Over the coming weeks we will be taking a position-by-position look at the Indianapolis Colts roster heading into the offseason, with our lens more so on what’s ahead and what’s needed at each position group.
Up next are the linebackers, but if you missed any of our other previews, follow the links below.
Quarterback
Running back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Interior offensive line
Offensive tackle
Defensive tackle
Defensive end
Position overview
It was a bit of a mixed bag from the Colts’ linebacker position this season. Zaire Franklin led the NFL in tackles, and was named a Pro Bowler and a second-team All-Pro.
As a defense, the Colts finished top 10 in yards per rush allowed. Oftentimes behind those stingy run game performances is strong linebacker play filling gaps, shedding blocks, and getting sideline-to-sideline.
There was also ball production from this unit with Franklin and EJ Speed combining for three interceptions and six pass breakups.
But in addition to all of that, we also saw opposing tight ends and running backs have success against the Colts in the passing game. Tight ends averaged the seventh most receiving yards per game against the Colts and running backs the 13th most.
And while the Colts finished top 10 in yards per carry, it was all-or-nothing for this unit–they either bottled teams up or were ran all over.
None of that solely falls on the shoulders of the linebacker position, but that position does play an important role in limiting those elements.
There are flashes but more overall consistency and plays in coverage are needed.
Positional need this offseason
While not a top priority like tight end, cornerback or safety, the linebacker position will have to be addressed this offseason. The extent to which Chris Ballard does that likely comes down to how he feels about Jaylon Carlies.
Currently, Speed and Grant Stuard are set to be free agents. So even if Ballard does think that Carlies can move into that starting nickel role next to Zaire Franklin, depth will still be needed at linebacker.
And when it comes to adding that depth, experience over a rookie may be more valuable. The other linebackers under contract in 2025 are Jacob Phillips, Liam Anderson, Austin Ajiake, and Segun Olubi.
What free agents are available?
As I just mentioned, free agency in order to add experience to this unit may be the more valuable route for the Colts. But of course, that doesn’t mean they spend top dollar either, especially with all the other positions they could address this offseason.
With help from Over the Cap, here are the top available free agent options at the position this offseason:
Bobby Wagner
Robert Spillane
Lavonte David
Kyzir White
Jamien Sherwood
Cody Barton
Ernest Jones
EJ Speed
Nick Bolton
Eric Kendricks
Tyrel Dodson
Christain Rozeboom
Isaiah McDuffie
Justin Strnad
KJ Britt
What free agents are available?
The Colts have seven selections in this year’s draft–one in each round. If they choose address the linebacker position here, these are the top available options, according to PFF’s big board:
Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina
Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Carson Schwesinger, UCLA
Jalon Walker, Georgia
Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss
Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon
Barrett Carter, Clemson
Jack Kiser, Notre Dame
Kobe King, Penn State
Cody Simon, Ohio State
Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota
Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
Jay Higgins, Iowa