Talks Are “Warming Up Considerably” Between Colts & DE Robert Mathis

Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star reports contract negotiations between the Indianapolis Colts and DE Robert Mathis are “warming up considerably.”

The Colts have maintained that Mathis is someone that they would like to retain him despite the fact that they’re shifting to a new hybrid defensive scheme that’s expected to employ both 3-4 and 4-3 defensive fronts. Mathis, 31, arguably would be more versatile than Dwight Freeney in such a scheme as it’s really hard to imagine Freeney dropping into coverage when he’s the prototypical 4-3 defensive end.

In recent weeks we’ve heard that the the Titans and Falcons could both be interested in him if he becomes available.