Report: Arthur Jones takes paycut with Colts

Just like Trent Cole a few days ago, it seems that Colts defensive tackle Arthur Jones has taken a paycut.

According to ESPN's Field Yates, Jones agreed to a paycut from his $4.5 million salary to now just a $2.5 million salary, saving the team $2 million in cap space.  Yates notes, however, that Jones can earn back that $2 million with roster bonuses and incentives.

It's a smart move for both sides, as the Colts gave Jones a large contract in free agency a few years ago that unfortunately hasn't worked out, as Jones has been hurt for much of the past two seasons.  He was a candidate to become a cap casualty, but the Colts instead opted to offer him a paycut, which he accepted.

Just two games into Jones' first season with the Colts in 2014, he suffered an ankle injury that forced him to miss several games in what, essentially, became a lost season for him.  He returned near the end of the year and in the playoffs and still played in 12 games total (starting six) including the postseason, but much of the year was hampered by injury.  Then, in 2015, Jones was lost before the season even started as he was injured in preseason.  He could have a significant impact moving forward if he can stay healthy, but it makes perfect sense to restructure his contract.  If he stays healthy, he has the chance to earn back the money in incentives, but if not, the Colts aren't as hurt by the loss cap-wise as they otherwise might have been.