Source: Colts sign Fisher to fill need at left tackle

When the Indianapolis Colts didn’t select a left tackle in the NFL draft, they started shopping for veterans.

On Monday, they may have found a solution.

The Colts filled their most glaring need by signing free agent Eric Fisher, according to two people with direct knowledge of the negotiations. They requested anonymity because the Colts have not officially announced the move. Terms of the deal were not immediately available.

If the two-time Pro Bowler returns quickly from the torn left Achilles tendon he suffered in January, he could be the perfect blindside protector as new quarterback Carson Wentz tries to revive his career. Wentz was sacked a league-high 50 times last season despite playing only 12 games.

Indy had been looking to replace longtime starter Anthony Castonzo, who announced his retirement in January.

Most expected general manager Chris Ballard to add an offensive lineman early in free agency or the draft. While he did sign two free agents with starting experience — Sam Tevi and Julien Davenport — in March, Ballard was looking for another on draft weekend.

But after taking defensive linemen with their first two picks, the Colts missed out on some of the options who were selected in Rounds 4 and 5 before the Colts could pick.

“We’re not in a panic mode and we believe if we were playing a couple weeks from now we would have an outstanding offensive line with Tevi,” team owner Jim Irsay said during the draft. “Again, September is still a long way away. There are a lot of possibilities and things that could come up between now and then and we’ll look at all the possibilities between now and then.”