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Report: Trent Cole Set to Visit Colts if He Leaves Tampa Bay Without a Deal

According to the Tampa Bay Times' Greg Auman, recently released defensive end/outside linebacker Trent Cole has a visit lined up with the Colts for Monday - if he leaves Tampa Bay without a deal.

By Josh Wilson
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

We take a break from complete coverage of the Colts' announcement that they won't be bringing back star wide receiver Reggie Wayne to note this report from the Tampa Bay Times' Greg Auman, who says that the Colts have a meeting scheduled with defensive end/outside linebacker Trent Cole for Monday.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>If free-agent DE Trent Cole leaves Bucs today without a deal, next scheduled visit for former Eagles star is Colts on Monday. ...</p>&mdash; Greg Auman (@gregauman) <a href="https://twitter.com/gregauman/status/573950070996996096">March 6, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Of course, this is all dependent on whether or not Cole leaves Tampa Bay without a deal, as he's currently visiting the Buccaneers.  Cole was released by the Eagles earlier this week after ten seasons, during which he played in 155 games (starting 145) and recorded 569 tackles, 85.5 sacks, 14 passes defensed, an interception (returned for a touchdown), and 19 forced fumbles.  The 32-year old defender also has been selected to two Pro Bowls in his career.

Cole is better as a 4-3 defensive end than as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but the Colts really need pass rush help this offseason.  It was a struggle last year for them and, though Robert Mathis is coming back, it's hard to count on a 34-year old coming off of a torn Achilles.  The Colts have made clear that it's an area they are looking to address, and adding Cole would make sense for the Colts beyond just the pass rush need.  Colts general manager Ryan Grigson was with the Eagles in various capacities from 2004-2011.  The Eagles drafted Cole in 2005, so Grigson knows the defender well from his time in Philly.  It makes sense, therefore, that as Grigson looks to add pass rush help he would want to bring in a guy that he knows well for a visit.

If Cole leaves Tampa Bay without a deal, it's expected that he'll head to Indy on Monday for a visit with the Colts.

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