The Indianapolis Colts recently added to their defensive tackle position, signing former first-round pick Jerry Tillery. So what can Tillery add to this position group?
This will be Tillery’s eighth season in the NFL, having appeared in 113 games and started 53 in his first seven years. He’s also extremely durable, playing in at least 15 games every year in the NFL and not missing any games in the past three seasons.
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Tillery has played more of a rotation role over the past four seasons, averaging 452 shots per year during that span. Most of his NFL games have been rushing to the quarterback. According to PFF, Tillery has 2,150 career pass rush snaps and 1,602 run defense snaps.
Tillery spent the 2025 season with the Kansas City Chiefs, recording 12 pressures while also playing some special teams games.
“Tillery played a limited role in Kansas City’s defense last season, but he was reasonably efficient when he was on the field,” Chiefs Wire managing editor John Dillon said. “While Tillery’s time with the Chiefs was short, he’s exactly the type of veteran back who will make the coordinator’s life easier — if only with his wealth of experience. This may not be the flashiest signing in Indianapolis, but it should prove to be a productive one.”
Tillery also brings versatility to the Colts’ defensive front — a big factor in Lou Anarumo’s defense.
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“I played nose (guard) last year. I’ve played 3-technique my whole career. I’ve always played on the edge,” Tillery said, via James Boyd of The Athletic. “It’s all about the defense. I think I can do whatever I can to help us win.”
The addition of Tillery provides more competition for the defensive tackle rotation behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Perhaps the hope is that Tillery can provide additional pass rush and compete for playing time with Antetomiwa Adebawo and Colby Wooden, who won’t be playing tackle for the Colts.
Tillery may not be a lock in the lineup, but his presence could help increase competition in the frontcourt, which in turn can help improve the level of play.
“I think being able to be aggressive, stop the run, rush the passer and recognize the scheme quickly and then know what the offense is doing,” Tillery said, via Colts.com. “Those are things I’ve done my career. So, they fit into any scheme, and I think especially the way Coach Hobby and Lue have us play.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL Free Agency: Evaluating Colts signing Jerry Tillery
