INDIANAPOLIS -- New Colts general manager Chris Ballard is slowly cleaning house of veteran players.

Veteran safety Mike Adams said he called Ballard on Monday and the general manager informed him that the team does not plan to re-sign him as a free agent.

“I called to see where things stood and he was up front and honest about it,” Adams said. “I respect that out of him. No hard feelings at all. But let it be known, my NFL career isn’t over. I’m not calling it quits. I plan to continue playing. I’m also realistic. I know I likely won’t be signing with a team at [the] start of free agency [on March 9]. I’ll have to wait and let some things shake out first.”

Mike Adams appreciates that GM Chris Ballard was honest about the Colts' lack of interest in re-signing him, and he has every intention of continuing his career elsewhere. Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports

Ballard, who replaces Ryan Grigson as general manager, released veteran linebacker D’Qwell Jackson last month.

Adams didn’t sign with the Colts until the middle of June 2014. He went from being a late-offseason signing to being one of the key members of the defense. He had 241 tackles, 12 interceptions, 17 turnovers total, made back-to-back Pro Bowls and started every game he played in during his three seasons in Indianapolis.

Colts coach Chuck Pagano held Adams in high regard. He often considered Adams an extra coach and encouraged him to speak up during practices and during film sessions because he knew the defensive assignments of not only his position but the other 10 positions on the field. The younger players gravitated to Adams for his knowledge.

Adams thought there was a “50-50” chance the Colts would re-sign him because of the youth they have at safety with second-year player T.J. Green and third-year player Clayton Geathers.

Adams, an undrafted player out of Delaware in 2004 who has played 13 seasons, would like a chance to win a Super Bowl and play a total of 15 NFL seasons.

“I’ve been chasing that [Super Bowl] ring, ever since I left Denver,” said Adams, who played in the Super Bowl in 2013 while with the Broncos. “We’ll see what happens. I’m almost 36, but my body feels good still. I didn’t play much my rookie year, was mainly on special teams my second year. I really didn’t start playing until fifth year in the league.”

Pagano gave an indication of the direction the Colts want to head with their defense during the combine last week when he mentioned how the Atlanta Falcons had a fast and tough defense while playing a number of young players.