Colts Sign Safety Dwight Lowery
The Indianapolis Colts announced that they have signed veteran safety Dwight Lowery today. The 29 year old played last season for the Atlanta Falcons, where he started in 15 games and recorded 79 tackles and 2 interceptions.
Nov 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons free safety Dwight Lowery (20) reacts after he intercepted the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
According to ProFootballFocus (subscription), Lowery graded out favorably against the run with a +2.3 grade. However, he may struggle in the passing game, as his -3.6 grade in pass coverage indicates.
Either way, Lowery is the heavy favorite to now start alongside Mike Adams at safety. The 8-year veteran has also played with both the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New York Jets during his NFL career.
Lowery should help the Colts against the run, which the team sorely needs after getting continuously destroyed by the New England Patriots running game. However, it will be interesting to see if the Colts also look to find a long-term answer at the safety position early in this year’s NFL Draft, as Lowery is likely just a stopgap solution.
Still, with Lowery in the fold, the Colts aren’t quite in such desperate need for a safety as they once were. The team can look to draft the best players available in this year’s draft without having to worry about not having a starting caliber safety next to Adams. Lowery isn’t necessarily great by any means, but he can at least play as a starting safety decently well.
It’s worth noting that Lowery was one of the veteran free agent safeties we previously considered for the Colts along with the hard-hitting Bernard Pollard among others. It was reported earlier this week that Lowery visited the Colts, and it looks like the team liked what they both saw and heard.
The Colts safety position with Lowery next to Adams still isn’t a strength for their secondary. However, with his signing, it’s certainly better than it was yesterday, where the team was in desperate need of a starting caliber safety. The Colts could still look to upgrade on Lowery, but the defense won’t be in trouble if they don’t either.