How do the Colts plan on replacing DE Jabaal Sheard?

Sheard’s starting role is up for grabs.

The Indianapolis Colts entered the offseason with several decisions to make. One of them included what to do with veteran defensive end Jabaal Sheard, whose contract ended following the 2019 season.

The Colts decided to pass on bringing Sheard back and are focused on developing the younger talent in the room. The team isn’t quite sure how they will replace Sheard’s role, but defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus sees a few players vying for that starting position.

“Well, I think that is up in the air right now in terms of we have all those young guys in there that could potentially take that spot over – (Ben) Banogu or (Kemoko) Turay,” Eberflus said Friday in a conference call. “We’re potentially moving (Denico) Autry out at some and Ty (Tyquan) Lewis will be out there some. So there will be three or four guys that will be competing for that position.”

Turay and Banogu are the young talents that have Colts fans excited. Both bring athleticism, speed and flexibility to the edge. Those are three traits that Sheard didn’t have being more of a power rusher. But Turay was on his way to a breakout season in 2019 before an ankle injury ended his campaign in Week 6 against the Chiefs.

Banogu flashed during the limited playing time he had throughout his rookie campaign. But his athleticism and bend make him an intriguing option on early downs to be a run-stopper.

After the Colts didn’t make any big improvements to the defensive end room, it became known that both Autry and Lewis will be competing on the edge as well. While Autry already has his roster spot likely locked up, Lewis is another question. He has to prove he belongs on the 53-man before his role on the defense.

Both players will have the chance to compete for a role on the edge when training camp commences.

“What’s beneficial about Denico (Autry) is that he’s played inside and out. Also, Tyquan (Lewis) has played inside and out, right and left,” Eberflus said. “So to have those guys that are not necessarily flex players, but in a sense flex players that they can go in and out.”

There are going to be some interesting developments to watch on the defensive side of the ball during training camp. How the team plans on replacing a vacated starting role will be one of them.

Giants may not be done signing free agents

The New York Giants may have have a full roster at the moment, but expect them to poke around a few additional free agents.

The New York Giants just drafted 10 players and signed 15 players that went undrafted, but they may not be done signing players for the upcoming season.

“Roster building is a 12-month season,’ Giants general manager Dave Gettleman said after the draft. “It’s 365 and it’s 24/7. At the end of the day, we feel good about where we’re at, but we’ll continue to try to improve it.”

They really don’t have much room to make more moves. In fact, they don’t have any. They entered the draft with 69 players, selected 10 and just signed 15, putting them four over the league roster limit of 90 (pending rookie deals). They should be announcing the cutting of four players in the coming days.

Still, all of this activity will not deter Gettleman and his new head coach, Joe Judge from adding a player here or there where they see fit.

On Monday, Gettleman slapped a “May 5” tender on unrestricted free agent linebacker Markus Golden. Golden was not re-signed by the Giants — or any other team for that matter — so the Giants placed a tender on him that will revert his rights back to the Giants should he not be signed by another NFL team by July 22.

Zack Rosenblatt of NJ.com listed three current affordable free agents the Giants could have interest in going forward: Seattle center Justin Britt, Dallas wide receiver/kick returner Tavon Austin and Indianapolis edge rusher Jabaal Sheard.

Britt was released by the Seahawks after failing his physical, so don’t get too excited. He is still rehabbing from a torn ACL that ended his season after eight games. But to that point, Britt had started all but two games for Seattle after being selected 64th overall out of Missouri in 2014. He can play all three positions on the offensive line.

Giant fans know Austin well as a Cowboy, which means he well known by the Giants’ new offensive coordinator, former Dallas head coach Jason Garrett. Austin can compete for a role on both special teams and in the Giants’ thin wide receiver group.

Sheard, 30, has played in 134 games since Cleveland made him the 37th overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Pitt. His career journey has taken him to New England and Indianapolis but he is a steady veteran who can add some depth to the defensive line if needed.

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6 DEs the Colts should consider in free agency

Edge rushers for the Colts in free agency.

The Indianapolis Colts are preparing for free agency to begin this week as it is currently slated to do and with that should come some interest in the market for defensive ends.

With an abundance of salary-cap space (over $80 million), the Colts can essentially go after any free agent they want. They won’t, of course, because general manager Chris Ballard is very calculated and cautious when it comes to adding big contracts in free agency. But there are still players they should consider targeting before the price gets too out of hand.

Here are six defensive ends the Colts should consider in free agency:

Jadeveon Clowney | Seattle Seahawks | Age: 27

When the franchise tags are all official, Clowney will be the biggest fish in the free agent market. One could argue he was regardless, but it will be official by Monday. Clowney possesses all of the potential in what an elite defensive end can bring to a defense.

He’s a freak athlete that combines insane size, speed and power at one of the most crucial positions across the entire roster. There are concerns with his game of course. He’s a stout run defender and sets the edge with near perfection, but his pass-rushing leaves a little to be desired. He’s still strong in this area, but he’s never had a season with double-digit sacks.

There is also the question of durability. Over his six-year career, Clowney has missed 21 games (most of which came in 2014). But if he’s commanding $21 million per year on the market, the Colts will need availability from him.

Clowney would be intriguing to add to the defensive line and while it is unlikely the Colts will sign him when looking at the big picture, he should be considered at the very least.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Colts’ Eric Ebron could bring huge boost to Saints

The New Orleans Saints will consider every way to improve, including Indianapolis Colts free agents like Eric Ebron and Jabaal Sheard,

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The Indianapolis Colts are up next on our league-wide deep dive into possible free agents the New Orleans Saints could pursue during the 2020 offseason. With only 20 free agents available for the Colts, there are only a few plausible fits for the Saints. Here are Indianapolis’ free agents:

LT Anthony Castonzo
WR Devin Funchess
DE Jabaal Sheard
TE Eric Ebron
K Adam Vinatieri
WR Chester Rogers
FS Clayton Geathers
WR Dontrelle Inman
RT Le’Raven Clark
FS Isaiah Johnson
S Briean Boddy-Calhoun
G Josh Andrews
RB Jonathan Williams
G Joe Haeg
DT Trevon Coley (RFA)
WR Marcus Johnson (ERFA)
S Kai Nacua (ERFA)
S Rolan Milligan (ERFA)
WR Daurice Fountain (ERFA)
K Chase McLaughlin (ERFA)

A name that will be a top target for many teams, and should be for New Orleans as well is Eric Ebron. The tight end had a down year in 2019 when he played in only 11 games due to an ankle injury, in which drama ensued. The 27-year old was only able to reel in 31 receptions for 375 yards and three touchdowns. However, his 2017 season was fantastic, and his 2018 season was prolific. Ebron’s 2019 production may have teams on the fence in terms of doling out a huge contract to the tight end. But, should the Saints pursue his services, he would provide another big target, along with excellent route running abilities for the returning quarterback Drew Brees.

Defensive end Jabaal Sheard is another intriguing name that is available from the Colts. At 30-years old, Jabaal has proven durable, and has played above replacement level for his position. He would help solidify some question marks the New Orleans defensive line has heading into 2020.

Finally, Joe Haeg could be brought in as a depth role type of player. His snap count has diminished over the last four seasons, and at one point was a starting interior offensive lineman for Indianapolis. However, at just 26-years old, he could provide competition to players such as Nick Easton and Will Clapp. When Haeg saw the field in 2019, Pro Football Focus gave him a 71.9 grade, which shows that he has the talent.

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6 DEs who could replace Jabaal Sheard for the Colts

Here’s how the Colts can replace DE Jabaal Sheard.

There is still over a month until free agency officially begins for the Indianapolis Colts and one of their pending free agents is veteran defensive end Jabaal Sheard.

The ultimate leader in the locker room and a steady run defender, Sheard was Chris Ballard’s first outside free-agent signing in 2017. But he’s 30 years old now and his production has been far from game-changing at one of the most important defensive positions. The Colts could re-sign him to a short-term deal or they could look to free agency and the draft to replace him.

If they decide to go with the latter, here are six options the Colts could consider to replace Sheard this offseason:

Yannick Ngakoue | Age: 24 | Free Agency

Turning 25 years old at the end of March, Ngakoue will be one of the most pursued free agents should the Jaguars allow him to hit the market. There is always a chance they franchise tag the former third-round pick but if they don’t, the Colts should be all over this pass rusher.

Priorities for the Jaguars and their roster in the off-season:
1. Re-sign Yannick Ngakoue
2. Everything else pic.twitter.com/K4ZWJpjoNU

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) December 19, 2019

A steady contributor since being drafted, Ngakoue has 37.5 sacks and 85 quarterback hits over the last four seasons. That’s good for the 12th and eighth-most among pass rushers during that stand. He’s also missed just two games since entering the league.

The price range might keep Chris Ballard out of serious bidding but Ngakoue can be a game-changer for the Colts and should be heavily considered if he winds up hitting the market.

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5 toughest decisions Chris Ballard has to make this offseason

There will be some tough decisions for Colts GM Chris Ballard.

The Indianapolis Colts their biggest offseason in recent memory after failing to make the playoffs during the 2019 season. It’s a long process and one that will be littered with difficult decisions for general manager Chris Ballard.

Now three years in as the leader of the front office, Ballard faces some big decisions over the next few months. Most of it revolves around the quarterback situation, but there are some other decisions that will be tough for Ballard.

Here are the five toughest decisions Ballard has to make this offseason:

The QB situation

The Colts currently have three quarterbacks under contract for the 2020 season. That would be starter Jacoby Brissett, veteran backup Brian Hoyer and the project in Chad Kelly. With that room, quarterback has become the biggest need for the Colts this offseason.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean Ballard will pull the trigger on a quarterback this offseason. It is highly unlikely he goes with a veteran in free agency. The more likely route is grabbing a prospect in the 2020 NFL draft.

While drafting a quarterback like Jordan Love or Justin Herbert would give the Colts a much more positive outlook for the future, there is just as much of a chance Ballard sticks with Brissett and adds weapons around him.

That is undeniably the biggest decision Ballard has to make.

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Colts GM Chris Ballard on Jabaal Sheard: ‘What a pro’

Jabaal Sheard’s time with the Colts could be coming to an end.

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.

What will the Colts see with Will Grier under center?

Colts set to face the rookie QB.

Will Grier, the rookie quarterback out of West Virginia, will be getting his first NFL start when the Panthers travel to Lucas Oil Stadium to face off against the Colts. He will be replacing Kyle Allen who has struggled in recent weeks.

Allen was under center since week 3 When Cam Newton went out with a foot injury. Allen is an accurate passer who really spread the ball for everyone on offense, something players and even coaches loved.

His success though seemed to be a flash in the pan and now the Panthers are trying to decide what to do at quarterback for the future. Insert the rookie Grier.

Granted this move may just be a shot in the dark to see if there is any value in their third-round pick. That being said, just because Grier may be a long shot does not mean he should be pushed to the side.

In his senior season at West Virginia, Grier completed 67% of his passes for 3864 yards and 37 touchdowns. His pocket awareness and surprisingly big arm were perfect for a high flying Big 12 offense like the Mountaineers.

He throws a very accurate and nice deep ball, which could be an issue for the Colts secondary. As we saw a few weeks ago against Houston and Tampa Bay, fast receivers can beat Indy’s secondary for large chunks of yards.

The answer to shutting down Grier before he even begins? Pass rush. The Colts front four have to get after Grier and force him to be uncomfortable in his first start. Hopefully, that will force him to rush throws and even turn the ball over.

With Denico Autry out, it will be vital that Jabaal Sheard and Justin Houston step up as veteran members of this defense.

Grier is a talented player who has a lot to prove in these final two games. He has a chance to ball out and be the Panthers quarterback for the foreseeable future, but the Colts have a chance to make sure that doesn’t happen this Sunday. Hopefully, the Colts can spoil the rookie’s first start and win a game for the first time in four weeks.

5 Colts to watch vs. Saints in Week 15

Colts to watch in Week 15.

The Indianapolis Colts (6-7) will be doing all they can to keep their playoff hopes alive Monday night when they travel to take on the New Orleans Saints (10-3) at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Needing to win out in the final three games of the regular season to have any chance at making the playoffs, the Colts face a tough challenge in the Saints, who have won three of their last four games.

Here are five Colts to watch in the Week 15 matchup:

WR Marcus Johnson

The Colts might be seeing the return of T.Y. Hilton on Monday night but that is still undetermined until the inactives come out. Regardless, Johnson should have another big role in the passing game coming off of his career performance against the Bucs in Week 14.

Catching three passes for 105 yards and a touchdown, Johnson was a big-play machine in a game in which the Colts needed to keep up on the road. Something similar could happen Monday night as the Colts battle a Saints team that is averaging over 26 points per game.

Who will emerge in the passing game remains to be seen, but Johnson has as good of a chance as any with his recent emergence.

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Colts defense stepping up when needed most

Don’t blame the struggles on the defense.

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It’s hard to look at positives after a loss like the Indianapolis Colts just had on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, but that’s where this article comes in to save the day.

Yes, the offense has played poorly the past three weeks, but how have the Colts stayed in every game? It’s because of their defense, a unit that has really stepped up their play since Week 4.

The first four weeks of the season the Colts allowed over 350 total yards of offense in three games, while also allowing over 24 points in each of those games. Another factor to their bad play to start the season was that they weren’t getting off the field on third down, giving up over 20 first downs in all but one game the first four weeks.

Credit the success to the return of some of their more important players returning—Jabaal Sheard, Darius Leonard, Malik Hooker—this defense has turned back into their form they had at the end of the 2018 season when they became a top-10 unit and allowed the Colts to go on a nine-game winning streak late in the season.

One player to highlight is Jabaal Sheard. He isn’t the flashiest player on the Colts and doesn’t always get the recognition, but he will here. First four weeks of the season the Colts allowed an average of 132.5 rushing yards per game. The last five? 81.8 yards per game.

Sheard returning to the right side allowed Justin Houston to return to his natural position at left defensive end, and the results have been positive. Since Week 5 Justin Houston has won Defensive Player of the Week (Week 5), has recorded a sack in every game, forced a fumble resulting in a safety and has provided the consistent pass rush the Colts need.

What is more impressive about this defense since Week 5 has been the offenses they’ve faced. Yes, the last three weeks it has been less impressive (Denver, Pittsburgh and Miami) but they played well versus two of the better offenses in the AFC in Houston and Kansas City.

The Colts were the first team to hold the Chiefs to under 300 totals yards of offense and 30 points since Patrick Mahomes has taken over at quarterback for the Chiefs.

Indianapolis was able to back up that performance by holding one of the best red-zone offenses in the NFL, Houston, to 2-for-5 scoring touchdowns in the red zone. Plus, they forced two fourth-quarter interceptions on Deshaun Watson, including the one that sealed the game.

One final point to make, this defense has really stepped up in the situational downs. In the first four weeks, the Colts defense was allowing a 48% conversion rate on third down (21/43). Whereas the last five games, they’re down to just 32% conversion rate, (21/65).

The red zone has made just as big of a difference. The first four games the Colts were allowing touchdowns on 75% of drives that got into the red zone, (9/12). While teams have gotten into the red zone more against the Colts recently, some due to turnovers by the offense, the defense is only allowing touchdowns on 35%, (6/17).

While fans can point blame many different ways each Sunday, they shouldn’t point to the defense as the reason the Colts have been sputtering recently. If anything, fans should applaud the defense for keeping the Colts in all these games recently.