Linebacker Group Finalized: Four Named to Indianapolis Colts Roster

After weeks of training camp battles, preseason evaluations, and strategic roster adjustments, the Indianapolis Colts have officially locked in their linebacker group for the upcoming NFL season, with four players earning spots on the final 53-man roster. For a team looking to strengthen its defensive consistency and improve upon last year’s 8-9 record, solidifying the linebacker corps was a top priority—and the Colts’ coaching staff believes these four players bring the perfect mix of experience, athleticism, and versatility to anchor the unit. Linebacker Group Finalized: Four Named to Indianapolis Colts Roster marks a key milestone in the team’s offseason preparation, as the linebacker position is often the “heart” of a defense, responsible for stopping the run, dropping into coverage, and rushing the quarterback. Each of the four selected players brings a unique skill set to the table, and their combined strengths are expected to address the Colts’ defensive weaknesses from a season ago, particularly in stopping opposing running backs and limiting big plays in the middle of the field.

Linebacker Group Finalized: Four Named to Indianapolis Colts Roster first highlights the return of a familiar face: Shaquille Leonard, the veteran linebacker who has been a cornerstone of the Colts’ defense since being drafted in 2018. Leonard, a four-time Pro Bowler and former Defensive Rookie of the Year, missed significant time last season due to a back injury, but his offseason recovery and strong preseason performance convinced the coaching staff he’s ready to reclaim his role as the team’s defensive leader. Known for his elite tackling ability (he’s averaged over 120 tackles per season in his healthy years) and knack for forcing turnovers (25 career takeaways), Leonard provides the Colts with a proven playmaker who can change the momentum of a game in an instant. His presence also brings invaluable leadership to a young linebacker group, as he’s already taken the team’s newer players under his wing during training camp, sharing insights on film study and game-day preparation. For the Colts, retaining Leonard wasn’t just about keeping a talented player—it was about preserving a defensive identity that has made the team competitive in the AFC South for years.

Complementing Leonard in the linebacker group is Zaire Franklin, a fifth-year player who emerged as a reliable starter last season and has now secured his spot on the final roster for the fourth consecutive year. Franklin, who signed a contract extension with the Colts earlier this offseason, has quietly become one of the most consistent linebackers in the league, finishing last season with 167 total tackles (the second-most in the NFL) and 2.5 sacks. What makes Franklin so valuable is his versatility: he excels at stopping the run, where his strength and instincts allow him to plug gaps and bring down running backs behind the line of scrimmage, but he’s also improved dramatically in pass coverage, holding opposing tight ends to a 65tch rate when targeted last season. Linebacker Group Finalized: Four Named to Indianapolis Colts Roster recognizes Franklin’s growth from a late-round draft pick to a key starter, and his ability to pair with Leonard creates a dynamic 1-2 punch in the middle of the Colts’ defense. The two have developed strong chemistry over the years, often communicating seamlessly on the field to adjust defensive formations and shut down opposing plays before they can develop.

Linebacker Group Finalized: Four Named to Indianapolis Colts Roster also includes a rising young talent: Grant Stuard, a third-year player who earned his spot after a standout preseason. Stuard, nicknamed “The Missile” for his aggressive playing style, initially joined the Colts as a special teams ace in 2022, but he’s since expanded his role to contribute on defense, particularly in passing situations. Last preseason, Stuard led the Colts in tackles (28) and recorded one interception, showcasing his ability to read quarterbacks and make plays in coverage. His speed (he ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine) makes him a valuable asset in stopping spread offenses and covering shifty slot receivers, a weakness the Indianapolis Colts struggled with last season. While Stuard may not start every game, he’s expected to play a significant role in sub-packages, rotating in for Leonard or Franklin to add speed and athleticism to the defense. The coaching staff has praised his work ethic and willingness to learn, with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley noting, “Grant has turned himself into a guy we can trust in any situation—special teams, defense, you name it. He’s earned this spot.”

The fourth member of the finalized linebacker group is E.J. Speed, a sixth-year veteran who brings experience and depth to the Colts’ defense. Speed, who has spent his entire NFL career with the Colts, has primarily served as a backup and special teams contributor, but his consistent performance and ability to play multiple linebacker positions (he can line up at both inside and outside linebacker) made him an indispensable part of the roster. Last season, Speed played in all 17 games, recording 35 tackles and 1.5 sacks, and he stepped up as a starter in three games when Leonard and Franklin were injured, holding his own against top-tier opponents like the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. Linebacker Group Finalized: Four Named to Indianapolis Colts Roster acknowledges Speed’s reliability, as he’s proven time and again that he can step into a starting role and perform at a high level. For the Indianapolis Colts, having a player like Speed is crucial, as injuries are inevitable in the NFL, and his ability to fill in at multiple positions ensures the defense won’t miss a beat if a starter goes down. Speed’s leadership in the locker room has also been a plus, as he’s helped mentor younger players like Stuard and share his knowledge of the Colts’ defensive system.

Linebacker Group Finalized: Four Named to Indianapolis Colts Roster isn’t just a roster announcement—it’s a statement of intent from the Colts, who are determined to build a defense that can compete with the best teams in the AFC. With Leonard’s playmaking, Franklin’s consistency, Stuard’s speed, and Speed’s versatility, the linebacker group addresses every key need the Colts had on defense: stopping the run, covering tight ends and receivers, rushing the quarterback, and providing depth in case of injury. The Indianapolis Colts’ coaching staff believes this group has the potential to be one of the top linebacker units in the league, and their performance in the preseason has only reinforced that confidence. For fans, this announcement brings excitement and optimism, as a strong linebacker corps often translates to a winning defense—and a winning defense is essential for making a playoff run. As the Colts prepare for the regular season, the finalized linebacker group will be front and center in their defensive game plan, and all eyes will be on Leonard, Franklin, Stuard, and Speed to see if they can live up to the hype and help the team return to postseason contention.