The Indianapolis Colts have two new bodies in the defensive line room, acquiring former Green Bay Packers DT Colby Wooden and doubling down by signing former Kansas City Chiefs veteran Derrick Nnadi. The first move has some upside, but the latter might be a disaster.
Nnadi carries a reputation for being a stout run-stopper and used to be a fan favorite in Kansas City. His return, however, left a bad taste, which is why the Chiefs offered no resistance whatsoever to try to keep him in town.
Now, with two aging starters in DeForest Buckner and the struggling Grover Stewart, there's a legitimate chance that Nnadi might play meaningful snaps at some point. General manager Chris Ballard can't afford that to happen, and he needs to have another move up his sleeve.
Derrick Nnadi's addition doesn't bring much for the Colts
According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Nnadi drew the lowest grade among defensive tackles in the first nine weeks of the regular season (33.7). All in all, he made 15 appearances for Andy Reid's team, registering 16 tackles and one quarterback hit.
He didn't log a single tackle for loss, and his 12.1 missed tackle percentage was abysmal, not to mention career-worst. If that wasn't bad enough, he posted just three pressures, the fourth-fewest among 134 DL.
Nnadi used to be a stout tackler and solid rotational piece. But after playing just 529 defensive snaps over the past couple of years and failing to record a sack or tackle for loss -- he only has one QB hit during that span -- it's hard to believe he should even be on a roster.
Even so, there are plenty of reasons to be concerned. Grover Stewart will be 33 years old next season, and while he's always been a durable player with just one missed game in the past seven years, Father Time is ruthless.
Also, he didn't do that well himself last season, logging a 57.4 PFF grade and just 18 pressures. If he gets hurt or continues to underperform, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo might be tempted to give Nnadi a longer leash.
The Colts also have Adetomiwa Adebawore and Tim Smith as depth pieces, but none of them are even locks to make the 53-man roster. This team can't afford to be one injury away from having to turn to Derrick Nnadi in 2026, and they must continue looking for potential additions at the position.