Shaun Phillips Released by Colts: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The Indianapolis Colts released veteran outside linebacker Shaun Phillips on Monday after signing him late in the 2014 NFL season.    

ESPN's Adam Caplan first reported the news, which was confirmed through the Colts' official website:

Phillips appeared in five regular-season games for the Colts and participated in three postseason contests after the Tennessee Titans released him in November.

Zac Keefer of the Indianapolis Star highlighted the salary-cap implications of Phillips' exit from Indy:

Scout.com's Phillip B. Watson noted how Phillips made a minimal impact in his brief stint with the Colts:

After registering 10 sacks in Denver during the 2013 campaign, Phillips managed just two this last year. Joel Corry of CBSSports.com specified that Indianapolis saves $2.65 million in cap space by cutting ties with Phillips.

Since Phillips turns 34 in May, his opportunities figure to be limited in light of Indianapolis' decision to let him go.

This move suggests the Colts will seek to go younger or land a superior free agent to address depth at their outside linebacker position. Former first-round pick Bjoern Werner hasn't quite lived up to the hype, while Robert Mathis is rehabbing from an Achilles tear and reportedly had a slight setback, per ESPN.com's Mike Wells. Although, Mathis' agent denied that report, per NFL.com's Chris Wesseling.

Indianapolis could use another dynamic pass-rushing threat to take pressure off its secondary and become a more complete team.