Chris Reed loomed as a potential option to replace Mark Glowinski in the Colts’ starting lineup, but he will take another opportunity instead. The veteran guard signed with the Vikings on Friday.
The Colts showed interest in re-signing Reed, who made six starts for them last season, but agreed to a two-year Vikings deal, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twitter links). Reed played collegiately at Division II Minnesota State, where he was teammates with Adam Thielen, and becomes the second starter-caliber O-lineman to sign with the Vikings this week, following ex-Dolphin Jesse Davis.
Reed, 29, subbed for both Glowinski and Quenton Nelson at points last season and spent the 2020 campaign as a full-time Panthers starter, being a first-stringer in each of the 14 games he played that year. Reed and Davis were briefly teammates with the 2019 Dolphins, and the former UDFA spent the first four seasons of his career as a Jaguars backup. The two may wage a battle for the Vikings’ right guard spot soon, with Tomasson viewing Davis as the favorite for the gig (Twitter link). The loser would fit as a valuable swingman.
Minnesota lost three-year contributor Dakota Dozier in free agency but has left guard Ezra Cleveland under contract for two more seasons. The team is poised to return four starters from last season’s O-line and now has options to fill the other slot, with primary 2021 right guard Oli Udoh still under contract.
Indianapolis lost Glowinski early in free agency, with the team’s longtime right guard signing with the Giants. While Nelson, Ryan Kelly and Braden Smith form the core of a top-tier O-line, the Colts will look to replace two starters — Glowinski and left tackle Eric Fisher, whom they are not expected to re-sign. Unless the Colts are eyeing a veteran guard, 2020 fifth-round pick Danny Pinter will have an opportunity replace Glowinski, CBS4’s Mike Chappell tweets.