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ASSOCIATED PRESS
Center Samson Satele has become an anchor for the improved Oakland Raiders offensive line.
INDIANAPOLIS >> Colts general manager Ryan Grigson got the center he wanted to anchor Indianapolis’ rebuilt offensive line — and it’s not Jeff Saturday.
Today, the Colts signed former University of Hawaii lineman Samson Satele, who started 74 career games at center with the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders.
A person with knowledge of the deal says it’s a three-year contract worth $10.8 million, with $5 million guaranteed. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team did not announce the terms.
"It’s a brand new team," Satele said in a statement issued by the Colts. "In talking with coach (Chuck Pagano) and everyone else, it feels like a family. It’s a fresh, new start for me and a fresh, new team. I can’t wait to get this rolling."
Saturday has been the Colts’ full-time starting center since 2000. He became a fan favorite, a key figure in the NFL Players Association and one of Manning’s closest friends. But when the Colts didn’t re-sign Saturday last week, he became a free agent. Saturday has already visited Green Bay and Tennessee, and there has been speculation he could rejoin Manning in Denver.
Grigson said Satele "has all the necessary traits to be one of the top centers in the NFL."
"We wanted him, and we got him," he said. "We couldn’t be happier that he will now be a Colt for years to come and help us reach our ultimate goal."
Satele got into trouble with the law in Honolulu last weekend.
Police arrested him for disorderly conduct at an Aiea shopping complex early Saturday morning.
Satele, 27, was arrested at 4 a.m. at the Westridge Shopping Center, home to several late night bars.
He was released after posting $500 bail at 4:50 a.m. and is scheduled to appear in Ewa District Court on April 18. Disorderly conduct is a petty misdemeanor.
