BREAKING: Veteran linebacker signed a new contract following career year with the Indianapolis Colts
The 2024 season was the most productive of E.J. Speed’s career. Starting in 15 games, the linebacker tallied 142 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, one quarterback hit, an interception, five pass deflections, and earned a 56.7 PFF grade, ranking 67th out of 84 eligible players. While Speed provided solid play in the middle of the defense, it wasn’t enough to push the Indianapolis Colts into the playoffs.
A fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Speed took time to find his footing in the league after being selected by the Colts out of Tarleton State. As a rookie, he played in 12 games but contributed minimally, recording just seven tackles and one tackle-for-loss.
His role remained limited in 2020, as he spent most of the season on the bench. Despite this, the Colts, led by veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, made the playoffs but were eliminated in the Wild Card round by the Buffalo Bills.
Speed’s playing time increased in his third season, though he was still not a full-time starter. In 2021, he registered 41 tackles and one pass defended. His impact grew in 2022, when he recorded a sack, 63 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, and a quarterback hit.
The Colts re-signed Speed to a two-year deal in the 2023 offseason, and he finally earned a starting role. That year, he posted 102 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, two quarterback hits, and a sack in 16 games. Over his six seasons with Indianapolis, Speed accumulated two sacks, 354 tackles, 27 tackles-for-loss, and four quarterback hits.
While some speculated whether the Colts would retain Speed, he instead remained in the AFC South, signing with the Houston Texans for 2025.
After earning a larger role in 2023, Speed became a full-time starter in 2024, recording 26 tackles-for-loss and 122 run-stops over the past three seasons. His career-best 2024 campaign included 142 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, an interception, and five pass deflections, per ESPN.
With Speed’s departure, Indianapolis must now determine how to replace him. The team has shown a willingness to add defensive talent under new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. The Colts could turn to the 2025 NFL Draft, where prospects like Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell and UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger have been projected as potential targets in mock drafts.
Breaking: The #Texans are signing former #Colts LB E.J. Speed to a 1-year $5M deal, sources tell @NFLonFOX.
Speed spent six seasons in Indy and is coming off a career-best year with 142 tackles in 15 games, including 7 TFLs and 5 PBUs. pic.twitter.com/XVsSj9hUTj
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 29, 2025
Alternatively, Indianapolis may look internally for Speed’s replacement. One candidate is second-year linebacker Jaylon Carlies, a former fifth-round pick whom the Colts transitioned from safety to linebacker last season. Carlies recorded 24 solo tackles and a sack in his rookie year and could be particularly effective in coverage due to his experience as a defensive back.
Whether through the draft, free agency, or an internal promotion, the Colts have multiple options to find their new starting WILL linebacker for 2025.