NDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts answered one big question Monday — just not that one.
Less than 30 minutes after using the franchise tag on Robert Mathis, the team confirmed it had agreed to terms on a new long-term deal with the Pro Bowl defensive end — keeping one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushing tandems intact. The move comes three days before the Colts must make an even bigger decision about Peyton Manning’s future, but keeping Mathis and Dwight Freeney together in Indy was, clearly, one of the team’s offseason priorities.
“First and foremost, we’re going to make sure that we put both of those guys in position to make plays,” Pagano told reporters during the NFL’s recent scouting combine in Indianapolis. “I don’t think it would be very smart on my part or anybody else’s part to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
Mathis agreed to a four-year, $36-million contract.
He responded to the deal by writing on Twitter: “Still Bleedin BLUE!!!”
