Report: Colts Sign RB Dion Lewis

According to a report from Yahoo Sports' Rand Getlin, the Colts have signed running back Dion Lewis to a two-year deal:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Colts?src=hash">#Colts</a> have signed RB Dion Lewis, per a league source. Lewis last played for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Browns?src=hash">#Browns</a>.</p>&mdash; Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rand_Getlin/status/509444589153837056">September 9, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>It&#39;s a two-year deal with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Colts?src=hash">#Colts</a> for RB Dion Lewis. Talented addition to the Indianapolis backfield.</p>&mdash; Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rand_Getlin/status/509447110593228800">September 9, 2014</a></blockquote>

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Lewis was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles (and Ryan Grigson) in the fifth round of the 2011 draft out of Pittsburgh.  In college, he rushed for 2,850 yards and 30 touchdowns in two seasons at Pittsburgh, averaging over 5 yards per carry and also adding 405 yards and a touchdown in the receiving game.  He played in 24 total games in the 2011-12 seasons for the Eagles, rushing 36 times for 171 yards and 2 touchdowns (averaging 4.8 yards per carry).  He also returned 31 kickoffs for the Eagles in 2011, averaging 21.6 yards per return.  In 2012, he returned just one kick for 33 yards.  He was traded to the Cleveland Browns in the 2013 offseason.  This preseason, he rushed 12 times for 30 yards in 4 games and caught 5 passes for 16 yards and a score.

The move is an interesting one.  Lewis is a guy who would likely take over at kick returner for the Colts and who would likely take Zurlon Tipton's spot on the roster.  The really intriguing thing will be to see how much the Colts use him on offense, such as in a third down role or something like that.  Let's be real: he's not going to beat out either Trent Richardson or Ahmad Bradshaw for playing time, but he still could see a couple of snaps and it will be something to watch, at least.  For sure, though, he should be able to help in the return game.

It's important to note that there is no confirmation by the Colts yet on this move so it's currently only a report, but we'll keep you updated.