3 impending Colts free agents Chris Ballard can’t afford to lose
1. Grover Stewart
Grover Stewart is one of the most underrated defensive linemen in the NFL.
If there’s one “overpay” the Colts should make, some would argue Grover Stewart is the man they should open up the checkbook for. And it’s likely he won’t even be that expensive. How much could he cost with just 24 career starts and 55% of the defensive snaps (in 2020) under his belt?
Regardless of the financial aspect, Stewart’s stock has exploded, especially after the addition of Buckner. Those two up the middle have been the reason the Colts allow just 89.2 rushing yards per game, which is good for third in the NFL. Stewart’s value isn’t really seen in the box score, however.
Though in 2019 he logged career-highs in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks and QB hits, he’s either surpassed or will surpass all of those in 2020 with the exception of his sack count. The numbers don’t jump off the page because a lot of his contributions come in the form of helping collapse the pocket, blow up holes, and stuff the run.
The man is 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds and has improved upon his speed and explosiveness after losing over 30 pounds since he was drafted (fourth round in 2017). He’s only showed marked improvement over the last four years, culminating in a career year right before the first time he can test the open market.
We’re not saying Buckner won’t be able to hold down the fort in the event Stewart leaves in free agency, but this defense will continue to be one of the best in the league as long as they’re both working as the engine up the middle. Stewart’s a Tier 2 core player and giving him a little extra money to convince him to stay is probably the answer to maintaining the force that is this defensive line.
