INDIANAPOLIS – Twice in the past week, the Colts have made moves to bolster the defensive line.
Indianapolis recently retained three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Robert Mathis, and now the club has added end Cory Redding through unrestricted free agency.
"Cory is a big and aggressive interior 5-technique player who is an ideal fit in this defense," said Colts General Manager Ryan Grigson. "This type of player is hard to come by because of the traits required to play over large offensive linemen while still being a force to stop the run. Cory has all of the characteristics to be very successful within our scheme and he will complement the rest of the defense very well. We're excited to have him."
Redding will be entering his 10th NFL season, and he played for the past two years with Baltimore. Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano was the defensive coordinator with Baltimore last season, when Redding started 11 of 15 appearances and totaled 43 tackles, 29 solo and 4.5 sacks (for 25 yards), while defensing two passes and recovering one fumble. He started one of the club's two playoff games as the Ravens lost a last-minute decision at New England in the AFC Championship game.
"Cory is a fantastic player, leader and family man," said Pagano. "He was a tremendous asset to our defense in Baltimore and he pieced together one of his best seasons last year. Cory will fit in nicely with what we are trying to accomplish on the defensive side of the ball this year."
He started and appeared in the same number of games for Baltimore in 2010, when Pagano was the secondary coach. Redding had 38 tackles, 29 solo, three sacks, four passes defensed and one interception in 2010. Redding also returned a fumble 13 yards for a touchdown at Pittsburgh in the Divisional Playoffs on January 15, 2011.
His 2011 sack total was the second-highest seasonal total for his career. Redding had eight sacks with Detroit in 2006. Baltimore (288.9) sported the NFL's third-rated defense in 2011. The Ravens were ranked second against the rush (92.6) and fourth against the pass (196.3). The Ravens finished third in the league in scoring defense (16.6). Baltimore's 48 sacks ranked behind 50 by Philadelphia and Minnesota. The Ravens finished first in red zone defense (38.1 TD percent), opponent quarterback rating (68.8), fewest offensive touchdowns allowed (21) and fewest touchdown passes permitted (11). The Ravens ranked second in third-down defense (32.1 percent). Additionally, Baltimore held nine of 16 regular season opponents to 17 or fewer points. During Pagano's tenure, Baltimore was the only team to make the playoffs and to win a post-season game in four consecutive seasons.
Redding, 6-4, 298, has completed nine seasons after being a third-round choice of Detroit in 2003, the 66th selection overall. Redding played six seasons with the Lions before moving to Seattle for the 2009 season.
In starting 101 of 131 career games, he has totaled 407 tackles, 279 solo, 25.5 sacks, one interception, nine fumbles recovered, four fumbles forced and 12 passes defensed.
Redding had a 66-game starting streak with Detroit from 2004-08, and he served as a team captain with the Lions in 2006 and 2007.
