What the Colts should do with Jabaal Sheard

The defensive end has been with the Colts for three seasons now and will be a free agent later this month. Should the team bring him back?

Jabaal Sheard was signed back in 2017 to come in and play defensive end for the Colts. He had experience playing end and linebacker but was moved to end to fit the team’s 4-3 scheme. Now he is a free agent, and the team has to make a decision on his future.

With the Colts so far, Sheard has 15.5 sacks in his three years. He was durable his first two years, but missed the first three games last season with a knee injury. Last season his stats fell harshly as well, as he recorded half as many tackles as he did in 2018.

Sheard is now 30 years old and now has shown durability issues. Because of those two factors, Chris Ballard may very well let him walk in free agency. They have a decent amount of depth at defensive line right now, including Tyquan Lewis and Ben Banogu.

Banogu stands to be the player that gains the most if he walks. Banogu was hitting his rookie stride before he broke his leg and missed the rest of the season. He still has a ton of potential and can use his speed to get to the quarterback, which is what they need out of that position.

If the Colts do re-sign Sheard, it likely wouldn’t be for any longer than a two-year deal. That mitigates their risk while allowing Sheard to shine. He is a veteran and the team has a lack of those across the roster, especially on defense.

Ultimately, I think they do bring back Sheard. He may not get as much playing time as he has in the past, but they need his veteran presence around the rest of the young linemen.