Linebacker Nate Irving Still Considering Signing With Colts
By Evan Reller
After meeting with ex-Broncos linebacker Nate Irving on Monday, both sides are still mulling their options. The Indianapolis Colts are clearly interested in Irving but there is no report that a deal has been offered to him.
Source: Free agent LB Nate Irving is still weighing all his options. Initial visit with the #Colts went well today.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 17, 2015
Anderson’s report was later confirmed by the Stephen Holder of the IndyStar.
re: free-agent ILB Nate Irving, source tells me there is mutual interest. #Colts have a need, player definitely interested. Situation fluid
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 17, 2015
We took a look at the situation yesterday and how Irving would fill a clear need on the roster. The 26-year old linebacker doesn’t appear to have a lot of suitors since he is coming off an MCL injury that cut his season short in 2014. Irving was a rising star for the Broncos and seems to have fallen pretty far considering he was their starting middle linebacker.
Irving has been great against the run during his career but struggles in coverage. The Colts have issues with both from their inside linebackers and Irving would likely be brought in as a situational backup. There is always the chance that he could push to be in the starting lineup as well.
The Broncos didn’t offer him a new contract, but he made just over $800,000 last season in the last year of his rookie deal.
Considering his previous contract and the MCL injury, the Colts would be able to work out a favorable deal with Irving. We’ll have more on the situation as it continues to develop.