NFL analyst Matt Bowen of ESPN recently went through and assigned “best team fits” for his top 50 available free agents this offseason. So who did Bowen pair with the Indianapolis Colts?
The 16th best free agent this offseason, according to Bowen’s rankings, is linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who Bowen believes would be a good fit with Indianapolis.
The addition of Greenlaw would fill a big need for the Colts, not only addressing a need at linebacker with EJ Speed hitting free agency as well, but Greenlaw would provide Indianapolis with a needed coverage presence at the position as well.
Greenlaw would miss most of the 2024 season recovering from an Achilles injury he suffered during the 2023 postseason.
However, specifically in coverage, Greenlaw has been highly productive. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he was one of PFF’s higher-graded coverage defenders at the position. He would also hold pass-catcher to just 8.0 yards per catch and had good ball production with three interceptions and seven pass breakups.
“At full strength — which he is expected to be in 2025 — he is a rangy linebacker with the pursuit speed to track ball carriers and the coverage awareness to close throwing windows,” wrote Bowen.
Second-year linebacker Jaylon Carlies did perform well last season, but banking solely on the 2024 Day 3 pick to be the guy this season comes with risks, and based on Chris Ballard’s end of season comments about wanting to infuse the roster with competition, assuming Carlies can fill that role goes against the grain in that regard.
Last season, opposing tight ends averaged the seventh-most receiving yards per game against the Colts. Running backs had the 13th-most against Indianapolis. Those results don’t only fall on the linebackers shoulders, but oftentimes that position group is responsible for defending those positions.
Pro Football Focus also projects that Greenlaw won’t break the bank contract-wise this offseason either. PFF is projecting that he signs a one-year deal worth $6 million.