INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts signed cornerback Kelvin Hayden to a five-year deal worth $43 million, the first move by the team in its attempt to resign several veterans eligible for free agency.

Colts coach Jim Caldwell said today that Hayden has been a leader on the team and that he's glad the cornerback will be returning. The Colts had considered using their franchise tag on Hayden, which would have cost the team about $9.9 million.

Hayden intercepted three passes each of the past two seasons but is best remembered scoring a touchdown on an interception return in the 2007 Super Bowl.

The Colts' other unsigned veterans include three-time Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday, running back Dominic Rhodes, linebacker Tyjuan Hagler and punter Hunter Smith.