Colts release Jean Francois in cost-cutting move

Indianapolis Colts DT Ricky Jean Francois (99). (AJ Mast/AP)

INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts have released defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois in a cost-cutting move.

Indianapolis had signed Jean Francois to a four-year, $22 million contract in 2013. But the team on Monday chose to take the salary-cap savings of nearly $5 million. That could give the Colts more room to reinforce its offensive and defensive lines in free agency.

Jean Francois started 23 games and had 54 tackles, 5 1/2 sacks, six passes defenced and one fumble recovery. He played in all five of the team’s playoff games during that span.

This is the Colts’ second major move this month. They already have released safety LaRon Landry and are expected to make running back Trent Richardson a free agent.

When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.