Report: Colts showing interest in trade for L’Jarius Sneed

The Colts reportedly have interest in trading for CB L’Jarius Sneed.

The Indianapolis Colts reportedly have expressed interest in a potential trade for Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.

After the Chiefs applied the non-exclusive franchise tag on the star cornerback ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, it was reported by Tyler Dragon of USA TODAY Sports that multiple teams have expressed interest.

The Colts were listed among the group of teams looking into a potential trade for the Chiefs’ top cornerback.

Sneed still has permission to seek a trade despite the designation. A person with direct knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports that the Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars have expressed interest in the Chiefs corner.

Considering the need the Colts have at the cornerback position, Sneed is a top option for the front office to pursue. He’s improved his play every season in the NFL, and enjoyed a breakout campaign helping the Chiefs win another Super Bowl.

According to Pro Football Focus, Sneed allowed 53 receptions on 102 targets (52%), 10.3 yards per reception and a 66.0 passer rating in coverage during the 2023 season.

The Colts like what they have in second-year cornerback Julius Brents on the boundary, but he needs to prove he can stay healthy. They also have fellow second-year corner Jaylon Jones, who flashed some promise. But he’s likely best suited as a rotational depth piece than a full-time starter.

Adding a talent like Sneed won’t be cheap. It would likely cost the Colts at least a Day 2 draft pick, and then they would need to sign him to a contract extension.

However, it’s not often a player with Sneed’s talent and seamless fit within Gus Bradley’s scheme becomes available so this certainly is something to keep an eye on.

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Colts place franchise tag on WR Michael Pittman Jr.

Michael Pittman Jr. has been franchise tagged.

The Indianapolis Colts applied the non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., first reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network on Tuesday. The team confirmed the news shortly afterward.

The deadline to apply the franchise tag was 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, which means the Colts had to make a decision if they failed to reach a long-term contract extension with their star wideout.

It seems the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement on a new deal, but the application of the franchise tag extends the window to negotiate further throughout the spring and summer.

The value of the franchise tag at wide receiver is $21,816,000 for the 2024 season.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard made it clear they want Pittman here for the long haul and that the 26-year-old will be a member of the team in 2024 regardless of whether it’s on a new contract or under the franchise tag.

The non-exclusive tag will allow Pittman to field offers from other teams. It also gives the Colts the chance to match or refuse any offer that is made. If the Colts refuse an offer made to Pittman by another team, and he agrees to that deal, the Colts would be compensated with two first-round picks.

The likelihood of a tag and trade scenario is unlikely unless both sides are on completely opposite ends of the spectrum.

There is mutual interest in keeping Pittman as a member of the Colts so this move is likely a tactic to extend the window of negotiations. Pittman doesn’t have to sign the franchise tag until the middle of July.

This is the first time since 2013 the Colts have used the franchise tag.

Pittman is coming off his best season in the NFL and has only gotten better with each season as a professional. He recorded 106 receptions for 1,152 yards during the 2023 season, both of which were career-high marks.

Despite working with seven different starting quarterbacks since entering the league in 2020, Pittman’s 3,662 receiving yards rank fifth among his peers in that draft class while his 336 receptions rank third behind only CeeDee Lamb (395) and Justin Jefferson (392).

In terms of Colts history, Pittman’s 336 receptions are the most in franchise history through a player’s first four seasons. He ranks third in receiving yards behind only T.Y. Hilton (4,413) and Marvin Harrison (4,141).

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Drew Ogletree’s domestic violence charges dismissed

The charges against Drew Ogletree have been dismissed.

The domestic violence charges against Indianapolis Colts tight end Andrew Ogletree were dismissed in Hendricks County on Tuesday.

Ogletree, who is currently on the Commissioner Exempt List, was arrested in December on two counts of domestic battery. However, prosecutors determined there was a lack of evidence after further investigation.

Ogletree’s attorney, Brian Hamilton, released the following statement after the charges were dismissed:

“Today, the State of Indiana filed an unconditional dismissal of all charges against Andrew Ogletree. While preliminary investigations may have led to an arrest, that was only the start of the investigation process. Law enforcement officials continued their investigation into the facts of this case, and after completing their review of the evidence, the Hendricks County Prosecutor dismissed the case.

Andrew has always maintained his innocence and he has been fully exonerated. Andrew would like to thank the Hendricks County Prosecutor’s Office and the Avon Police Department for their professionalism and their never-ending pursuit of the truth.

Additionally, Andrew deeply appreciates his family, friends and fans who stood by him during these proceedings. Finally, Andrew is forever grateful to his attorneys who believed in his innocence and fought tirelessly for today’s result.”

Ogletree was on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, which is essentially paid leave, following his arrest. Though the charges were dropped, the NFL is still expected to conduct its own investigation, which means Ogletree is likely to remain on the exempt list until that is concluded.

The Colts have a crowded tight end room, and they are expected to add to the position at some point throughout the offseason so it remains to be seen what will become of Ogletree’s future with the team.

Regardless, the dismissal of charges brings Ogletree one step closer to getting back onto the football field.

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NFL sets 2024 salary cap at record $255.4 million

The NFL set the salary cap at $255.4 million for the 2024 season.

The NFL set the salary cap at $255.4 million for the 2024 season, the league announced Friday.

In what was a $30 million increase from the 2023 season, the NFL said in a release Friday that the unprecedented increase was a result of the repayment from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NFL announced today that the 2024 Salary Cap will be $255.4 million per club, with an additional $74 million per club payment for player benefits, which includes Performance Based Pay and benefits for retired players. Total 2024 player costs will be $329.4 million per club, or more than $10.5 billion league-wide.

The unprecedented $30 million increase per club in this year’s Salary Cap is the result of the full repayment of all amounts advanced by the clubs and deferred by the players during the Covid pandemic as well as an extraordinary increase in media revenue for the 2024 season.

Considering the Colts were expected to work with something between $242-245 million for the salary cap, this gives them a bit more flexibility when it comes to signing contracts.

According to Over The Cap, the Colts are working with roughly $68.1 million in effective salary-cap space, which ranks as the fifth-highest mark in the NFL.

Though player demands will likely go up given this news, this should make life a bit easier for the front office in terms of contract extensions for the big names set to hit free agency.

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Colts’ assistant coach Payton McCollum joins Titans staff

A Colts assistant coach joined the Titans’ new staff.

Indianapolis Colts defensive assistant coach Payton McCollum was hired by the Tennessee Titans in the role of assistant wide receivers coach.

McCollum spent just one season with the Colts after spending recent seasons at the collegiate level working at Eastern Michigan, Washington, North Carolina Central, North Carolina and Campbell.

McCollum has spent the majority of his coaching career at the collegiate level. However, he did spend two seasons with the Detroit Lions (2016-2017) working as a coaching assistant.

The Titans announced their entire coaching staff under Tuesday new head coach Brian Callahan.

Colts’ Rusty Jones announces retirement

Rusty Jones is retiring.

Indianapolis Colts director of sports performance Rusty Jones retired from the NFL, the team announced Tuesday.

Jones spent 34 years in the NFL and the last six seasons with the Colts after being hired in 2018.

“Rusty is one of the most well-respected conditioning and nutrition experts in our industry. His energy and passion for sports nutrition is unmatched and Rusty has helped numerous athletes in his career reach their full potential with his knowledge and guidance,” said general manager Chris Ballard in a statement. “Moreso, he is one of the most authentic people I have come across in my career and the Colts were fortunate to have Rusty for the last six years. I’m excited for him to start the next chapter of his life with his wife, Sharon, and son, Tyler.”

Jones entered the league in 1985 with the Buffalo Bills serving as their strength and conditioning coordinator for 19 years. He then was promoted to director of physical development and assistant to the head coach in 2004.

Jones was hired by the Chicago Bears in 2005, serving as the strength and conditioning coordinator for three seasons. He then was promoted to the role of director of physical development in 2008, a role he held until announcing his initial retirement following the 2012 season.

Jones was named the 2006 National Professional Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year.

He turned to consulting in 2014, doing so for four seasons before joining the Colts’ staff in 2018.

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WATCH: Colts’ Anthony Richardson throwing footballs

He’s back.

Sound the alarms. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has resumed throwing.

The second-year quarterback continues to rehab his throwing shoulder following season-ending surgery to repair a Grade 3 AC joint sprain, which he suffered during the Week 5 game against the Tennessee Titans.

Richardson posted earlier this week that he would begin throwing soon, and it seems that time has come.

Though there is still a long way to go, it’s encouraging that Richardson seemingly hasn’t suffered any setbacks. Beginning a throwing program in February may put him on track to participate in the spring workouts, but that hasn’t been confirmed yet.

Richardson showed off his dual-threat ability during the first month of his rookie season and even proved his abilities as a passer are much further developed than initially thought when he was drafted No. 4 overall in 2023.

Richardson also showed some incredible poise in the pocket and command of the huddle despite his lack of experience as a starter entering the league.

We’ll see how Richardson progresses with his throwing program, but this should get Colts fans excited as the offseason truly begins.

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Colts are middle of the pack in ESPN’s way-too-early 2024 power rankings

A middling ranking for the Colts by ESPN.

The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2024 offseason looking to build off an impressive campaign after narrowly missing out on a playoff spot in the first year under head coach Shane Steichen.

There is a lot more optimism about the direction of the franchise compared to this time last year as it’s clear they have a strong leader at the front of the line. Though some questions remain, the outlook of the team is more positive than not.

In ESPN’s way-too-early 2024 power rankings, the Colts find themselves right in the middle of the pack.

15. Indianapolis Colts

2023 record: 9-8

Offseason in three words: Down to business

The Colts showed they have the ability to compete for a division title now, and not later, with a surprising nine-win season. So with the expected return of Anthony Richardson at quarterback, and with a roster that fell just one win shy of the AFC South crown, it’s time for the Colts to bolster their weaknesses with the goal of taking the next step. This is also not the time to take chances with their key free agents, like WR Michael Pittman Jr ., CB Kenny Moore II and NT Grover Stewart — each of whom is vital to their future success. — Stephen Holder

It will be interesting to see what the offseason has in store for the Colts. Re-signing some key free agents will be the top priority before the new league year arrives, and then there is the matter of the 2024 NFL draft.

The encouraging aspect of this offseason is the fact that we don’t have to spend most of the time discussing who the quarterback will be. Of course, Anthony Richardson is still working his way back from season-ending shoulder surgery, but we know he’s the man once all systems are going.

Considering how competitive they were without the upside that Richardson brings, it’s certainly possible the Colts outperform this ranking by the end of 2024.

Meanwhile, around the division, the Houston Texans (No. 9) led the way followed by the Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 14) and Tennessee Titans (No. 26).

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Colts’ Anthony Richardson suggests he begins throwing soon

It seems Anthony Richardson will begin throwing soon.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is months removed from the season-ending shoulder surgery he underwent during October, and it appears he’s closing in on beginning a throwing program.

Richardson told the media following the end of the season in January that he expects to begin throwing at some point during the month of February. The Instagram story he posted Sunday suggests that time is coming soon.

Richardson underwent surgery on Oct. 24 to repair a Grade 3 AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder. He could have tried to simply rehab it with a slight chance of returning late in the season, but the long-term outlook suggested surgery to correct any issues he was dealing with.

The Colts are excited about Richardson’s future and what he can bring to the table as a playmaker and a leader. His dual-threat abilities were put well on display despite his short rookie season.

Beginning a throwing program in February may put Richardson on track to participate in the spring workouts, which begin for the Colts in the middle of April. However, it remains to be seen what the Colts have planned for his activities during the spring.

We’ll see what happens over the course of the next month or so, but it appears Richardson will begin throwing soon.

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