According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Indianapolis Colts free agent outside linebacker Erik Walden is set to visit the Tennessee Titans on Monday.
The serviceable and durable outside linebacker spent the past four seasons for the Colts defense and was arguably one of former general manager Ryan Grigson‘s best free agent signings:
Colts LB Erik Walden is visiting the Titans today, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2017
The 31 year old is coming off his best season with the Colts, having recorded a career high 11.0 sacks, as well as 42 tackles and 3 forced fumbles in all 16 starts. He was the Colts only consistent resemblance of a pass rush this past season.
That being said, the Colts opted to ultimately get younger at their starting outside linebacker position and have already signed both former New England Patriot Jabaal Sheard (27) and Houston Texan John Simon (26) respectively late last week instead.
It’s a rebuilding movement by new general Chris Ballard, where he’s seeking to get a lot younger and faster on defense as a whole–at the expense of veteran players.
Seeing the writing on the wall (or informed that he wouldn’t be re-signed), the 9-year veteran recently took to social media to say his final farewell and thanks to both the Colts organization and its fans:
I'll like to give thanks to Irsay Family and the entire Colts Organization for four great years of memories and relationships that will last
— Erik Walden (@E_Ninety3) March 11, 2017
a lifetime. I'll also like to thank my teammates, trainers and fans for their support. With that said I'll always be grateful to have had a
— Erik Walden (@E_Ninety3) March 11, 2017
Opportunity to play for the Shoe. ColtsNation!! Much love and God Bless
— Erik Walden (@E_Ninety3) March 11, 2017
Nevertheless, the fact that Walden is visiting the Titans as a free agent is interesting–if not peculiar.
Not because the Titans are the Colts divisional rival, but because he’s had a heated history with Tennessee star tight end Delanie Walker, who Walden infamously head-butted in November of 2013–later serving a one game suspension.
Time will tell whether Walden ends up with the Titans, but he already has a great familiarity with the Colts, and it appears that there’s at least a decent chance that Indianapolis could be seeing his face frequently again–only on the opposite sideline.