The value of the Colts signing guys for training camp

The Colts just announced a signing that occurred earlier today. He likely won’t last past training camp though. So what’s the point?

Indianapolis signed another camp body, signing defensive tackle Chunky Clements. Clements was originally brought into the league in 2017 as an undrafted free agent by the Vikings. Then he was signed to Houston’s practice squad, and played for the Rams in preseason last year.

To make room for him, the Colts waived defensive tackle Jordan Thompson, whom they had signed earlier as an undrafted free agent. Thompson was unlikely to last on the roster after camp anyway. Neither, for that matter, is Clements. So what’s the point in signing either one of them?

There is value to singing guys this time of year who have no chance of making the active roster once the season starts. The biggest reason to do it is to have more camp bodies. The more camp bodies a team can have, the better the chance they can avoid unnecessary injury with their key guys.

The Colts’ practice of doing this is not unique. Every team in the league does this. Everyone wants to protect from the catastrophic injury that could potentially derail a season. The Colts have already had that happen with Andrew Luck‘s injury. They don’t want it again.

This signing of Clements won’t be the last camp signing they make. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them make a few more between now and when camp starts in late summer. But these signings hold immense value.