The Indianapolis Colts announced on Thursday that the team has signed former Chicago Bears inside linebacker Jon Bostic.
Originally a 2013 2nd round pick of the Chicago Bears, the 6’1″, 245 pound linebacker has also served as a member of the New England Patriots, as well as most recently, the Detroit Lions.
The 5th-year veteran has 103 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 4 passes defensed, and an interception in 40 career games (18 starts).
Unfortunately, Bostic did not play for the Detroit Lions in his lone season with the franchise, as he suffered a season-ending foot injury last offseason following a May trade from the New England Patriots.
His best season came in 2014 with the Bears, when he recorded 84 tackles and 3 passes defensed in 13 games (8 starts).
It marks the latest addition for what’s been a very busy season for new general manager Chris Ballard, as he’s already signed linebackers Jabaal Sheard, John Simon, Sean Spence, and Barkevious Mingo in what’s been a complete overhaul of the 2nd level of the Colts defense.
Simply put, the Colts had to get younger, faster, and more athletic in their linebacking corps this offseason. Something that appears to have been accomplished–at least on paper.
It’s worth noting that Ballard was previously the Chicago Bears Director of Pro Scouting in 2012 before joining the Kansas City Chiefs front office, so he presumably has a great familiarity with Bostic already–having scouted him prior.
If nothing else, Bostic appears to be at least an impressive athlete at the inside linebacker position–even if that hasn’t always translated to on-the-field results (often because of injuries):
RE: Jon Bostic signing.
— Jeremy Stevenson (@MyColtsAccount) April 20, 2017
25 years old.
Top-tier athlete.
Typically, that's a lot better than signing old, slow guys (read: D'Qwell Jackson). pic.twitter.com/KGiEGoKPnp
All offseason Ballard has emphasized the need to build competition on the Colts 53-man roster, and while Bostic appears to be a backup at first glance, there’s no question he could challenge some of the younger players such as Edwin Jackson or Antonio Morrison for a starting spot–both of whom remain unproven at the position.
Regardless, the 25 year old figures to be a core special teams player for the Colts and a potential veteran insurance policy should injuries arise for the first-team defense at inside linebacker–having had prior starting experience.