INDIANAPOLIS – Several key players for the Indianapolis Colts will officially hit the free-agent market on Tuesday afternoon barring any developments in the final hours.
There hasn't been any indication that the Colts will strike a deal with cornerback Vontae Davis, safety Antoine Bethea or kicker Adam Vinatieri.
Davis is the most intriguing of the group.
Not signing Davis yet could end up hurting the Colts because two other cornerbacks have already started to set the market value at that position.
Miami's Brent Grimes signed a four-year, $32-million contract and Green Bay's Sam Shields signed a four-year, $39-million deal. It's unknown how much the Colts have offered Davis but he likely is looking for a deal in that range or better.
It's not surprising that the Colts haven't reached a deal with Bethea. Bethea said after the season that was he was looking forward to testing the free-agent market. Expect him to see what's out there before making a decision on where he'll play next season.
Vinatieri believes he can kick a few more seasons but his age -- 41 -- doesn't help him out.
In the category of minor news, the Colts signed exclusive rights free agent linebacker Justin Hickman to a contract extension Monday.
Hickman missed all of last season after getting injured in training camp. He had 14 tackles in 12 games for the Colts in 2012. Hickman had 144 tackles, 27 sacks and three fumble recoveries in three seasons in the Canadian Football League.
The Colts promoted Brad White from defensive quality control coach to assistant linebackers coach.
