Younger and faster. Those are the words from Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard on his plan for improving the defense this offseason. Hard to argue with his own criticism on that, but has it happened yet?
We are into the second week of free agency now, and the Colts have been reasonably active, but nothing major yet. Yes, they re-signed their own in Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce, the mainstays on the offensive side of the ball. They also brought back tight ends Drew Ogletree and Mo Alie-Cox.
On defense, the safeties were the focal point over the last few days, with the additions of veteran Johnathan Owens and some youth in Juanyeh Thomas from Dallas. Whether these are true upgrades is up for debate. One spot on the roster that is still in limbo is the starting linebacker position, and Indianapolis may have to dispel the “younger and faster” belief for success.
The Indianapolis Colts might be forced to rely on an unlikely duo next season
With the trade of veteran and defensive captain Zaire Franklin to Green Bay, the team is left without a “green dot” linebacker. For all the faults of Franklin, no one questioned his ability to lead the defense on the field through play-calling and communication. With no true replacement, it’s unclear who that responsibility would go to.
While the “younger and faster” moniker does not play into a re-signing of last season's addition, Germaine Pratt, this franchise might have no other choice.
After a slow start with the Las Vegas Raiders, Pratt was signed by Indianapolis and finished the year as the starter next to Franklin. He was brought in as a veteran presence, and he knew the scheme that this team was trying to implement, having played under Indy defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo when both were with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Having one competent linebacker is good, but obviously, having a second is vital to the defense. The Colts should look to acquire former Ballard 2019 draft pick Bobby Okereke to put alongside Germaine Pratt.
Despite Ballard's faults and his drafting prowess, he has shown the ability to draft solid linebackers. Okereke may have been his best, but as usual with Ballard, he wasn’t willing to pay more for his services when he was a free agent in 2023.
Okereke has spent the past three seasons with the New York Giants and has been their green dot linebacker. He had his best season in 2023 with career highs in sacks (2.5) and tackles for loss (11). He has been a leader for them, but was a cap casualty the Giants were forced to make.
The linebacker would also be a slight upgrade with his coverage ability. Zaire Franklin was terrible, and Pratt not much better. Okereke, though, has had quarterback ratings allowed of a solid 91.4 or less in two of the last three seasons. While he's given up five touchdown passes, he has four interceptions and 10 passes broken up.
With a win-now sense of urgency from the new ownership group, the Colts cannot rely on a new rookie draft pick to be the defensive signal caller on this team for 2026. To prevent another revolving-door linebacker room, Indianapolis needs to invest in Pratt and Okereke. Otherwise, this defense will continue to show its inconsistencies and inability to close out games.