Colts Continue to Retool the Defense By Adding Sean Spence

Indianapolis Colts‘ general manager Chris Ballard has quickly put his imprint on the team’s roster during free agency. Sunday, he added another piece to his masterpiece by signing linebacker Sean Spence.

The Colts’ offseason has been filled with defensive acquisitions. Aside from three deals, all of Indianapolis’ deals this free agency period have involved defensive players. This fact is not shocking because the Colts did have one of the worst defenses in the NFL in 2016.

The Colts had been search for a starting replacement at inside linebacker for D’Qwell Jackson. In addition to talking with Spence, they also flirted with Kevin Minter and Jon Bostic. Eventually, they chose Spence.

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Spence is a five-year pro who was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2012. He missed the first two seasons of his career due to knee injuries. After decent 2014 and 2015 seasons, he moved to the Tennessee Titans.

With the Titans, he remained a rotational inside linebacker. However, he did earn six starts and played in 15 games. He picked up 50 total tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble in his lone season with Tennessee.

With the Colts, Spence will hopefully have an elevated role. Indianapolis needs a new ball hawk at one of their starting inside linebacker positions.

Remember, Ballard’s first move as the Colts’ general manager was releasing D’Qwell Jackson. As a result, the move left inexperienced linebackers Edwin Jackson and Antonio Morrison as the potential two starters. Jackson and Morrison only have 12 starts combined.

Spence’s arrival makes the inside linebacker situation much more fruitful. Spence, who has started 19 games in his career, will battle for one of the two starting spots. While it is too early to assume he will be a Week 1 starter, his presence on the roster should boost the team’s defense overall.

The training camp and preseason competition between him, Jackson and Morrison should make all three better. Also, it does not matter if Spence starts or comes off the bench. He has proven he can produce in both roles.

Overall, Spence’s arrival nearly squares away the linebacker position. Ballard has already loaded the team with new outside linebackers, and Spence give the Colts needed experience inside. They still need a true edge pass rushing specialist.

Also, they need to make adjustments in the secondary. A solid No. 2 cornerback and a nickel cornerback should be at the top of the list.

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Even with Spence’s deal, Ballard is not done spending. Even with all the free agent moves h has made so far, the Colts still have around $30 million in cap space to work with. Plus, they still have seven picks in the first four rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft to use.

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