Colts Sign Guard Todd Herremans

The Indianapolis Colts are starting free agency a few days early, as the team announced this morning that they have agreed to terms with longtime Eagles guard Todd Herremans.

Herremans (6-6, 321 pounds) is a 32-year old guard who spent the last ten seasons with the Eagles before being released recently.  He visited the Colts on Friday.  Herremans played in 127 career games with the Eagles, starting 124, and is very versatile, as he's able to play four of the five positions along the offensive line well (left tackle, right tackle, left guard, and right guard).  He spent the last two seasons at right guard with the Eagles, and that's likely where he'll play next year for the Colts as well.

The Colts do need offensive line help, and particularly at right guard.  Thus, this signing makes a lot of sense.  Herremans has been a very reliable player for the last decade and, when healthy, would be a significant upgrade at right guard for the Colts.  He likely won't be guaranteed the starting right guard spot, but as it currently stands he's the best option the Colts have on the roster at the position.  Furthermore, he adds depth along the entire offensive line as well.  Also, Colts general manager Ryan Grigson knows Herremans well from the time they both spent in Philly together, so from the time the guard was released we've wondered whether a signing with the Colts might take place.

According to ESPN's Adam Caplan, the deal is for one year and worth up to $3.5 million.

Terms for Herremans: 1 year deal worth up to $3.5 M, source confirmed.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 8, 2015

That's not a bad deal at all for the Colts, as they likely get an upgrade at right guard with a proven veteran on a very fair deal.  This is a good move by the Colts.

UPDATE (11:41 A.M.): Here is what Herremans told ESPN's Josina Anderson about joining the Colts:

"It was a different experience for me going through trying to find a whole new team. Indy seems like a good fit for me and a good opportunity to start. I want to compete for a Super Bowl. I've been close before but never quite close enough. I had a good time speaking with their offensive line coach and their general manager Ryan Grigson. I know him from when he was in Philadelphia. It was good to reconnect. I have a good feeling about it. I'm really excited to get started."