Colts Free Agency 2023: Arrivals, departures, and rumors from legal tampering period

After two days of the legal tampering period, here’s a look at the players the Indianapolis Colts added and lost, and also the rumors surrounding the team.

On Monday, the NFL’s legal tampering period started. That’s a two-day period where teams are allowed to speak with soon-to-be unrestricted free agents and negotiate contracts. It’s essentially the unofficial start of free agency with the official start of free agency coming on Wednesday. While nothing agreed to in the legal tampering period is binding, several teams have already made moves that they’re comfortable will soon become official.

The Indianapolis Colts weren't as involved early, but that’s typical of them. However, on Monday evening, and Tuesday evening, Indianapolis started to get involved in a big way. As the team prepares for the official start of free agency, let’s take a look at the moves that already transpired.

Colts signings -Tampering period

• Tyquan Lewis, DE, one-year, $1.25 million

After spending all five seasons of his NFL career with Indianapolis, Tyquan Lewis has re-signed for another year. Coming off a season where Lewis only played in seven games and recorded one sack, he is hoping to remain healthy so that he could be a consistent pass rusher for the Colts.

• EJ Speed, LB, two-year, $8 million

There was a chance that EJ Speed could join another team in free agency and possibly get a bigger role, but considering how deep this free agency linebacker class is, it probably made sense for Speed to return to Indy. The Colts are certainly grateful to have him back as they can maintain their quality linebacker depth.

• Matt Gay, K, four-year, $22.5 million

Agreeing on a deal with Matt Gay was the biggest acquisition for Indianapolis during the legal tampering period and also the biggest free agency deal for a kicker ever. While some fans were unhappy to see Chris Ballard aggressively targeting a kicker, Indy was able to address a need with the best available player at the position.

• Samson Ebukam, DE, three-year, $27 million

Indianapolis agreed on a three-year deal with talented defensive end, Samson Ebukam. Ebukam started 26 of the 32 games he played over the last two seasons with the elite San Francisco 49ers defense. In those two years, Ebukam recorded 9.5 sacks, 12 tackles for a loss, and 24 quarterback hits. He’ll now help Indy’s pass rush.