Colts release starting LG Lilja (?)

[pats1]

http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl

Colts | Lilja released
Wed, 7 Jun 2006 19:48:04 -0700
The Indianapolis Colts have released OG Ryan Lilja.

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/493668

He started all 16 games in 2005 for the Colts.

When KFFL doesn't list a source like this, it's usually from the NFLPA database. I just searched for Lilja, and he is indeed no longer listed. KFFL is usually pretty good at following which players are in the database and whatnot. However, it's still possible he was never updated in the database. Pats ERFAs Mruczkowski and Yates, both of whom haven't had announced re-signings, aren't in the database either. Lilja's re-signing was announced, though:

He had been re-signed this past March as an ERFA.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/IND/9276723

If this is true, I'm guessing their 4th round pick from last year, Dylan Gandy, will take over.

 

[AzPatsFan]

Predictable

Last year the Clots had to find some cap cuts so they could pay the skill players and Pay-me-aton all their dough. so they cut both Guards and a backup tackle. they kept Glenn at LOT and Diem at ROT and Saturday at C.

then they brought in a couple of scrubs as guards.

Well it rose up and bit them in the ass against the Chargers and Steelers.

If you remember Pay-me-aton said they had had some "protection problems". What he didn't say was it was his own greed that resulted in the scrub guards. They spent a 5 and 6 on some offensive linemen in the draft and have already cut a "starter" to make room for their new "starter". Superstars and scrubs; thats the ticket to build a Super bowl club, yessireee...

They were lucky as hell, that no OLs were lost to injury last year. Can't happen this year either. But it will...

Just another reason to go along with Edge, Thornton and whatizname the good DL who all left in FA that this year, that I say the Clots collapse and fall behind the Jags.

 

[Miguel]

Last year the Clots had to find some cap cuts so they could pay the skill players and Pay-me-aton all their dough. so they cut both Guards and a backup tackle. they kept Glenn at LOT and Diem at ROT and Saturday at C.

And yet the Colts ended up with one of the best offensive lines in football.
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol.php

The Colts did not cut Rick DeMulling. He was a free agent who signed a big contract with the Lions. Rick DeMulling is now a backup. Given the success of the Colts' offensive line in 2005 and DeMulling's current backup status, it appears that the Colts made the right decision in not signing him to the big contract.

 

[spacecrime]

Given the success of the Colts' offensive line in 2005 and DeMulling's current backup status, it appears that the Colts made the right decision in not signing him to the big contract.

Hmmm. I'm not liking this new trend of the reading about the Colts and having it sound like it's the Patriots. Fiscal responsibility, not paying playes because of past performance, not giving out big contracts to role players, getting rid of players a year early rather than too late, I'm glad Charlie W. ended up a hundred miles to the north, and not in Indy. I like them the way they are, in a downward spiral.

 

[pats1]

As I thought would happen, the NFLPA database is wrong. KFFL likely checked their sources:

http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl

Colts | Lilja remains on roster
Thu, 8 Jun 2006 09:51:20 -0700
Correcting previous reports, the Indianapolis Colts have not released OG Ryan Lilja as previously reported. KFFL apologies for the previous erroneous report.

The correction likely came from ColtPower:

http://colts.scout.com/2/538031.html

Report of Lilja's Release "Erroneous"

By: Ed Thompson
Date: Jun 8, 2006

A published report yesterday stated that Indianapolis Colts starting left guard Ryan Lilja had been released. ColtPower has learned that this report is not accurate and that Lilja is still with the team.

A published report that Colts starting left guard Ryan Lilja has been released does not appear to be accurate. Colts message boards were buzzing last night and this morning regarding the report by KFFL.com that Lilja had been released. The site didn’t report their source for the information.

But ColtPower spoke with the agency that represents Lilja -- Domann & Pittman -- and they were equally surprised by the report, saying that as of late Wednesday night neither they nor Lilja had been informed of any change in his status with the team. In fact, Lilja had just recently finished shooting a commercial with DirecTV and was mentioned repeatedly in an article featuring the offensive line published on Wednesday at Colts.com.

“The report is erroneous,” Craig Domann, Lilja’s agent told ColtPower. “ I’ve spoken with the team, and consistent with all of our conversations, they are very happy with Ryan.”

Lilja is heading into his third NFL season with 22 career regular season starts under his belt and one postseason start. Claimed off of waivers in September, 2004 from the Kansas City Chiefs, he’s been part of an offensive line that over the past two seasons has led or tied for the league lead in fewest sacks allowed. The Colts have also produced more than 5,000 net yards of offense during both of those seasons. Lilja was awarded a game ball for his efforts following his first NFL start against Chicago on November 21st, 2004.

I think KFFL needs to start saying that they use the NFLPA.org database for some of their reports. It's been obvious they use it, just looking at some past stories, especially salary reporting.



KFFL frequently uses the NFLPA.org database to report players' salaries and obscure signings and re-signings, usually with Exclusive Rights free agents (like Lilja).

http://nflpa.org/Members/main.asp?subPage=Active+Player+Search

Leave the name box blank, and just select the Colts and 2006.

If you notice, the first result is an OL with a $425k 2006 salary, but with no name listed. This probably means that the NFLPA updated their database to include Lilja' re-signing to his 2nd year ERFA tender of $425k, but forgot to put his name in.

That's why, if you use their search feature, Lilja's name doesn't come up as other players under contract would:

 

[Joker]

Miguel....while one can't argue the Colts had ,statistically, one of the better O lines in the league last year one HAS TO wonder how much the referee crews blatant favoritism toward the Colts during the regular season, including the PREPOSTEROUS defensive backfield stats, played into an inflated perception of the Colts offensive efficacy....Pittsburgh routinely blew up the colt O line in the playoff game and the refs were so preoccupied with making the WORST CALLS IN NFL HISTORY in favor of the Colts, that they called a standard game along the lines...and what we saw was THE REAL COLT O LINE...a mediocre disjointed unit...at best

 

[flutie2phelan]

.... one HAS TO wonder how much the referee crews blatant favoritism toward the Colts during the regular season, including the PREPOSTEROUS defensive backfield stats, played into an inflated perception of the Colts offensive efficacy....Pittsburgh routinely blew up the colt O line in the playoff game and the refs were so preoccupied with making the WORST CALLS IN NFL HISTORY in favor of the Colts, that they called a standard game along the lines...and what we saw was THE REAL COLT O LINE...a mediocre disjointed unit...at best

Classic ... deserves re-reading !

 

[Miguel]

As I thought would happen, the NFLPA database is wrong. KFFL likely checked their sources:

Great catch.

 

[Miguel]

Last year the Clots had to find some cap cuts so they could pay the skill players and Pay-me-aton all their dough. so they cut both Guards and a backup tackle. they kept Glenn at LOT and Diem at ROT and Saturday at C.

By both guards are you referring to Rick DeMulling and Tupe Peko??? DeMulling is now a backup on the Lions. Peko is not in the NFL. While Peko started 8 games in 2004, he was demoted to a backup in the 2nd half of the 2004 season. Peko was released on April, 2005 which is unusual for a cap cut. Cap cuts are usually done in late February/early March/early June.

Who is the backup tackle??

 

[pats1]

Who is the backup tackle??

I was wondering the same thing. The only backup tackle the Colts had in 2004 was Makoa Freitas, who was on the I.R. last year but returns this year.

Here are the Colts' transactions since they were eliminated by the Pats in January of 2005:

Jan. 17-23
Roster additions for 2005: WR Chris Bernard (released by Colts 9/6, from Colts practice squad on Sept. 14); WR Eric Hill (released by Colts 9/6, ended season on Colts practice squad); WR John Standeford (released by Redskins 8/31, from Colts practice squad 10/1, ended season on Colts practice squad); RB Ran Carthon (released by Colts 9/6, from Colts practice squad 11/22, ended season on Colts practice squad); DB Daryl Dixon (released by Colts 6/27); TE Bryan Fletcher (released by Colts 9/6, from Colts practice squad 11/17, ended season on Colts practice squad); LB Deryck Toles (released by Falcons on 9/1, from Jaguars practice squad 9/10, ended regular season on Brown practice squad, ended season on Colts practice squad); QB Tom Arth (released by Colts 9/6); LB Andre Sommersell (released by Raiders 9/1, from Browns practice squad 11/30, ended season on Colts practice squad); S Brandon Lynch (released by Titans 9/1); PK Stephen Scaldaferri (Kentucky); LB Nathaniel Adibi (released by Steelers 8/31, by Titans 9/6, from Steelers practice squad 9/14, ended season on Jaguars practice squad); CB Willie Ford (released by Chiefs 9/6). Named: QB coach Jim Caldwell, assistant head coach/QB coach.

Jan. 24-Feb. 8
Roster addition for 2005: FB J.T. Wall (released by Steelers 9/6, ended season on Steelers practice squad). Practice-squad contracts expired: FB Tom Lopienski; S Jarrell Weaver.

Feb. 9-27
Roster additions: OG Trevor Hutton (released by Colts 9/6, 2/7); DE Javor Mills (not tendered as ERFA by Jaguars 3/2); DB Jermaine Mays (released by Vikings 9/6). Franchise player designated: RB Edgerrin James. Key signing: Potential UFA OT Ryan Diem.

Feb. 28-March 22
Roster addition: OT Joaquin Gonzalez (not tendered as RFA by Browns 3/1). UFA re-signed: WR Troy Walters. Franchise FA re-signed: RB Edgerrin James. Did not tender offer: ERFA OT Patrick Venzke. Cut: TE Marcus Pollard; DE Brad Scioli; PK Stephen Scaldaferri.

March 23-April 21
Roster additions: OG Marico Portis (not tendered as ERFA by Titans 3/1); S Jarrell Weaver (released by Jets 8/30, from Jets practice squad 10/5, 12/7, ended season on Colts practice squad); PK Stephen Scaldaferri (released by Colts 3/25). UFAs re-signed: QB Travis Brown; CB Nick Harper. RFAs re-signed: DE Raheem Brock; LB Nick Rogers; CB Joseph Jefferson; RB James Mungro; OG Tupe Peko; LB David Thornton. UFAs lost: OG Rick DeMulling (Lions); S Idrees Bashir (Panthers); LB Jim Nelson (Ravens). Cut: WR Chris Bernard.

April 22-May 21
Roster additions: DE Justin Brown (East Central Oklahoma); DE Blake Lobel (San Diego State); DE Darrell Reid (Minnesota); OG Cody Campbell (Texas Tech); OG Jason Russell (Central Arkansas); OG Matt Ulrich (Northwestern); CB Jerome Dennis (Utah State); WR Davon Fowlkes (Appalachian State); WR Levon Thomas (Georgia Tech); WR Kerry Wright (Middle Tennessee); LB Nick Hannah (Eastern Oregon); LB Chris Laskowski (Florida Atlantic); TE Joey Hawkins (Texas Tech); TE Tory Humphrey (Central Michigan); OT Lou Lombardo (Maryland); RB Marcus Williams (Maine); LB Dominique Sims (Minnesota); OG Lee Chart (Southern Utah); WR Montiese Culton (Tulsa). Cut: S Anthony Floyd; OG Tupe Peko; OG Lee Chart.

May 22-June 26
Roster additions: LB Rob Morris (not tendered as UFA by Colts 6/1); OT David Porter (released by Bills 9/1; Berlin-NFLE ’05); DE Sean Guthrie (released by Giants 9/6; Rhein-NFLE ’05). Reserve/injured: LB Deryck Toles. Reserve/physically unable to perform: LB Keyon Whiteside (knee). Exempt/NFLE injured: DB Daryl Dixon (knee); DE Javor Mills (knee); PK Stephen Scaldaferri (back). Did not tender offers to UFAs: S Cory Bird; PK Martin Gramatica; LB Rob Morris. Cut: LB Mikal Baaqee; LB Dominique Sims; TE Tory Humphrey; DE Blake Lobel; WR Kerry Wright.

June 27-July 24
Roster additions: WR Roscoe Crosby (Clemson); RB Vashon Pearson (Mississippi). Draft choices signed: DE Vincent Burns (3/92); PK Dave Rayner (6/202). Cut: S Jarrell Weaver; WR Davon Fowlkes

July 25-Aug. 7
Draft choices signed: CB Marlin Jackson (1/29); CB Kelvin Hayden (2/60); OG Dylan Gandy (4/129); S Matt Giordano (4/135); DE Jonathan Welsh (5/148); C Rob Hunt (5/165); LB Tyjuan Hagler (5/173); RB Anthony Davis (7/243). Active/physically unable to perform: DE Dwight Freeney (shoulder); OG Dylan Gandy (foot); LB Tyjuan Hagler (groin); DB Von Hutchins (foot); DT Josh Williams (groin). Active/non-football injury: DB Brandon Lynch (ankle). Cut: OT Lou Lombardo; DB Jerome Dennis.

Aug. 8-Aug. 21
Roster additions: OT Lou Lombardo (released by Colts 7/28); DB Jerome Dennis (released by Colts 7/29); DE Blake Lobel (released by Colts 6/14). Assigned on waivers: LB Solomon Bates from Seahawks. Passed physical: S Brandon Lynch; DE Dwight Freeney. Reserve/injured: OG Cody Campbell (shoulder); LB Nathaniel Adibi (shoulder). Cut: RB Marcus Williams; LB Solomon Bates (failed physical); OG Marico Portis.

Aug. 22-28
Roster addition: OT Marcus Spears (released by Browns 8/8). Assigned on waivers: OT Jim Newton from Cardinals. Passed physical: OG Dylan Gandy. Reserve/injured: QB Travis Brown (shoulder/elbow).

Aug. 29-Sept. 11:
Roster additions: DT Corey Simon (franchise tag rescinded by Eagles 8/29); WR Troy Walters (released by Colts 9/4); S Dexter Reid (released by Patriots 9/29, by Colts 9/6). Assigned on waivers: S Dexter Reid from Patriots; DT Lynn McGruder from Buccaneers; LB Keith O'Neil from Cowboys. Traded: Draft pick to Titans for LB Rocky Calmus. Practice-squad additions: QB Tom Arth; OG Trevor Hutton; WR John Standeford (released by Colts 9/4); WR Montiese Culton; S Brandon Lynch (released by Colts 8/31); OT Bo Lacy (released by Bears 8/31); DE Gabe Nyenhuis (released by Falcons 8/31); OT Clint Stickdorn (released by Browns 8/30). Reserve/suspended by commissioner: LB Kendyll Pope (one year; violation of policy on drugs of abuse and alcohol); S Mike Doss (two games, violation of personal conduct policy). Reserve/physically unable to perform: LB Tyjuan Hagler (groin); DT Josh Williams (groin); CB Von Hutchins (foot). Reserve/non-football injury-NFLE: DB Daryl Dixon (knee); DE Javor Mills (knee); PK Stephen Scaldaferri (back). Reserve/injured: OT Makoa Freitas (foot); WR Brad Pyatt (shoulder); DE Thomas Houchin; RB Vashon Pearson; OT David Porter (knee/ankle); DB Daryl Dixon (from reserve/non-football injury-NFLE); LB Rocky Calmus (hamstring). Cut: WR Roscoe Crosby; WR Montiese Culton; WR Eric Hill (injury settlement); WR Levon Thomas; RB Anthony Davis; DB Jerome Dennis; TE Joey Hawkins; C Rob Hunt; OT Lou Lombardo; S Brandon Lynch; LB Nick Rogers (injury settlement); OG Jason Russell; DE Blake Lobel; DE Thomas Houchin (from reserve/injured, injury settlement); QB Tom Arth; S Waine Bacon; DE Justin Brown; DE Sean Guthrie; DE Josh Mallard; CB Willie Ford; LB Nick Hannah; LB Chris Laskowski; LB André Sommersell; OG Trevor Hutton; DB Jermaine Mays; DT Lynn McGruder; DT Jason Stewart; OT Marcus Spears; OT Jim Newton; WR John Standeford; FB J.T. Wall; WR Troy Walters; RB Vashon Pearson; OT David Porter (both from reserve/injured, injury settlement); S Dexter Reid.