DT Jason Shirley gets another pro career opportunity, signs with Indianapolis Colts – NFL News
The Indianapolis Colts have surprised many National Football League (NFL) analysts by signing free agent defensive tackle Jason Shirley to an unknown contract given the player hardly has any pro league experience.
Jason has played in only seven games in the pro career, which started far earlier, in 2008. He was selected by Cincinnati Bengals in the 2008 draft but has never been able to find a permanent place and progress through is pro career.
He played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Carolina Panthers for total seven games, earning the insignificant record of 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble.
Although the Colts have not disclosed the value and tenure of the players’ deal, a number of commentators believe it is most likely a short-term arrangement and the player may well be unable to be a part of the team’s active roster beyond
training camp.
The Colts are due to open their training camp later this month and as per rules of the NFL they can maintain up to 93 players on their roster but before starting their regular season campaign, that strength has to be cut down to 53 players.
It is very common for the teams to sign as many young players as possible to use them in training camp, leaving out most of them after the camp. This is not new to the league or for the pro players. It gives the young players an exposure
of the pro conditions, as they are able to work with many star players.
Also, some of the players are able to win long-term commitments and this provides them a major breakthrough in their careers, which otherwise seems very difficult, if not impossible.
This entire scenario with regard to Jason's signing remains unconfirmed independently as neither the Colts nor the player’s agent has provided any details about the deal.
The only available information is that both parties agreed to terms of the player's deal on Thursday – the day the Colts also signed their rookie QB Andrew Luck who was selected in the first round off the 2012 NFL draft, held in April.
Nevertheless, the new signee is expected to be a regular part of the team at training camp.
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