Ahmad Bradshaw signs with the Colts

Ahmad Bradshaw will be a real nice addition to the Indianapolis Colts. He signed for $1.1 million in base salary and a $250,000 signing bonus. He was released by the Giants not because of performance but because of salary cap issues. The Giants did not want to pay the $3.75 million that would he would earn in 2013. He was the Giants’ seventh-round draft pick in 2007 coming out of Marshall.

Last year he rushed for 1,015 yards and 6 touchdowns in 221 attempts. In 2011, his numbers were low due to injuries but in 2010 he rushed for 1,235 yards and 8 touchdowns in 276 attempts. Reports are that Bradshaw is healing well after having some screws replaced in his foot this offseason. He is just 27 years old and many believe he has a couple more 1,000 yards season left in him.  As long as his foot injuries do not continue to affect he could have a great year in Indianapolis.

The Colts do not have an experienced running back who can be consistent. The current top three running backs in Indianapolis are Donald Brown, Vick Ballard, and Delone Carter. Brown is prone to injury, Ballard had a nice season last year as a rooking but we don’t know how consistent he is, and Carter is fumble prone and injury prone. This leaves the door wide open for a hard working running back like Bradshaw to earn a starting spot on a team that went 11-5 last season and earned a playoff berth.

Bradshaw will also fill a  need in the passing game. Last year, Colts QB Andrew Luck threw a remarkable 4,374 yards in his rookie season despite throwing 18 interceptions, fumbling 9 times, and being sacked 41 times. In response to this, the Colts have worked hard in the offseason to strengthen the offensive line and give Luck more time in the pocket. Bradshaw is considered one of the best pass-blocking backs in the league and you can expect to see the Colts including Bradshaw in the plan to keep Luck upright and protected.

Ahmad Bradshaw played every down with a lot of heart and earned the respect of all Giants fans. I believe all Giants fans will be wishing him a successful career with the Colts.