The Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers are competing to sign defensive end Tyler Brayton.
A 2003 first-round draft pick by Oakland, Brayton visited the Colts on Monday. He met with the Panthers over the weekend.
"Both are attractive options,'' said Tom Mills, Brayton's agent. "The Colts obviously are very appealing to Tyler.''
Brayton, 28, likely would be a reserve for Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. If a foot injury that forced Freeney to miss the final seven games of the '07 season keeps him from being ready for the start of the '08 season, Brayton could start. He appeared in 79 regular-season games with the Raiders, 49 as a starter.
The Colts don't comment on players they might have an interest in signing.
Colts tight end Ben Utecht, a restricted free agent, is expected to meet with Cincinnati and the New York Jets in the next week.
Brayton obviously has some talent as a former first round pick even though his numbers in Oakland weren't all that impressive. He's got size at 280 Lb. compared to our others DE's too, so I see him more of a run stuffer than pass rusher (a la Josh Thomas). It wouldn't be the first time a player left Oakland only to have better results elsewhere (ex. Randy Moss).
