Colts hope to re-sign free agent Adam Vinatieri
The Indianapolis Colts are hoping to retain the services of veteran kicker Adam Vinatieri in 2016.
The 43-year-old became a free agent at season's end and, despite the Colts' struggles in 2015, owner Jim Irsay says the franchise will prioritize bringing back key contributors next season.
"The first priority is keeping our own, the ones that we identify as being really important to the team,’' Irsay said on Tuesday. "I've always felt that keeping your own guys is even more important than who you get in free agency."
In the midst of Super Bowl week, it's hard to overlook Vinatieri's contributions to past championship teams, with four Super Bowl rings (including one with the Colts) to his name. But beyond his career accomplishments, Vinatieri still got the job done in 2015, making 25-of-27 field goals, including four from 50-plus yards.
"We'd like to retain Adam. He is still kicking at a high level," Irsay said. "He really takes care of himself. Him and (punter) Pat McAfee really complement each other. Obviously that's been one of the strengths of our football team.
"We'd like to retain Adam and I think we're hopeful we'll be able to."