The Indianapolis Colts will address their defensive front seven this offseason. NFL combine general manager Chris Ballard was very direct about it.
Overall, Ballard said he wants to get younger and faster defensively this offseason. At the linebacker position in particular, the Colts need more coverage, as well as more depth and competition in a room that currently lacks experience outside of Zaire Franklin.
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So, who might be a potential free agent or NFL draft target for Ballard that checks all of those boxes at the linebacker position? There are several options here.
Leo Chenard, Chiefs
Chenauer played a rotational role in Kansas City’s defense, but with his opportunities he became a very good blocker and strong run defender. He allowed just 8.7 yards per catch in coverage, which included an interception and a pass breakup, according to PFF.
Spotrac projection: Three years, $13.91 million
Nakobe Dean, Eagles
Dean has been an efficient blitzer throughout his career, possessing the athleticism and playmaking ability to patrol the middle of the field. Defensively, he’s allowed 11.6 yards per catch in his career, with one interception and three pass breakups over the past two seasons. However, Dean has had to deal with injuries throughout his career.
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Spotrac projection: four years, US$31.59 million
Anthony Hill (Texas)
Hill Jr. has played nearly 2,000 defensive snaps over the past three seasons. During that span, he had 60 pressures on the quarterback and racked up 227 tackles, according to PFF.
Defensively, he was allowed 8.3 yards per catch with three interceptions and two breakups. Although Hill mainly plays in the penalty area, he has extensive experience in the open space and defensive front.
Josiah Trotter, Missouri
Trotter had 1,144 defensive snaps over the past two seasons. Last year at Missouri, Trotter was one of PFF’s highest-graded running backs at the linebacker position.
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He also had 14 pressures and three sacks as a snapper. Defensively, he caught 27 of 32 targets for 8.8 yards per catch. Trotter did not record any ball production.
Jack Goldie, Cincinnati
Goldie played over 2,000 defensive snaps at the collegiate level in his career. He excelled as a blitzer and in 2025, he was one of PFF’s highest-graded running backs at the linebacker position.
Defensively, he held opponents to less than 9.0 yards per catch while forcing three pass breakups.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL Free Agency: 5 options for Colts to upgrade linebacker position