Yesterday, the rumor mill churned out a small nugget of info regarding free agent offensive lineman Chester Pitts, formerly of the Houston Texans. From 2002-2009, Chester Pitts was the starting offensive guard for the Texans. He was there from the very beginning, i.e., when their o-line sucked so bad it turned a #1 overall draft pick at quarterback into a bust. Pitts blew out his knee last year in Week Two of the season. Now, he's out to prove he's healthy again.
Pitts held a workout for two previously unnamed teams yesterday. Some thought one of the teams was the Eagles. Turns out it was the other team from Pennsylvania, the Steelers. The second team to attend the workout was the Colts.
From NFL.com's Jason La Canfora:
Free-agent guard Chester Pitts worked out for two teams Tuesday in Arizona, according to his agent, Andrew Kessler, who added that his client has visits scheduled with two other clubs next week.The teams have asked that their identities not be revealed at this time, Kessler said. However, a source with knowledge of the situation revealed the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers attended Pitts' workout.
At 6'4, 310 pounds, Pitts is certainly not in the old mold of Colts linemen. However, he very much fits what new offensive line coach Pete Metzelaars is looking for in terms of size and weight in a player. The question remains, Is Pitts healthy?
If Pitts is signed, this would seem to indicate the Colts are a little desperate in trying to shore up a position of need. Think about it: If you are reasonably confident that two of the nine players currently on the roster who can be slotted in at guard are starting material, you don't go out and sign a somewhat mediocre player like Pitts who is also coming off a serious knee injury.
It's worth noting that wide receiver John Matthews was released yesterday, which suggests some kind of roster move is imminent.