The Indianapolis Colts are continuing to build their defense through free agency, but this time, with a less flashy signing. Earlier this week, they made waves by signing Cam Bynum and Charvarius Ward, both huge upgrades. But there is still a lot of depth needed, which led to another signing that may not get quite the positive response as the previous two did.
Late last night, Adam Schefter reported that the Colts had agreed to a deal with Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Neville Gallimore.
"Source: Free-agent DT Neville Gallimore reached agreement tonight on a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts."Adam Schefter
This is an area of need for them, as Raekwon Davis was released to free up salary cap space. Davis was not a particularly impressive defense lineman, playing mostly on a rotational basis, but losing him left the Colts defense with another hole needing to be filled. That, ostensibly, is where Gallimore comes in. The question, though, is whether or not Gallimore is up to the task.
Gallimore was originally signed by the Dallas Cowboys, chosen in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. After his rookie contract ended, he moved on to the Miami Dolphins, who cut him in the 2024 preseason. He then landed with the Los Angeles Rams, and initially, he did not play well in the regular season. With 264 snaps, he had just 19 tackles and one quarterback hit - not particularly impressive.
But then came the playoffs, and Gallimore exploded. In two games, Gallimore had 45 snaps, where he racked up six tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a safety. The Colts are clearly hoping to see more of what Gallimore displayed in the playoffs.
At 6'2" and 315 pounds, Gallimore showed impressive athleticism at the NFL Combine before being drafted. As Joel Erickson noted, "Gallimore tore up the scouting combine in 2020, running the 40-yard dash in just 4.79 seconds despite tipping the scales at 304 pounds, becoming the first defensive linemen (along with Nebraska’s Khalil Davis) to run the 40 in fewer than 4.8 seconds while weighing more than 300 pounds."
The potential is clearly there, and hopefully playing alongside elite linemen like DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart will help bring it out.