In Indianapolis, Stephen Holder writes the Colts' approach in the opening days of free agency "should finally convince the few remaining holdouts" that the team is "rebuilding." The team had more than $70M in salary-cap room when free agency began, but the Colts have only signed DL Denico Autry to a deal that will "average less than $6 million per year." More deals are "likely to come," but they will be "targeted signings designed to create competition and address holes with temporary, moderately-priced solutions" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 3/16).
HAS THE TIDE TURNED? THE ATHLETIC's Don Banks noted there is "finally reason for hope" for Browns fans after the team's "flurry of trades and signings" that include acquiring WR Jarvis Landry, QB Tyrod Taylor and RB Carlos Hyde. There is a "lot to like about the recent moves" made by the team, going back to hiring John Dorsey as GM. Banks: "It's fair to wonder if we'll look back on this stretch of days as the pivotal period when the Browns' historic run of ineptitude finally ended" (THEATHLETIC.com, 3/15).
UPDATE ON PANTHERS' SITUATION: In Charlotte, Person, Peralta & Rothacker note three names have become public as "likely bidders" for the Panthers -- Ben Navarro, Michael Rubin and David Tepper -- and it is "not clear if any other will surface." Sources said that "none of the three would look to move the team from Charlotte." Felix Sabates has "spearheaded a potential local ownership group." But a source said that he "might look at partnering with another bidder" (CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.com, 3/16).
