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After the Colts released defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois earlier this afternoon, many people (including myself) wondered whether or not the team had first approached RJF about a potential pay cut. After all, Jean Francois was a solid rotational defensive lineman for the Colts but didn't justify his cap hit over $6 million, especially considering the Colts saved nearly $5 million by cutting him. But for a lesser contract, he would be worth keeping around.
The Indianapolis Star's Stephen Holder wondered the same thing, though he got the sense that a restructure wasn't discussed.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Wondered whether <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Colts?src=hash">#Colts</a> offered to restructure Jean Francois' contract. Got the sense from a source this wasn't discussed. Moving on</p>— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) <a href="https://twitter.com/HolderStephen/status/569979874338672640">February 23, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
A few minutes later, however, Holder wrote a return to the Colts hasn't been completely ruled out by RJF's camp, though there is expected to be interest on the free agent marked for the defensive lineman. Holder writes:
But his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told the Indianapolis Star Jean Francois would have a "healthy market in free agency" and has not ruled out a return to the Colts. Any such return would obviously be at a reduced salary, but Jean Francois could have some value in terms of depth.
Obviously, a return to the Colts is unlikely for RJF, especially if no restructure was talked about. Why would the Colts bring back the defensive lineman after cutting him rather than just offer a restructured deal in the first place? And would RJF really want to come back to the Colts after they cut him without offering him a restructure? My guess is that Rosenhaus and RJF are leaving the door open just in case things don't work out in free agency, but I would be pretty surprised if the defensive lineman returns to the Colts on a new deal. I wouldn't be opposed to it, as I think he's a solid rotational lineman, but I doubt it happens.
That said, however, it's interesting that a return hasn't completely been ruled out yet. Whatever the case, I hope RJF succeeds wherever he does end up yet, as he's a good guy and a solid player but was cut for cap purposes in Indianapolis. Where he'll be playing next year is unknown, and while RJF's camp isn't ruling a return to the Colts out yet, I'd be surprised if that happens.