The Indianapolis Colts are still trying to fine-tune their roster for the 2025 season, though the team has made a number of moves already. General manager Chris Ballard is likely also keeping an eye on the waiver wire. After rosters are set, teams can also make immediate moves to bring in players and still release others.
One of the Colts' biggest questions entering the 2025 season was who might be partnered with inside linebacker Zaire Franklin. Franklin, of course, is one of the leaders in the locker room, but his position on the field has been somewhat diminished in new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's system.
Still, having inside linebackers who can help stop the run is a must. Franklin can do that, but there is no guarantee that Jaylon Carlies, Joe Bachie, or Cameron McGrone will consistently once the real games begin.
Indianapolis Colts should entertain a reunion with linebacker Anthony Walker Jr.
One recently released player, who just happens to be a former Colts linebacker, might be the real answer. Anthony Walker, Jr. has bounced around the league the last few years, but he is still a productive player. Last year with the Miami Dolphins, Walker had a very good run-defense grade of 69.5, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason, but the team released him on Monday ahead of Tuesday's cut-down day. The reason was that Walker has been dealing with a knee injury, though various reports have Walker being medically cleared and ready to play.
READ MORE: No-brainer quarterback trade package is too good for Colts to refuse
In other words, if a reunion were to occur and the Indianapolis Colts were to bring Anthony Walker back, he should be good to go early in the season, if not by Week 1.
He is still just 30 years old, and though he struggled with a hamstring injury in 2024, he still appeared in 14 games. His experience would also augment the middle of the defense, a unit that is going to have to carry Indianapolis to quite a few close wins. That is assuming the quarterback play is once again iffy.
The Indianapolis Colts certainly have the cap room to add Walker, and his asking price should not be much, being past 30 and recently released because of an injury. His deal with the Bucs was only going to pay him a little over a million dollars, and that is likely around what Indianapolis would need to offer.