The Indianapolis Colts might not be done with making free agency moves just yet. According to new reports, the team is set to meet with former Broncos linebacker Nate Irving.
Source: Free agent LB Nate Irving is visiting the #Colts today.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 16, 2015
Irving was the starting middle linebacker for the Broncos until a knee injury ended his season after Week 9. He played very well in his first season as a starter and posted his best game of the season against the Colts in the season opener.
He was a very solid run defender for the Broncos and developing into a talented player before what was reported as a sprained MCL ended his year. The North Carolina State player was well on his way towards being a long term starter but the Broncos decided not to re-sign him.
The Colts have Jerrell Freeman and D’Qwell Jackson as the starting inside linebackers, with Henoc Muamba backing them up. Andrew Jackson was cut following his second DUI and Josh McNary is currently facing rape charges. That leaves the team a bit thin at the position.
The Colts could also use help in terms of run defense. The team gave up 411 yards on the ground in their past two playoff losses to the Patriots.
Pro Football Focus gave Irving a +1.1 overall grade for the eight games he played in last season. More importantly, he had a +5.9 against the run.
Stopping the run has been a concerning trend for the Colts. While they have addressed a number of issues on the roster, the team hasn’t done much with respect towards run defense.
The Colts could certainly use a solid player to round out the roster at linebacker. Jackson appeared in every game last season but Freeman missed four games in 2014.
We’ll know soon enough if the Colts and Irving come to terms. Free agents rarely leave Indianapolis when GM Ryan Grigson decides he wants to lock them up.