According to Len Pasquarelli of The Sports Exchange, there have been no serious talks between the Colts and free agent Robert Mathis "beyond a couple casual, get-acquainted conversations." Although another report suggested talks were warming up, Pasquarelli characterized them as "tepid" because there "hadn't been any negotiations, substantive or otherwise" by Thursday night. Expected to draw immediate interest on the open market, Mathis is reportedly "dead-set" against being franchise-tagged. The Colts have until Monday to do so.

The Nashville Tennessean "continues to hear" the Titans are interested in free agent DE Robert Mathis. Talks between Mathis and the Colts are reportedly heating up, and there have been indications that Indy will wield the franchise tag if necessary. If Mathis does make it to the market, the Titans and perhaps the Falcons appear to be his primary suitors.

The Indianapolis Star reports that contract talks between the Colts and free agent LE Robert Mathis are "warming up considerably." Re-signing Mathis and Pierre Garcon were the Colts' priorities entering free agency. After Garcon passed up a more-than-fair five-year, $35 million contract offer, the focus has shifted to Mathis. Though Mathis is 31 and not necessarily an ideal investment for a rebuilding team, he's been a durable player and probably has two quality seasons left. Mathis is also athletic enough to transition into new coach Chuck Pagano's 3-4 scheme.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution believes the Falcons may target free agent DE Robert Mathis if free agent DE John Abraham prices himself out of their plans. Abraham is currently seeking an unreasonable $12 million per year. Mathis is an Atlanta native, but re-signing him is expected to be one of the Colts' top priorities. Sunday is Mathis' 31st birthday, while Abraham will turn 34 in May.

New GM Ryan Grigson indicated the Colts want to keep Dwight Freeney and free agent Robert Mathis "for as long as possible." Freeney has a $19 million cap figure and is said to be opposed to the idea of switching to outside linebacker in coach Chuck Pagano's 3-4 defense. Owner Jim Irsay has already stated that keeping Mathis will be a top priority in free agency.

The Nashville Tennessean has heard the names of DE Robert Mathis, FS Reggie Nelson, S Haruki Nakamura in discussions about the Titans' free agent targets. Colts owner Jim Irsay is intent on keeping Mathis, so the Titans may not get a shot at the pass rusher. Nelson, a priority for the Bengals and also expected to draw interest from Miami, would be a fallback option to Michael Griffin. Nakamura is valued for his special teams prowess. The Tennessean also suggests CB Brandon Carr as a possibility after the Chiefs' signing of Stanford Routt.

The Indianapolis Star's Mike Chappell expects free agent DE Robert Mathis back with the Colts "even if it's with the franchise tag." Owner Jim Irsay hinted as much last week after stating that Mathis and Pierre Garcon would be the team's top priorities in free agency. The franchise tag number for defensive ends is projected to be between $10.5 and $11 million.

The Dolphins have reportedly "told people they like" free agent DE Robert Mathis. The Fins' primary defensive need is left end, the position Mathis played in Indianapolis. If the Dolphins want to play a hybrid 4-3/3-4, Mathis has the size (6'2/245) and athleticism to excel with his hand up. The fit makes a ton of sense on paper. Mathis could be a dynamic bookend for RE Cameron Wake.

Owner Jim Irsay said at the Super Bowl Wednesday that the Colts have prioritized re-signing free agents Robert Mathis and Pierre Garcon. "I think we can [sign Mathis]," said Irsay. "We have the [franchise] tag if we don't, but I think we'll get something done." Irsay added that the Colts "for sure" want Garcon back and a long-term deal would be preferred. Mathis, who just turned 31, may prefer to join a legit 2012 contender. Garcon will likely draw significant interest if he hits the free agent market.

The Colts are expected to "evolve" into a 3-4 defensive front under new coach Chuck Pagano. Having run a 4-3 scheme since the early '90s, the Colts don't have the personnel to make the switch immediately. Pagano described Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis as "explosive athletes, great pass rushers" who can play in any scheme, though Mathis' Colts future is in doubt as a 31-year-old free agent on a rebuilding team.