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With the start of free agency just a few days away, we haven’t heard anything concrete about the Colts’ current free agents. That is, until tonight, when safety Mike Adams did some news-breaking of his own: he won’t be back with the Colts.
“Today was my last day as a Colt,” Adams wrote in an Instagram post. “I appreciate all the love from my teammates & the fans! But I definitely left my mark in Indy! 2 Pro Bowls, Started 44 games, 241 tackles, 7 force fumbles, and 17 turnovers (12 INTs) in 3 years!”
In other words, it sounds like Adams was told that he won’t be re-signed by the Colts, which shouldn’t be a surprise to fans paying attention to the report a few days ago saying that there had been “zero discussions” between Adams and the Colts about a new deal. Though technically Adams is still under contract until the new league year starts at 4:00 p.m. ET this Thursday, he presumably was told today that he won’t be back, which is why he mentioned “today” being his final day with the Colts.
Adams had a terrific three-year run with the Colts. Signed in the 2014 offseason to compete for a starting spot, Adams wound up wining the job - and starting for the next three years. The veteran wound up having a career resurgence in Indianapolis, making the first Pro Bowl of his career in 2014 and then doing it again in 2015. He started 44 games for the Colts and recorded 241 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, five quarterback hits, 19 passes defensed, 12 interceptions, seven forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries. During his tenure in Indianapolis, Adams recorded 17 turnovers and developed a reputation as a ball-hawk. He was signed at a time where the Colts desperately needed a stabilizing presence in the secondary, and he definitely provided that.
It shouldn’t be a huge surprise that the Colts are moving on from Adams, since he’ll turn 36 this offseason and the Colts want to get younger, especially on defense. Adams is still a solid safety, but it was never certain he’d be back with the Colts. They likely will have to address the safety position somewhat this offseason, though that could even mean re-signing Darius Butler. We’re still awaiting word on the other free agents, but Mike Adams won’t be back.