INDIANAPOLIS – Linebacker Gary Brackett wanted to finish his NFL career where it all started – Indianapolis.

He’s getting his wish.

The defensive captain signed a five-year deal hours after he became an unrestricted agent. Brackett’s new deal is likely to keep the 29-year-old in a Colts uniform the rest of his career.

“Obviously, this is a great place to play and when you get a chance to stay a Colt for life, you usually jump at it,” Brackett said during a news conference at the team’s complex. “That’s why I wanted to do everything within my power to make this my home.”

Brackett will reportedly get $33 million, including a $12 million signing bonus, which would make him the Colts’ highest-paid linebacker in a decade.

The defending AFC champions have rarely rewarded linebackers with big contracts. Since the end of the 2002 season, the Colts have allowed starters Mike Peterson, Marcus Washington, Cato June and David Thornton to leave as unrestricted free agents.

Another starter, Tyjuan Hagler, could be moving on soon, too. The four-year veteran, who finished last season on the injured reserve list with a ruptured biceps, was not offered a contract tender. He becomes an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team and the Colts will not receive compensation. Hagler’s agent, Mitch Frankel, confirmed the decision Friday.

But Brackett was the lucky one.

“Throughout the whole process it was very clear to us in our conversations with Gary and his representatives that Gary’s real intent and his true hope was to stay as a Colt,” general manager Chris Polian said. “Both parties were able to work toward that end and get that done, and we’re very thankful to Gary and his desire to be a Colt.”

Brackett’s signing marked the end of a wild 24-hour period for the Colts, who scrambled to make decisions about what deals to offer their long list of restricted free agents.

They made second-round tenders to safety Melvin Bullitt and left tackle Charlie Johnson and a first-round tender to two-time Pro Bowl safety Antoine Bethea.

Indianapolis declined to offer tenders to Hagler, defensive back Marlin Jackson, a former first-round pick; cornerback Tim Jennings; safety Aaron Francisco; and offensive lineman Dan Federkeil. Those players can now sign with other teams and the Colts would not receive compensation.

Versatile defensive lineman Raheem Brock also wrote on his Twitter account he had played his final game with the Colts, telling fans: “It’s been real Indy,” Brock wrote.

Brock’s agent, Kevin Pompey, could not confirm the Colts had made a move with Brock and Polian did not take questions about it.

The Colts also added 11 players to the roster: receivers Dudley Guice, John Matthews and Taj Smith; offensive linemen Gerald Cadogan and Jaimie Thomas; defensive linemen John Chick and Mitch King; defensive back Terrail Lambert; running back Devin Moore; linebacker Brandon Renkart and quarterback Drew Willy.