The Indianapolis Colts will have to make some tough choices when it comes to the 2026 team roster. One defensive player has made that task just a bit easier with his 2025 performance.
Their nearly unprecedented collapse doesn't even have the silver lining of a decent draft pick. That went out the door with the trade of their 2025 and 2026 first-round picks for cornerback Sauce Gardner. So the Colts have to be as efficient as possible with their roster moves this season.
Considering they have 28 players entering free agency, they have about three tons of personnel decisions there alone. There are several pressing decisions facing GM Chris Ballard. What to do about bringing Daniel Jones back has to top the list. So I'm sure he appreciates that one defender madeone roster choice for him with his disappointing play in 2025.
Colts edge rusher Samson Ebukam played his way out of Indianapolis
An eight-year veteran of the NFL, Samson Ekubam came to the Colts in 2023 to fill their need for a pass rusher who could set the edge as well as take down the quarterback. He delivered exactly that with his best season ever, finishing with 9.5 sacks, 17 quarterback hits, and 10 tackles for a loss. He also played a full 17-game slate for the first time in his career.
Sadly, 2024 was a complete loss for Samson Ekubam and the Indianapolis Colts, as he missed the entire season with a torn Achilles tendon. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo had big expectations for Ekubam's return.
The former Los Angeles Rams' fourth-rounder didn't disappoint in his first game back. Three QB hits, one sack, and a tackle for a loss in just 17 snaps seemed to show he was indeed back.
Those expectations weren't exactly borne out for the rest of the season. Ebukam wouldn't register another sack until Week 5 against the Raiders. And that was it for his sacks. He would manage to tally two more QB hits, but considering that Ebukam got 249 snaps on defense after that Raiders game, his performance can't be seen as anything but a major disappointment.
The sports financial site spotrac.com projects his value at $2.9 million for the upcoming season. The Colts would be far better off putting that money toward signing their first pick of the 2026 draft. And yes, this guy would look great with a horseshoe on his helmet.