Colts Undrafted Free Agent Might Overachieve

The Indianapolis Colts did plenty for their roster throughout the 2025 offseason. This squad took things seriously in acquiring new talent, especially on defense.

Cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Camryn Bynum headlined the signings, but defensive tackle Neville Gallimore and corner Justin Walley (draft) were also picked up for depth, although Walley is looking fantastic so far in training camp and might be on track for starting-level snap counts.

Despite these additions, one position sticks out for the defensive side of the ball: the lack of depth at linebacker.

While the Colts have 2024 NFL tackle king Zaire Franklin, the Pro Bowler is recovering from surgery (ankle) during the offseason and hasn't suited up for practices. As for Jaylon Carlies, he missed seven games last year and just returned from shoulder surgery.

Behind the starters, prominent backups Cameron McGrone, Segun Olubi, and Joe Bachi, but more can be used with this group for many reasons. For undrafted free agent Solomon DeShields, he has an opportunity to push the aforementioned trio of backups for his own chance at playing time.

He showed his skills for four years at Pittsburgh, then concluded his career in the NCAA with the Texas A&M Aggies. Bleacher Report details that Solomon is the UDFA with the best shot to make the roster.

Brent Sobleski gives a rundown.

"Solomon DeShields hits all of those parameters. The 6'2", 235-pound defender with 33-plus-inch arms posted in the higher percentiles among linebackers in vertical, broad jump and 40-yard dash, per Kent Lee Platte."

Sobleski finished with "Moreover, the Colts did little to bolster their linebacker corps this offseason. It's easily the roster's thinnest position group. As long as DeShields shows promise, he can stick around for some time."