INDIANAPOLIS -- It took cornerback Patrick Robinson only half of lunch to realize why so many of Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano's players enjoy playing for him.
Pagano, as he has done so many times with his players, used his charm over lunch during the NFL owners meetings in Florida on Tuesday to convince Robinson to sign what the NFL Network reported is a three-year deal with the Colts.
"We had a great conversation, and to be honest, I was sold halfway through the conversation," Robinson said. "I already knew that I wanted to be a Colt."
Robinson flew to Indianapolis on Tuesday evening and spent most of Wednesday finalizing his deal with the team.
It looked like the Colts weren't going to have a shot at signing Robinson earlier in the week. The Dallas Cowboys had agreed in principle with Robinson last week, a source told ESPN Cowboys reporter Todd Archer, but things changed once Robinson switched agents.
"It was just another visit, and I don't want to get too far into details about that situation," Robinson said. "That's the past, and I'm a Colt right now. That's all that matters right now."
Dallas' loss is Indianapolis' gain.
"Sometimes you get that feeling that the guy that you're talking to, he's telling the truth," Robinson said. "Sometimes you get the feeling, and I got that feeling [with Pagano]."
The Colts have been in need of a starting cornerback to play opposite of Pro Bowler Vontae Davis since it became evident that they weren't going to re-sign Greg Toler, who dealt with injuries during his three seasons with the team.
"We've been interested in Patrick since early in free agency, and we're glad it finally came together," Colts general manager Ryan Grigson said in a statement released by the team. "He is a versatile, experienced and steady corner that gives us immediate help opposite Vontae. He was a fit on a number of levels in regards to overall skill but also adds some strong intangibles."
Robinson, who can play in the slot or on the outside, was selected in the first round of the 2010 draft by the New Orleans Saints. He played there five seasons before spending last season with the San Diego Chargers.
Robinson started every game last season and finished with 49 tackles and an interception. He has 10 interceptions in 74 career games.