Stampede Blue - All PostsAn Indianapolis Colts bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/29818/stampedeblue_fave.png2024-03-18T22:09:53-04:00http://www.stampedeblue.com/rss/current/2024-03-18T22:09:53-04:002024-03-18T22:09:53-04:00Report: Colts hosted Chiefs free agent safety Mike Edwards on Monday
<figure>
<img alt="Kansas City Chiefs v Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4Ke9DCZxb8EjTiVtViA1JsK4nFY=/0x0:4203x2802/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216841/1724669497.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David Berding/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Colts brought in a Chiefs free agent defensive back for an extended look on Monday, but it wasn’t the one fans were ideally hoping for. </p> <p id="hXDvWf">According to ESPN’s <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fieldyates"><strong>Field Yates</strong></a>, the <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2023.htm"><strong>Indianapolis Colts</strong></a> received a visit from Kansas City Chiefs free agent safety <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EdwaMi01.htm"><strong>Mike Edwards</strong></a> on Monday: </p>
<div id="nvaoOG">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Some free agent visits from Monday included:<br><br>Texans: DE Mario Edwards<br>Colts: S Mike Edwards<br>Dolphins: G Phil Haynes<br>Titans: DT Sebastian Joseph Day</p>— Field Yates (@FieldYates) <a href="https://twitter.com/FieldYates/status/1769845294538047499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="YKXRxN">Originally a 2019 third round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 5’10,” 205 pound Edwards played this last season with the Super Bowl Champion Chiefs. Edwards recorded 51 tackles (32 solo), an interception, 5 passes defensed, and 2 fumble recoveries during 17 games (5 starts) in 2023. </p>
<p id="AItugD">He’s appeared in 75 games both with Tampa Bay and Kansas City, making 28 career starts. </p>
<p id="SMiY3p">Per PFF, Edwards was their 82nd best graded safety with a +56.9 overall grade this past year. </p>
<p id="g0yvkx">The Colts need some upgrades at starting safety, as while Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas II remain in the fold, neither was consistent enough last year to convincingly run away with the job. Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/18/24105160/report-colts-free-agent-safety-julian-blackmon-to-visit-bills-this-week"><strong>free agent starting safety Julian Blackmon is set to visit the Buffalo Bills this week</strong></a>—and it’s possible he may not leave there without a inking a deal. </p>
<p id="Hh3AT1">Edwards could be a nice depth piece, but if the Colts are signing him to be a starter at safety next season, it seems to be well short of the sticks that the Horseshoe faithful were ideally hoping for to upgrade the position in 2024. </p>
<p id="QM3jnR"></p>
<p id="BHsZ69"></p>
<p id="Da3ExW"></p>
<p id="9BsZlQ"></p>
<p id="cHbak2"></p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/18/24105481/report-colts-hosted-chiefs-free-agent-safety-mike-edwards-on-mondayLuke Schultheis2024-03-18T16:10:01-04:002024-03-18T16:10:01-04:00Report: Colts free agent safety Julian Blackmon to visit Bills this week
<figure>
<img alt="Indianapolis Colts v New England Patriots" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/okN4OkYzDZJdI-N6AFtUEJniQgY=/0x0:3319x2213/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216240/1789657212.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Colts free agent starting safety Julian Blackmon is scheduled to visit the reigning AFC East champions this week. </p> <p id="tmRM7F">According to Bleacher Report’s <a href="http://www.twitter.com/schultz_report"><strong>Jordan Schultz</strong></a>,<a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BlacJu01.htm"><strong> Indianapolis Colts</strong></a> free agent safety <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BlacJu01.htm"><strong>Julian Blackmon </strong></a>is headed to a visit with the Buffalo Bills this week:</p>
<div id="RlC0Sq">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Free agent safety Julian Blackmon is headed to Buffalo for a visit with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bills?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bills</a>, sources tell <a href="https://twitter.com/BleacherReport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BleacherReport</a>.<br><br>Blackmon has several suitors after enjoying a career season with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Colts?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Colts</a>, which included 4 INTs. <a href="https://t.co/DbhzNBhnpC">pic.twitter.com/DbhzNBhnpC</a></p>— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) <a href="https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1769799047060066362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="NO7sK0">Originally drafted by the Colts in the 3rd round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the 25 year old safety was enjoying a bit of a breakout campaign in Indy before a late season injury. </p>
<p id="nEIfNV">Blackmon had 88 tackles (65 solo), 4 interceptions, 8 passes defensed, and 2 fumble recoveries during 15 starts in 2023. His season was cut slightly short after suffering a significant shoulder injury during Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons.</p>
<p id="C6qLPq">Per PFF (subscription), Blackmon was their 38th best graded safety with a +68.3 overall grade—including a +72.6 coverage grade, during this past season. </p>
<p id="9O0Ueh">This has been the first we’ve heard of reported interest in Blackmon—both from the Colts and potential outside suitors, as his free agent market has been rather quiet, or at least publicly. </p>
<p id="YSpye0">It’s possible that teams have been focused more on the ‘Tier 1’ defensive backs in free agency, and now, Blackmon is starting to garner more interest in that ‘Tier 2’ or ‘Tier 3’ range as a starting free agent safety. </p>
<p id="lI3mpA">If Blackmon ‘comes off the board’ to the Bills in free agency, that’s one less quality starting caliber safety option for the Colts, in what’s a very depleted Indy safety room as it stands. </p>
<p id="fVqr7N">However, the offseason isn’t over, so Indianapolis would still have the opportunity to otherwise improve the position—even if that’s potentially without Blackmon any longer. </p>
<p id="gzbE5i"></p>
<p id="AEud0Y"></p>
<p id="BG2diG"></p>
<p id="8cyj8E"></p>
<p id="cWwwxI"></p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/18/24105160/report-colts-free-agent-safety-julian-blackmon-to-visit-bills-this-weekLuke Schultheis2024-03-18T13:43:43-04:002024-03-18T13:43:43-04:00Report: Colts ‘haven’t had any trade conversations’ on CB L’Jarius Sneed with Chiefs
<figure>
<img alt="Kansas City Chiefs v Denver Broncos" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mLfwwYqPAfOdCr2kgwqcHP_GB20=/0x0:5073x3382/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215700/1765726867.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Deal or no deal? The Colts reportedly were close to making a deal last week—or maybe not even at all, for talented Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, depending on who you ask. </p> <p id="839itA">According to ESPN’s <a href="http://www.twitter.com/adamschefter"><strong>Adam Schefter</strong></a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxcTeAKWJca6XyJ37_ZoKIQ/videos"><strong>via ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ on Monday</strong></a>, the <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2023.htm"><strong>Indianapolis Colts</strong></a> ‘haven’t had any trade conversations’ with the Kansas City Chiefs regarding standout free agent cornerback <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SneeLJ00.htm"><strong>L’Jarius Sneed</strong></a>—who is currently under the franchise tag: </p>
<div id="46q1cU">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"The Colts and the Chiefs haven't had any conversations about L'Jarius Sneed..<br><br>As of right now that's not happening"<a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AdamSchefter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMSLive?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMSLive</a> <a href="https://t.co/bQuATO2Tvn">pic.twitter.com/bQuATO2Tvn</a></p>— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/1769766765972570317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="v2L6aI">It conflicts an earlier Monday report from The Athletic’s <a href="https://twitter.com/DMRussini"><strong>Dianni Russini</strong></a> <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/free-agency-week-roundup-justin-fields-to-the/id1528622068?i=1000649542889"><strong>on ‘The Athletic Football Show’ with Robert Mays </strong></a>in which she noted:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="I1F3Vu">“Well, I had my tweet up, ready to go because I really thought it was going to get done last week. The Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts were really close on getting deals done. This was before the Calvin Ridley move was made by Tennessee.”</p>
<p id="FdHbyX">“I don’t think all trade talks are dead involving Sneed now with Kansas City. Do I think it’s going to be Tennessee? I think chances are obviously smaller now, in being able to pay Sneed on a new contract because he does want a new deal obviously and that appears to be the holdup in trying to iron that out.”</p>
<p id="HyxGKu">“The conversations are going to continue, and I do think if there’s going to be movement, we’re going to see it a little closer to the draft.”</p>
<p id="g32sQ0">“. . . I do think when it comes down to it, I think the Colts are probably the frontrunner, but I know the Tennessee Titans were really close to getting that trade done.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="jfukD2">It comes just after a weekend in which Colts fans patiently waited to see if there was trade closure on Sneed—<a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/16/24103120/conflicting-reports-on-whether-colts-potential-trade-for-chiefs-ljarius-sneed-is-done-or-gets-done"><strong>as there were reports that a deal was being finalized for the Super Bowl Champion starting cornerback, only to hear from another source (and one of Schefter’s ESPN colleagues) that nothing was imminent</strong></a>—and that a deal was considered unlikely. </p>
<p id="BMOjk6">Right now, your guess may be as good as mine these days, regarding the conflicting reports. </p>
<p id="2BLtIB">It appears to be the ‘Wild West’ as it relates to the Colts potentially winning the Sneed trade sweepstakes—if he’s even ultimately traded at all. Some reliable sources are saying one thing, others another. <em>Who do you believe? </em></p>
<p id="cFa2Rp">It is interesting though <a href="https://x.com/HolderStephen/status/1769750487706837217?s=20"><strong>that after re-signing their own players to over $200 million worth of new contract extensions</strong></a>, the Colts have been rather quiet now in free agency. </p>
<p id="pjJmGc">Perhaps, that’s as a result of their recent spending splurge retaining their own players—or perhaps, if you’re more of a ‘conspiracy theorist,’ Indianapolis has shifted its primary focus to trading for Sneed and are trying to hammer out the contract logistics with his representation. </p>
<p id="O14msJ"> In either case, that Colts secondary needs to be shored up with either a starting veteran cornerback or safety—maybe both, whether that’s adding Sneed or another standout. </p>
<p id="xANRgT"></p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/18/24104998/report-colts-havent-had-any-trade-conversations-on-cb-ljarius-sneed-with-chiefsLuke Schultheis2024-03-18T10:00:00-04:002024-03-18T10:00:00-04:00Draft prospects that make sense for the Colts: Part I
<figure>
<img alt="NFL Combine - Portraits" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PeGZnDwx9qXG3oDOG_Vw7boYkrI=/0x0:5350x3567/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215053/2051508610.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="opcw19">If you have followed my work in previous off-seasons, then you will already know by now that I just do not like mock drafts. Yeah, it does make for some fun content in what is a <strong>boring </strong>time to be an NFL fan (at least we have the Pacers though right?), but in the end I just think it is speculative and senseless. That is why I think it is way more valuable to just point out prospects that make the most sense for the Colts considering the team needs, the fit, and the draft capital the team has.</p>
<h3 id="CYOHwY">Jer’Zhan Newton, defensive tackle, Illinois</h3>
<p id="LQYZOv">The Colts need pass-rushing help. I have said plenty of times before, but the franchise record setting number of sacks is misleading, as the Colts’ pass-rush disappeared plenty of the times during the season, and their pressure rate was among the bottom half of the league. The team has re-signed Grover Stewart and signed Raekwon Davis in free agency, but neither one of them excels particularly at rushing the passer. In fact, Davis was signed as a relief for DeForest Buckner to keep him fresh for the pass-rushing downs. Jer’Zhan Newton would be the perfect fit alongside Buckner on passing downs. While he is small for the position at 6’2’’ and 304 pounds, he will not be required to eat up double teams on the inside, but rather take advantage of all the attention Buckner commands and manage to disrupt pockets from the interior in a hurry.</p>
<h3 id="68dGFd">Nate Wiggins / Terrion Arnold, cornerbacks, Clemson / Alabama</h3>
<p id="yx4pUL">The cornerback need depends a lot on what happens with L’Jarius Sneed. That is an All-Pro caliber player right there, and with Brents, Jones, and Flowers, the position would be covered and cornerback would no longer be a need. If Sneed stays with the Chiefs, then I would like to have either Wiggins or Arnold on the team. Both are cornerbacks with plenty of experience in the SEC, and would come in and challenge Jaylon Jones for that #2 cornerback spot.</p>
<h3 id="5DPlS5">Edgerin Cooper, linebacker, Texas A&M</h3>
<p id="Jo36m5">Fast, explosive, sure tackler, turnover creating linebacker, does the profile remind you of someone? Cooper is the closest thing to what Leonard was for the Colts in his prime, and he would bring the missing element to the linebacker group. Franklin and Speed combined for just five forced fumbles and no interceptions, as creating turnovers is just not their bread and butter. Cooper also has that hit-and-miss approach to the position, where several times it is either a turnover or allowing a big play.</p>
<h3 id="GXa5xA">Calen Bullock, safety, USC</h3>
<p id="Odbgz2">The Colts need for a cornerback is bigger than the need for a starting safety just by a tiny bit, and with Julian Blackmon still without a team, that need is even more glaring. Calen Bullock is similar to Nick Cross in the way the play, so it is clear that Ballard has a weakness for safeties that are long and athletic. Rodney Thomas II lost the starting job late in the season, and he is the exact opposite of Bullock and Cross, so the Colts might be looking to double down on athleticism in that defensive backfield.</p>
<h3 id="OGrpQx">Grayson Murphy, edge rusher, UCLA</h3>
<p id="wQWvO4">As mentioned above, the Colts need pass-rushing help, and it seems like they will use the pass-rushing by committee approach they employed last season. Ebukam, Paye, and Odeyingbo are nice players to have, but the Colts, as every team in the NFL, can never have enough gun powder when it comes to pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Murphy’s ceiling is low, but he is as polished a pass-rusher as they come, which will get him a role in the Colts’ defense from day one.</p>
<h3 id="3NTOsA">Braelon Allen, running back, Wisconsin</h3>
<p id="Jr7uvL">The Colts have a really good track record drafting running backs from Wisconsin, and with Zack Moss leaving the team this off-season, there is a need for a backup running back behind workhorse Jonathan Taylor. Allen is young, and massive, and a bit unpolished as a runner. It makes perfect sense for the Colts to already start looking at options to complement and replace Taylor down the stretch, especially considering how short running back’s shelf lives are.</p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/18/24104094/draft-prospects-that-make-sense-for-the-colts-part-iMateo Caliz2024-03-17T16:00:00-04:002024-03-17T16:00:00-04:003 Draft Prospects to Watch for Colts — Week 2
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: Online Athens" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QrzZLiCrVcIKS0XndqSFr269y_M=/0x0:4990x3327/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213591/usa_today_21312327.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joshua L. Jones/USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In this weekly series, we’ll break down three prospects who could be great fits for the Indianapolis Colts. </p> <p id="TNgQBB"><em>In this series, I’ll be breaking down three intriguing prospects that the Colts should take a strong look at. These prospects could be blue chip first round prospects or diamond in the rough late round guys. This series will run weekly until the draft.</em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Now50f">
<h3 id="YOb5w6"><strong>Ladd McConkey — Wide Receiver — Georgia</strong></h3>
<p id="KT3sEb">McConkey is a high end athlete whose stock has risen tremendously over the past couple of months. He is a great route runner, who shows the same little details that the best in the game use (timing of shakes/moves, head fakes, quickness out of routes). He’s probably the best route runner in the entire class and that coupled with his athleticism alone will make him a good #1 or very good #2 receiver in the NFL. He also has twitchy feet and is a quick player and we’ve seen quickness become one of the most important receiver traits over the past 10 years. He also possesses great vision and can do damage with the ball in his hand. </p>
<p id="P1AWmJ">McConkey isn’t a big guy and his biggest issue last season was a myriad of injuries. Those injury concerns will/have hurt his stock, but if healthy, he’s arguably the 2nd best receiver in this class. </p>
<p id="GylSW2">In a deep receiver class, McConkey might be available in the late 1st or 2nd round. It might be risky for the Colts to wait until their 2nd round pick, but if they trade back in the 1st round, they could pick up some picks and take McConkey late in the 1st. With Pittman and Downs, the Colts could field one of the best young receiving corps in the NFL. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="UuziAZ">
<h3 id="RwqDpF"><strong>Sam Hartman — Quarterback — Notre Dame</strong></h3>
<p id="QxL2af">Gardner Minshew is gone, which means the Colts need themselves a good long-term backup quarterback. The first thing that comes to mind with Hartman is his experience; the problem the Colts would have with an inexperienced raw player is his ability to play effectively early in his career. So while the ceiling of a Joe Milton is much higher than that of Hartman’s, Hartman is probably a safer and more reliable option as a backup than Milton or some other players for 2024 and even 2025. </p>
<p id="vTb6b8">As for Hartman as a player, he is a dual-threat who can affectively run when needed. He also throws well on the run and does a very good job of going through his progressions. He has proven that he can effectively operate a pro style offense and a spread offense during his tenure at <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame</a>. </p>
<p id="qlwOj8">His issues are that he doesn’t have the strongest arm and needs to step into his passes to generate good velocity. He also has some mechanical and scanning issues that will need to be fixed with good coaching. Regarding the scanning issues, he can sometimes be too robotic and has shown the tendency of staring down his targets. He also shows some issues with “happy feet” in the pocket and can get frazzled when pressured too much. </p>
<p id="skJKcy">I believe Hartman will be available during day 3 and if I were to guess, more in the 5th or 6th round. The reality with Hartman is that he won’t be a sexy pick for many teams due to his age and his lack of raw talent, but he makes for a very good backup quarterback and the 5th and 6th round is when teams start to look for backup options. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="sTItPy">
<h3 id="LlDCLQ"><strong>Dadrion Taylor-Demerson — Safety — Texas Tech</strong></h3>
<p id="ePMret">We know with Chris Ballard that he loves athletic player and he targets those with high RAS scores. DTD has one of the highest RAS scores out of all the safeties in this class, currently 6th after the combine. Moreover, he is arguably the best if you take into account players who will be taken in the first 4 rounds. </p>
<p id="JfZ7ZL">DTD plays the role of a centerfielder quite well and has the athleticism speed to make big plays on the ball. With 4 interceptions this season, he shows the ability to be a ball-hawk. He shows good reaction skills to the ball in the air, as well as fluid hips when changing directions. </p>
<p id="WljTWb">DTD will not be a player who can play from day one, but is someone who could be a starter towards the end of his 2nd season or his third season. He currently doesn’t have the instincts to play at all in the box and going from the Big 12 to the NFL is quite a leap. At less than 200 pounds, he also needs to get bigger. The Colts have had a good recent track records of developing safeties, so he could be a very nice project for the team and worth taking in the 4th or 5th round. </p>
<p id="o2qKIY">With the future of Blackmon in question, the Colts will most certainly look to the draft for a safety, whether or not Blackmon is back. The Colts are in decent shape at the moment at safety with Cross, Thomas and Harrison. Adding a cheap free agent should help things in the short-term, but it appears the Colts will need a long-term solution at free safety. </p>
<p id="lAICp2"></p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/17/24098227/3-draft-prospects-to-watch-for-colts-week-2Andrew Aziz2024-03-16T15:15:00-04:002024-03-16T15:15:00-04:00L’Jarius Sneed watch continues for the Colts
<figure>
<img alt="Super Bowl LVIII - San Francisco 49ers v Kansas City Chiefs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/O5c3EWu07-2U7wKGJSEfRSq7g8w=/0x0:6000x4000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73212079/2009208744.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>News was hot this morning, yet reports surrounding the pursuit for Sneed remain unclear.</p> <p id="tv9R8F">Like the majority of you, I woke up this morning to news that the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/"><strong>Indianapolis Colts</strong></a> had agreed to a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs for the darling of the offseason, L’Jarius Sneed. Social media was abuzz with cheers from Colts fans patting Chris Ballard on the back. All of the Ballard-apologists were gloating that he had come through and for everyone who had doubted him to shush up. I was glad to see it was all finally over too and that the Colts had gotten their man. A lockdown cornerback is just what this team needs to kick off next year. The saga appeared over. Kind of...</p>
<p id="nG5p7P"><a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/16/24103120/conflicting-reports-on-whether-colts-potential-trade-for-chiefs-ljarius-sneed-is-done-or-gets-done"><strong>After the early cheers came jeers as reports started trickling out that things weren’t as hammered out as they seemed.</strong></a> What had been reported as a third round pick this year and another pick next year, wasn’t as set in stone as many had come to believe. Stephen Holder slammed the door closed on any reporting or speculation that everything was finalized. </p>
<div id="j4sPQH">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">In fact, I’m leaning heavily toward that trade not happening at all.</p>— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) <a href="https://twitter.com/HolderStephen/status/1768986067221262508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="pERdBj">He then proceed to open the door and slam it again just to make sure everyone understood it wasn’t open.</p>
<div id="1rG52L">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Once and for all: There is no trade in place between the Chiefs and Colts for L’Jarius Sneed. I was told this unequivocally from the highest levels of the Colts organization. <br><br>Hope everyone has a great day.</p>— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) <a href="https://twitter.com/HolderStephen/status/1768992276510818779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="S0GhZk">Colts fans have their pitchforks out and are ready to attack all those who broke the news and those who denied it. I understand the frustration because I want this done, and I want Sneed on the Colts. He is exactly what they need and would be an ideal player to raise the playmaking ability on the defensive side of the ball. At the same time, it appears news broke too early. It doesn’t mean it won’t work out. It just means everything isn’t worked out yet. Let’s put the pitchforks down. We just have to wait a little longer to see how this whole thing plays out.</p>
<p id="rsgKpH">At the end of the day, this is the season for rumors, false reports, too early calls, misinformation, and confusion. I don’t see anything here as malicious or directly meant to deceive. A report came out, and it could be true. It could be false. It could be too early. The report itself has no impact on whether a deal gets done. Ballard and the Chiefs aren’t scrolling the web, seeing the report, and thinking, “Oh, well, I guess we can’t do it now because someone broke the story before we were ready.” If it were a report about Tom Brady retiring, maybe there would be spite, but not in this case. Let’s take a breath, sit back, and see where this thing goes. </p>
<p id="YiK9Ib"></p>
<p id="sFRgLr"></p>
<p id="F2JtQc"></p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/16/24103272/ljarius-sneed-watch-continues-for-the-coltsJon Spradley2024-03-16T12:45:23-04:002024-03-16T12:45:23-04:00Conflicting reports on whether Colts’ potential trade for Chiefs CB L’Jarius Sneed is done—or gets done
<figure>
<img alt="Philadelphia Eagles v Kansas City Chiefs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mqdlkOpL3e-rttNmh0x3-prFGH8=/0x0:5813x3875/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73211812/1964002326.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Is the Colts’ potential trade for Chiefs standout cornerback L’Jarius Sneed done or not done? Well, it depends on who you believe! </p> <p id="gGbbR9">Depending on who you believe, the<a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2023.htm"><strong> Indianapolis Colts</strong></a> potential trade for Kansas City Chiefs standout cornerback <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SneeLJ00.htm"><strong>L’Jarius Sneed </strong></a>is either done—or may not get done entirely, based on conflicting reports from two reputable sources: </p>
<div id="IuFQXN">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sources tell myself & <a href="https://twitter.com/AtoZSportsNFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AtoZSportsNFL</a> that the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chiefs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chiefs</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Colts?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Colts</a> are ironing out the final details on a trade that will send star CB L'Jarius Sneed to Indianapolis. <br><br>I'm told the Colts are sending a 2024 3rd and an additional pick in 2025. <a href="https://t.co/cJTMD2taTu">pic.twitter.com/cJTMD2taTu</a></p>— Destin Adams (@TheDestinAdams) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDestinAdams/status/1768961572230082935?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="9cTTEU">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Once and for all: There is no trade in place between the Chiefs and Colts for L’Jarius Sneed. I was told this unequivocally from the highest levels of the Colts organization. <br><br>Hope everyone has a great day.</p>— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) <a href="https://twitter.com/HolderStephen/status/1768992276510818779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="cgFvyB">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">In fact, I’m leaning heavily toward that trade not happening at all.</p>— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) <a href="https://twitter.com/HolderStephen/status/1768986067221262508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="hg6BoS">I don’t want to frame this as AtoZSports’ Destin Adams versus ESPN’s Stephen Holder in a good ole’ fashioned ‘source-off,’ but Colts nation is clearly stuck in limbo as we await to see whether this deal happens or doesn’t happen imminently. </p>
<p id="oTtTGr">Both Colts beat writers may be reporting and trusting what their sources are telling them—but they just have different sources and perhaps at different levels of the organization (hence, the apparent conflict). These situations also remain entirely fluid. </p>
<p id="8lQloM">For the record, there are a few other Twitter (or X) league sources backing Adams’ report including <a href="https://x.com/PrettyRickey213/status/1769009871045726375?s=20"><strong>the infamous ‘PrettyRickey213’ </strong></a> (who’s already hit on a number of signings before they came in league-wide). However, <a href="https://x.com/AllbrightNFL/status/1769001890887463017?s=20"><strong>KOAColorado’s Benjamin Allbright’s latest report supports Holder’s report</strong></a>, <a href="https://x.com/mchappell51/status/1769041293768802587?s=20"><strong>as well as longtime Colts beat writer, Fox59/CBS4’s Mike Chappell</strong></a>. </p>
<p id="yDGRzJ">From my perspective (and claiming no-sourcing), there’s been entirely too much smoke as of late regarding Sneed eventually going to the Colts—and given Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard’s past history in Kansas City—and I think this deal ultimately gets done. </p>
<p id="RUMNHr"><em>It just may not be done quite yet, but really close to the finish line. </em></p>
<p id="zwluei">There could be last details to hammer out on Sneed’s new lucrative Colts contract, or perhaps Indianapolis is reviewing his medicals or wanting him to conduct a physical. Perhaps all is left is to submit the tradework to the league office come Monday morning. </p>
<p id="qix4vp">For what it’s worth, there should be a resolution soon because free agency moves really fast. </p>
<p id="ya2flB">The Colts can afford to wait a little bit longer, but they can’t wait too long on Sneed—or they’ll risk being too slow to pivot to other available veteran options at starting cornerback or safety which they still desperately need to shore up their secondary for next season. </p>
<p id="ft9a8k">At any rate, Colts fans are left to patiently wait this weekend, and as the late great Tom Petty once so eloquently sang, <em>“The waiting is the hardest part!” </em></p>
<p id="NR98e7"></p>
<p id="0HG4iQ"></p>
<p id="JTPWx"></p>
<p id="Bf5GwU"></p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/16/24103120/conflicting-reports-on-whether-colts-potential-trade-for-chiefs-ljarius-sneed-is-done-or-gets-doneLuke Schultheis2024-03-15T21:06:16-04:002024-03-15T21:06:16-04:00Raekwon Davis embraces new challenge, opportunity after signing with Colts
<figure>
<img alt="Tennessee Titans v Miami Dolphins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pJE019DbhJF7jE2-RWbexN1sSpk=/0x0:6481x4321/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73210906/1848975442.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Raekwon Davis #98 of the Miami Dolphins takes the field before kickoff against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium — December 11, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. | Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Colts struggled against the run last season, allowing 349.8 yards per game and 123.8 rushing yards per game, which ranked 24th in the league.</p> <p id="LXoOdC">There are infinite mountains for any professional athlete to climb as each season, each game and each opportunity presents a unique obstacle. </p>
<p id="OMCRwd">Raekwon Davis spoke with reporters via zoom on Friday to explain why his best choice in free agency was to leave Miami and sign with the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>. The 26-year-old admitted he had not been back to the Circle City in five years, when he competed in the 2020 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-combine">NFL combine</a>. Davis did not last long on the open market and flew to Indianapolis this week to officially sign a two-year, $14 million deal with $7M guaranteed. He became the first player Indianapolis added from another team this off-season as the front office aimed to bolster the depth on the defensive line. </p>
<div id="pOlAJB">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="art" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://t.co/ejqqEe3mRW">https://t.co/ejqqEe3mRW</a></p>— Raekwon Davis (@Raekwondavis_99) <a href="https://twitter.com/Raekwondavis_99/status/1768732411293008313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="x7MZQd">Davis recalled when Colts general manager Chris Ballard first reached out to him and described how he may fit in the defensive scheme. He left the conversation feeling as if the organization had veritably opened their arms up to embrace him as a player who could make an immediate impact. Davis was eager to embrace the new challenge in the Colts ‘attack front’ and will begin off-season workouts training alongside a pair of premier interior defenders. He has played more than 500 snaps in three of his first four seasons and can earn plenty of playing time under Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who rotates a platoon of pass rushers on the defensive front in each game. </p>
<p id="wNFEbh">At 6-foot-7, 325 pounds, Davis has played 1-Tech nose tackle in a 3-4 defense since his college years under retired coach Nick Saban at Alabama. He became a perfect fit once the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> selected him in the second round of the 2020 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. During his first four seasons in Miami, Davis earned 48 starts in 63 games and amassed 129 tackles, including five tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. Davis posted 15 defensive stops with Miami in 2023 and produced his most effective season as a pass rusher with a career-high 18 hurries and six QB hits.</p>
<blockquote><p id="ePMA5J">“Just trying to experience new things,” Davis said. “Since coming out of Alabama, I’ve been playing the same technique – two gapping. Just experience different techniques, that’s all it is. Just being able to play with (DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart) is going to be great.”</p></blockquote>
<div id="m0uKa3">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let’s work, <a href="https://twitter.com/Raekwondavis_99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Raekwondavis_99</a>! ✍️ <a href="https://t.co/7aDaLTwtAb">pic.twitter.com/7aDaLTwtAb</a></p>— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) <a href="https://twitter.com/Colts/status/1768707913927774409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="9GRR9Z">Indianapolis managed to retain the foundational piece of its defensive line by re-signing Grover Stewart to a three-year, $39M contract. The Colts struggled against the run last season, allowing 349.8 yards per game and 123.8 rushing yards per game, which ranked 24th in the league. The run defense was much worse amid Stewart’s six-game suspension for performance-enhancing substances and allowed 153 rushing yards per game, which ranked among the league’s worst during that span. </p>
<p id="P1wEL6">Davis’ natural assignments lay right in the line of fire, plugging gaps between the opposing center and guards. A transition into Bradley’s system will allow Davis to experience a new role and showcase his relentless effort to blow up plays in the trenches. Davis plays with a high motor and brings a massive, veteran presence inside the locker room. He will develop under Colts new defensive line coach Charlie Partridge and has the potential to become a vital addition to clog the hole against opposing rushing attacks.</p>
<p id="svoKyD"></p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/15/24102537/raekwon-davis-signing-with-coltsThomas Butler-Guerrero