Adding to the linebacker position will be on the Indianapolis Colts’ to-do list this offseason.
For one, with EJ Speed and Grant Stuard both set to be free agents, at a minimum, depth is needed. But in addition to that, a greater coverage presence is needed as well next to Zaire Franklin.
Last season, opposing tight ends averaged the seventh-most receiving yards per game against the Colts. Running backs had the 13th-most against Indianapolis.
That, of course, doesn’t all fall on the linebackers’ shoulders, but oftentimes those are two positions on offense that the linebackers are responsible for–not to mention limiting yards over the middle of the field on short and intermediate routes.
Perhaps second-year linebacker Jaylon Carlies, who did showcase his upside last season, can provide that presence in the middle of the defense as a former college safety.
However, if GM Chris Ballard wants to add some competition to the mix for that role, which from the sounds of it, is going to be an emphasis this offseason, and not only at linebacker but throughout the roster, then exploring free agency for a veteran presence to provide some stability could be on his radar.
From a salary cap perspective this offseason, the Colts have just over $28 million in available space. This likely won’t be enough to get through an entire offseason, but they do have the ability to create more room.
Linebacker may not be as pressing of a need as tight end, cornerback or safety, but it is up there. So here are three free agent options who could provide that unit with a boost.
Jamien Sherwood, Jets
Sherwood ranked 17th among all linebackers last season in PFF’s coverage grade. He held opponents to under 10.0 yards per reception, quarterbacks had a below average passer rating when targeting him, and Sherwood also tallied two pass breakups.
PFF’s contract projection: Two years – $15.5 million
Dre Greenlaw, 49ers
Greenlaw missed a large portion of the 2024 season recovering from an Achilles injury that he suffered during the 2023 postseason. Before the injury, Greenlaw was one of PFF’s highest-graded coverage linebackers. Between the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he held pass-catchers to just 8.0 yards per catch and had good ball production with three interceptions and seven pass breakups.
PFF’s contract projection: One year – $6 million
Nick Bolton, Chiefs
Still just 24-years-old, Bolton ranked seventh out of 23 linebackers with at least 500 coverage snaps in PFF’s coverage grade last season. Over the last two seasons, Bolton has held pass catchers to 9.5 yards per catch and has seven pass breakups with two interceptions.
PFF’s contract projection: Four years – $60 million