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Colts Chopping Block: 5 Potential Cap Casualties

By Luke Schultheis

Aug 16, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Andre Johnson (81) warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Andre Johnson (81) warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker D’Qwell Jackson (52) celebrates with free safety Colt Anderson (32) after their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Colts won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker D’Qwell Jackson (52) celebrates with free safety Colt Anderson (32) after their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Colts won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

D’Qwell Jackson, Inside Linebacker

2016 Cap Hit: $5.75M

Potential “Dead Money” If Released: $250K

Total 2016 Cap Savings If Released: $5.5M

Summary: Out of all the potential aforementioned releases, this appears to be the least likely. The 32 year old inside linebacker finished with the 2nd most tackles in the NFL with 150 total tackles and was arguably the Colts best defensive player overall from a consistency standpoint.

Yes, the Colts need to get younger defensively, and D’Qwell Jackson still has his fair share of struggles in coverage. However, the 10-year inside linebacker remains one of the veteran leaders of this defense and simply has a nose and knack for finding the football.

In addition to his tackles, Jackson also had 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and an interception that was returned for a touchdown.

With fellow starting inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman set to hit free agency and a lack of proven in-house replacements, the Colts may be wise to hang onto Jackson, so they don’t have to fill in two potential vacancies in the middle of their defense this offseason.

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