NFLback.com News from around the NFL

Colts sign free agent OL Andy Alleman (AP)

The Indianapolis Colts have signed free agent guard Andy Alleman. The 6-foot-4, 310-pounder was New Orleans' third-round draft choice in 2007. He started four games in Miami in 2008, and started three games for Kansas City last season. He played college football at Akron. The signing announced Thursday comes three days after the Colts released Ryan Lilja, their starting left guard.

Colts Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Quarterback Peyton Manning has been called a pain in the neck of defensive coordinators around the league.

Manning, as it turned out, had his own neck pain to consider. The four-time NFL Most Valuable Player underwent a procedure March 2 to relieve pain in his neck caused by a pinched nerve.

According to a statement released by the Colts, the condition "has existed intermittently for the past four years, but at no time did it interfere with his training, practice or playing regimen.

"While it never has affected Peyton's activity on or off the field, the Colts medical staff, after post-playoff examination, thought it best to resolve the situation now."

The procedure was performed in Chicago by Dr.

Colts claim DE Skolnitsky off waivers (AP)

The Indianapolis Colts have claimed defensive end J.D. Skolnitsky off waivers from the Washington Redskins. Skolnitsky was on the Redskins' practice squad last season after being signed as an undrafted free agent. The team announced the move Tuesday. The 6-foot-5, 255-pound defensive end played at James Madison and fits the Colts' model for defensive linemen: undersized and quick.

Saints’ first championship video means another Super Bowl party in New Orleans (The Canadian Press)

NEW ORLEANS - One month after the New Orleans Saints' first Super Bowl championship, the team and city were holding yet another party.

Agent says Indianapolis Colts have cut guard Ryan Lilja (The Canadian Press)

INDIANAPOLIS - Colts guard Ryan Lilja has been cut by Indianapolis, his agent told The Associated Press.

Agent: G Ryan Lilja cut by Colts (AP)

Colts guard Ryan Lilja has been cut by Indianapolis, his agent told The Associated Press. Lilja started all 19 games, including the Super Bowl loss to New Orleans, last season for the Colts, but the team decided to release him Monday, agent Craig Domann said. The 28-year-old Lilja received his $1.7 million roster bonus before being cut.

Bears, Lions try to keep pace (Yahoo! Sports)

One season after their fellow NFC North teams made the playoffs, Chicago and Detroit hit free agency hard.

Colts re-sign defensive leader, linebacker Gary Brackett (The Canadian Press)

INDIANAPOLIS - Linebacker Gary Brackett wanted to finish his NFL career where it all started - Indianapolis.

Colts re-sign linebacker Brackett (AP)

Linebacker Gary Brackett wanted to finish his NFL career where it all started -- Indianapolis. He's getting his wish. The defensive captain signed a five-year deal hours after he officially became an unrestricted agent. Brackett's new deal is likely to keep the 29-year-old in a Colts uniform the rest of his career.

Sources: Brackett gets $33 million from Colts (Yahoo! Sports)

MLB Gary Brackett stays with Indy after agreeing to a five-year deal.