Colts general manager all but confirmed a veteran player many believed would be elsewhere next year will be with the team in 2025
Looks like he is going to be back after all
One of the great things about the NFL Scouting Combine is that it is one of the only chances we get to hear from NFL general managers and head coaches ahead of free agency and the draft.
Colts GM Chris Ballard spoke with the media on Tuesday and shared some new information about multiple different situations surrounding the team. One of which included him all but confirming that a veteran player many believed would be a cap causality will be back with the team in 2025.
Colts GM Chris Ballard seems to beleive Samson Ebukam will be back with the team in 2025
The Colts signed Samson Ebukam as a free agent ahead of the 2023 season to a three year, $24 million contract. The signing paid off well in his first season as he led the Colts in sacks with 9.5 which was a career high for Ebukam. Sadly, he wasn't able to build off that success due to him tearing his Achillies in training camp. Which has led many to wonder if the Colts would release him this offseason in order to free up nearly $7.5 million in cap space.
Ballard's words at the combine don't point to that being a move the team is considering at this time though. When speaking about players that he specifically thinks will fit well in new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's defense, he mentioned Ebukam without prompting by saying "It'll be good to get Samson back. Samson has been doing great work in terms of rehab and coming back."
Ebukuam will turn 30 years old in May ahead of the 2025 season and is entering the final year of his current contract. It also seems important to note that one of the Colts' top in-house free agents this offseason is edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo. And if Ebukam is bac with the team in 2025, that seems to make Odeyingbo less likely to be retained than some may have previously thought.
The Colts have the chance to steal a key defensive back away from an AFC South rival without even having to break the bank
The Indianapolis Colts brought Julian Blackmon back late into free agency last offseason. He is set to hit the open market again, and many believe his time with the Colts ends this time. If he does sign elsewhere, the Colts will need to find a new starting free safety this offseason. There are multiple solid […]
