Report: Cardinals Free Agent ILB Kevin Minter Meeting with Colts
According to CBS Sports Jason La Canfora, the Indianapolis Colts are set to meet with Arizona Cardinals free agent inside linebacker Kevin Minter.
The 26 year old is coming off a season with the Arizona Cardinals in which he started all 16 games, recording 81 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 2 passes defensed:
Free agent linebacker Kevin Minter is taking a visit to Indy. Will meet with the Colts
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 13, 2017
Originally a 2013 2nd round pick of the Arizona Cardinals, the 6’0″, 246 pound inside linebacker has 175 total tackles, 5.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 6 passes defensed in 61 career games (37 starts) in his first four seasons.
Earlier this offseason, we listed Minter as one of our ‘Top 7 under-the-radar free agents’ for the Colts to consider, as he’s one of the best inside linebackers on the open market:
Per Pro Football Focus (subscription), Minter was their 25th best rated linebacker with a +81.0 grade overall–including a +81.3 grade in pass coverage.
Next: Report: Robert Turbin Re-Signs with Colts on 2-Year Deal
Of course, the Colts could use help at starting inside linebacker, where Indianapolis has two young inside linebackers: Edwin Jackson and Antonio Morrison, who don’t necessarily instill a ton of confidence going forward.
The Colts struggled replacing Jerrell Freeman a season ago and recently released longtime veteran D’Qwell Jackson–meaning the defense could sorely use a proven player at the starting inside linebacker position in 2017.