AFC Rumors: Colts, Patriots, Steelers

Colts

Colts owner Jim Irsay implied that teams attempted to acquire QB Andrew Luck and submitted trade offers for the former No. 1 overall pick, who is still working his way back from a shoulder injury.

“Trust me, there were people that would have given an unprecedented amount of draft picks with a No. 1 behind them for him, and we wouldn’t even think of even drifting in that direction,” Irsay said, via Kevin Bowen of 1070 The Fan. “He’s our guy. We feel 100 percent confident he is going to come back and lead this football team with some of the new teammates he’s accumulated to great things.”

“I won’t go any deeper in that,” Irsay added, via the IndyStar.com. “We won’t open our doors on that. Let’s just say that I think the rest of the league is anticipating him to return and play great.”

Colts GM Chris Ballard confirmed that they received trade inquiries for Luck.

“Come on, I’m not taking those seriously,” Ballard said. “We’re not trading Andrew Luck. I’m not putting that on my resume.”

• Ian Rapoport reports that about a year ago, a team inquired about Luck and the Colts “laughed and quickly dismissed it and moved on from there.”

Patriots

• Jeff Howe reports that Patriots OT Marcus Cannon, who underwent season-ending surgery for a high ankle sprain and another issue, is on track to be cleared in mid-June.
• Howe adds that there’s no indication at this point that the Patriots want him to play anywhere other than right tackle.

Steelers

• Gerry Dulac reports Alabama LB Rashaan Evans was the Steelers intended target in the first round no matter who else was there at No. 28 overall.
• After he was taken by the Titans, the Steelers either didn’t have a high enough grade on the rest of the linebackers or didn’t feel strongly enough to go up and get one.