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          NFL Nation

          Could Colts cut Art Jones?

          • Mike Wells, ESPN Staff WriterFeb 26, 2015, 05:15 PM ET
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            • Previously worked at Indianapolis Star, covering the Indiana Pacers for nine seasons
            • Also covered Vikings for St. Paul Pioneer Press
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          ESPN NFL Insider Adam Caplan recently posted a piece on which offensive and defensive players could be cutInsider.

          I was scrolling down the list and noticed defensive lineman Art Jones' name was on it. Jones was the Indianapolis Colts' primary offseason acquisition last season. He made the defense better when he was on the field. The problem is, Jones wasn't always on the field. He suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2 against Philadelphia. The injury ended up lingering for a significant part of the season, causing Jones to miss a total of seven games. Jones, whose salary-cap number is $7.1 million, has his $6 million base salary come guaranteed on March 14.

          I'd be surprised if the Colts cut Jones because he's the anchor on the defensive line, and they lack depth there following the release of Ricky Jean Francois early this week.

          The Colts went into the AFC Championship Game giving up 4.67 yards a carry and 12 rushing touchdowns without Jones on the field and 3.73 yards a carry and only two rushing touchdowns with him on the field.

          Jones finished with 24 tackles and 1.5 sacks last season.

          If the Colts were going to release any more players, I think they would release guard Donald Thomas before releasing Jones. Thomas has played a total of two games in two seasons with the Colts because of a torn bicep and quad. The Colts could save $3.25 million against the cap by releasing Thomas.