Colts start spending, sign Cherilus and Toler

The Indianapolis Colts entered the 2013 free agency period with a boatload of cash to spend. And while most reports indicate that defensive end/outside linebacker Cliff Avril is the primary target, that hasn’t stopped owner Jim Irsay from sharing the wealth.

Per multiple reports, the Colts have reached agreements with offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus and cornerback Greg Toler.

Cherilus—a five-year veteran out of Boston College—started 71 games during his five seasons with the Detroit Lions. After surrendering a career-high 9.0 sacks in 2011, the 28-year-old reduced that total to 5.0 in 2012.

Toler—an injury-prone three-year veteran drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2009—has appeared in just 38 of a possible 64 regular season games since joining the league. The 28-year-old has recorded five interceptions and two touchdowns in his career.

So the Colts are off and running with additions to both the offensive line and secondary. Let’s see if they can close the deal on Avril to upgrade the pass rush.

Update: Per our friend Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, Toler landed a three-year, $15 million deal.

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