Jason LaCanfora of NFL Network is tweeting that the Colts will release seventh-year cornerback Kelvin Hayden.
I guess the sources for my buddy John Michael 'JMV' Vincent at 1070 The Fan were wrong on Hayden being 'safe.' (It's OK, JMV. I still love ya!)
Hayden was in the third year of a $43 million dollar contract. Since signing that deal, Hayden has appeared in only twenty regular season games. A neck injury landed him on the Injured Reserve list last season. He was to count roughly $9 million against Indy's cap in 2011.
Colts fans best remember Hayden as the player who sealed the Colts victory over the Bears in Super Bowl XLI, intercepting quarterback Rex Grossman in the fourth quarter and returning it for a touchdown. Hayden had 214 tackles, four forced fumbles, and three interceptions in his career with the Colts. He was drafted out of Illinois in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft.
It is not clear at this time what savings the Colts will gain in terms of cap space with the release of Hayden. His release is coupled with rumors that 2011 sixth round pick Chris Rucker was signed. No confirmation yet on Rucker's contract. Rucker, like Hayden, is a corner.
[UPDATE] Mike Chappell at the Indianapolis Star confirms Rucker has been signed.