Former Colt Jeff Saturday Signs with the Packers

The dream of seeing the Broncos surround Peyton Manning with some of his former Colts teammates was shattered this afternoon when the Green Bay signed a two-year deal with Jeff Saturday.

He replaces former Packers starter Scott Wells, who signed with the St. Louis Rams as a free agent.

Signing free agents is not common for the Packers who usually sign new talent through the draft.

Saturday had been the Colts’ center since 2000. During the off season, Saturday was a frequent speaker for churches and Christian organizations, he played a key role in negotiating a settlement in the player lockout, and was one of Peyton Manning’s closest friends.

Anticipating Saturday’s departure, the Colts signed free agent center Samson Satele to a three-year contract worth $10.8 million, with $5 million guaranteed. Satele has started 74 career games with the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders.