Colts Sign Veteran Offensive Lineman Matt Slauson: 1 Year, $3M

The Indianapolis Colts have become more active in the free agent market as of late, after taking a very cautious approach in the first days of high-dollar signings. With Denico Autry being their only signing after the first few days of the new league year, the Colts have signed tight end Eric Ebron, receiver Ryan Grant, re-signed cornerback Pierre Desir and, now, have also added guard/center Matt Slauson in the past 24 hours.

Slauson has played for the Chicago Bears, New York Jets and the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers throughout his 8-year career. The 32-year old lineman will add another veteran presence to the Colts offensive line, and for the most part, a durable one as well.

Last year Slauson did miss more than half of the season after tearing his bicep after only 7 games, but aside from playing only 5 games in 2014, he has played/started in all 16 games in the other 8 seasons of his career. This comes as a bit of a surprise due to Slauson’s age, but the Colts need help up front any way you slice it.

The 6-foot-5, 320 pound lineman adds some beef up front, some depth to a line that has struggled mightily to protect Andrew Luck, and the potential to improve it if he can regain some of his form from 2015 where he was a top-10 pass protecting guard per Pro Football Focus. Slauson shouldn’t be penciled in as a starter just yet, though, as the Colts have 5 weeks before the draft in which they are expected to add more pieces to the offensive line up until training camp.

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