Colts claim Matthias Farley, Neiko Thorpe off waivers

The Indianapolis Colts today were awarded two players off of waivers, defensive backs Matthias Farley and Neiko Thorpe. In order to make room for them, the team later released cornerback Jalil Brown and tight end Chase Coffman.

Farley was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals this offseason out of Notre Dame. The 5-11, 210 defensive back played safety for the Irish, starting 52 games (starting 26) and recording 192 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, eight interceptions, 13 passes defensed, and a forced fumble in his career. He recorded at least 40 tackles in each of his four seasons with Notre Dame. He began as a wide receiver, but he then moved to safety, and the Cardinals had been working him as a safety and corner. That versatility could be what made him especially appealing to the Colts, as they could use depth at both cornerback and safety. In four preseason games with the Cardinals this year, he recorded 13 tackles.

Neiko Thorpe was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012 out of Auburn, and then he spent the 2013 season in the Canadian Football League. For the past two seasons, he has played for the Oakland Raiders, who waived him yesterday. He has played in 37 career games (starting two) and has recorded 53 tackles, seven passes defensed, and an interception in his NFL career. According to Silver and Black Pride, he was the Raiders’ third cornerback last year (and started two games) and his agent said that there was some trade interest this year, but nothing materialized.

Because of the fact that the Colts claimed two defensive backs, I would expect to see at least one defensive back cut to make room, and that’s exactly what happened with the release of Jalil Brown. As for some of the players already cut by the Colts, they all cleared waivers, meaning that they are eligible to be signed to the Colts’ practice squad. Cornerback D’Joun Smith also cleared waivers and has reverted to the Colts’ injured reserve list, though it’s likely he will reach an injury settlement with the team at some point.