While the new league year is still a few months away, the Indianapolis Colts will have several decisions to make when it comes to free agency. Among them will involve the future of defensive end Jabaal Sheard.
As his three-year deal officially expires in the middle of March, it isn’t clear what the future holds for the soon-to-be 31-year-old. He’s been a consistent force for the Colts on the edge and the ultimate leader both in the locker room and in the community.
But there is a chance the Colts let him test the market. Even so, general manager Chris Ballard had some high praise for the veteran at his year-end press conference.
“What a pro, what a pro. Fun to get to know him, the way he works, the way he’s in the locker room. He’s everything you want a player to be in terms of being a pro,” Ballard said. “We haven’t made any decisions yet on who we’re bringing back and who we’re not, but I hold Jabaal Sheard, wherever his future may be, whether it’s here or somewhere else, I hold Jabaal Sheard in high regard. Appreciate him, what he brought to the Colts.”
Sheard has been a solid signing since arriving in 2017. But the Colts need more from their pass rush and while Sheard’s impact against the run has been well-proven, he doesn’t bring much in applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Outside of a few sacks thanks to his vicious power moves, Sheard finished his season with 4.5 sacks in 13 games. Those aren’t terrible numbers in the least, but he hasn’t recorded six sacks in the three years he’s been with the Colts and hasn’t done so since the 2015 season.
Sheard is the type of person the Colts want in the locker room. He’s the perfect embodiment of a leader both on and off the field. However, they need more production from their pass-rushing unit.
It isn’t clear how much interest the Colts have in bringing Sheard back, but Ballard certainly holds the veteran in high regard.