Colts Sign Cornelius Bennett

Cornelius Bennett, released last week by the Atlanta Falcons despite leading the NFC champions in tackles, apparently is headed to the Indianapolis Colts, the team that drafted him back in 1987.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting that the outside linebacker has reached a two-year deal with the Colts that could be announced as early as today. Complete details of the contract were not available, but the newspaper said Bennett will likely receive a signing bonus of $1.5 million and a base salary of $500,000 for 1999.

Colts officials did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment.

The Falcons released Bennett, who was scheduled to make $3.4 million in 1999, on Feb. 17 for salary cap reasons.

The 33-year-old Bennett was selected by Indianapolis with the second overall pick in the 1987 draft out of Alabama. He never played for the Colts and following a long contract dispute was dealt to the Buffalo Bills in a three-team trade that featured 10 players and sent Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson to the Colts.

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