AFC Notes: Colts, Texans, Titans

Colts

Colts HC Frank Reich isn’t happy when people assume QB Carson Wentz is broken from his time with the Eagles.

“That’s a good question, a fair statement, but I just cringe when I hear stuff like that,” Reich said, via 1075 The Fan. “Not that a player shouldn’t be accountable for poor play on the field and Carson has to answer to that and he has answered to it, and until you get out there and prove otherwise that’s what you live with. I just know that playing the position of quarterback there are so many factors that go into it.”

“We talk a lot about why the poor play last year. I’m just very confident that he (now) has a team around him and I think the culture fit – again, you guys know how I feel about the Eagles and how highly I think of that organization, but sometimes in sports, this is just one of those transitions that I think is going to end up being good for both organizations. I think it is going to be good for Carson. I think we have to be patient with it. I think it takes a little bit of time just like it took Philip (Rivers) a minute and Jacoby (Brissett) a minute. But I’m confident we got the right player.”

• Colts CB T.J. Carrie said he wanted to return to the team and has a ton of respect to the organization. (George Bremer)
• Colts S Khari Willis is embracing a role as a leader on the team: “Leadership comes in many different forms, and I’m just trying to master all of them.” (Bremer)
• Colts WR Michael Pittman said so far Wentz has been a great addition to the team: “I have no idea what everyone else is talking about. I see a team guy. He’s always there, ready to help and do whatever it takes. He’s a great guy, and he’s been a great teammate.” (Jim Ayello)
• Pittman added second-year QB Jacob Eason has developed a lot over the past year: “You see a guy who’s smart and talented. He just has everything that it takes.” (Zac Keefer)
• Eason told reporters he has already seen a difference in attending practices in his second year: “It’s awesome. Completely different situation in the QB room. … It’s awesome having a firm grasp of the offense this time versus being a rookie (learning everything).” (Ayello)
• Eason believes he learned a lot from working with Rivers and QB Jacoby Brissett: “I don’t believe I wasted a minute last year here. Given the circumstances, I think I grew tremendously.” (Ayello)
• Eason acknowledged last year was a difficult one for rookies: “I think last year was tough for all rookies going into the league. Not getting those 3-4 preseasons games was tough. … I think a lot of guys were getting cut without getting to prove themselves.” (Ayello)
• Colts OT Eric Fisher signed an $8.38 million contract with a $2 million guaranteed base salary, $4 million signing bonus, $2.38 million total in per-game active roster bonuses and $750,000 in incentives. The second year of the deal voids automatically. (Aaron Wilson)

Texans

• According to Aaron Wilson, the Texans gave LB Neville Hewitt a contract worth $1.7 million. He has a $1 million base salary, half of which is guaranteed, a $200,000 signing bonus and up to $500,000 in per-game active roster bonuses. 

Titans

• Pro Football Talk’s Chris Simms says Falcons WR Julio Jones has the most interest in the Titans and Patriots as trade destinations.