In the coming weeks, we will be taking a closer look at each of the Indianapolis Colts’ unrestricted free agents and making a prediction as to whether or not they will return for the 2025 season.
Up next, let’s take a look at linebacker EJ Speed. If you’ve missed any of our other free agency predictions, you can find them below.
Will Fries
Julian Blackmon
Grant Stuard
Ryan Kelly
Dayo Odeyingbo
Mo Alie-Cox
Trey Sermon
Ashton Dulin
Mark Glowinski
Taven Bryan
Sam Ehlinger
Ronnie Harrison
Speed would see his first significant playing time on defense during the 2023 season. Taking over for Shaq Leonard, Speed helped provide that coverage element at the linebacker position next to Zaire Franklin.
During that year, Speed would allow a completion rate of 73%, just 7.4 yards per receptions, and quarterbacks had a below-average passer rating of 85.7 when targeting him.
After that year, the Colts would stick with Speed in 2024, his first season as the full-time starter from the jump. Unfortunately, in coverage, an important part of the weakside linebacker’s responsibilities, Speed took a step backward.
His completion rate allowed jump to 85%. He allowed over 2.0 more yards per reception and his passer rating was 103.6. He also had one fewer pass breakup compared to 2023, despite playing over 100 more coverage snaps this past year, according to PFF.
In addition to that, missed tackles have been a part of the equation as well. His missed tackle rate in 2024 was the 13th-highest among linebackers.
While linebacker won’t be a pressing need compared to tight end, safety, or cornerback, adding to the position will be a must this offseason. In particular, the Colts have to get better in coverage at the position.
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 that unit is often responsible for those position groups in coverage.
Perhaps second-year linebacker Jaylon Carlies could fill that role, or one of these three free agent options could potentially provide a boost as well.
During his end of season press conference, Chris Ballard discussed the importance of adding competition to the roster to help elevate the level of play and I do think that applies to the linebacker group for the reasons mentioned.
Prediction: EJ Speed signs elsewhere.