Mike Chappell

mike.chappell@indystar.com

The Colts will meet with free agent linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

The Cleveland Browns released their starting inside linebacker last week, making him eligible to sign with another team prior to the start of free agency on Tuesday.

Jackson, 30, has already visited the Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins. He was expected to arrive in Indianapolis Tuesday evening and meet with the Colts then or Wednesday.

Cleveland is in the midst of an overhaul; Jackson is the latest departure. The move largely was made to avoid paying him a $4 million roster bonus.

During the free-agent signing period, the Colts are expected to address a defense that in 2013 ranked No. 20 overall and No. 26 against the run. They have intimate knowledge of Jackson, as he played for Rob Chudzinski, who is a special assistant to Colts coach Chuck Pagano after being fired as the Browns' coach last season.

Colts linebackers Pat Angerer and Kavell Conner will become free agents next week. Jackson, 6-0, 240 pounds, could start alongside Jerrell Freeman.

Jackson was selected by the Browns in the second round of the 2006 draft, appearing in 97 games, 96 as a starter, and piled up 815 tackles, eight interceptions, 11.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries in seven seasons.

Bradshaw in the mix

The Colts and running back Ahmad Bradshaw have had recent conversations, according to a source. Another source confirmed the club has not closed the door on a return by the 27-year old two-time 1,000-yard rusher.

Bradshaw's injury history (he played in three games last season before being sidelined with a neck injury), the Colts' commitment to Trent Richardson and the expected return of Vick Ballard from a knee injury seemed to make Bradshaw's return unlikely. But the Colts' best rushing game of 2013 came the only time Richardson and Bradshaw played together. On Sept. 22, Indianapolis rushed for 184 yards in a stunning 27-7 victory over the 49ers.

Davis negotiations

The Colts didn't use the franchise tag on No. 1 cornerback Vontae Davis, which is a good indication the team is optimistic a deal can be reached.

Indianapolis has until Tuesday to sign Davis before he is free to move to another club.

But another deadline arrives Saturday. That's when the NFL's negotiating window opens, allowing the representatives for free agents to speak freely with outside teams. To a large extent, that's when the competition for Davis' services would begin because contract parameters can be discussed. Those conversations can give Davis' agent something to compare the Colts' offer to or, at the very least, provide a sense of the marketplace.

With Miami's Brent Grimes off the market, Davis moves up a notch on the list of top available cornerbacks. Davis, Tennessee's Alterraun Verner and New England's Aqib Talib are the biggest names in the crop of impending free-agent corners.

Grimes' signing is important in another respect. His four-year, $32 million deal ($16 million guaranteed) helps set the price range for other cornerbacks. Look for the Colts and Davis to strike a deal in the same neighborhood.

Call Star reporter Mike Chappell at (317) 444-6830. Follow him on Twitter: @mchappell51.