Former Colts linebacker Josh McNary signs with the Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced this morning that they have signed former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Josh McNary.

McNary played collegiately at Army, and after his two-year service commitment he signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2013. He spent the last four years with the Colts, playing in 49 games and starting eight of them while recording 79 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. He frequently was the first guy the Colts turned to when a starting inside linebacker was injured, but last year we saw the team move away from him a bit. After cutting Sio Moore in week four McNary stepped in to the starting role, but it didn’t last too long as eventually Edwin Jackson earned the role. Even when D’Qwell Jackson was suspended, it was Antonio Morrison taking the starting spot over McNary, who was largely relegated to a special teams role.

Early on in his tenure with the Colts, McNary inspired some optimism about his potential, but that was gone by last year when he struggled in the three games he started - and after the season 79% of fans who voted in our poll voted that the Colts shouldn’t re-sign the linebacker, even though he was only a restricted free agent.

He can be a solid depth guy and special teams contributor for a team, and that’s likely what he’ll be with the Jaguars. He’ll step in and compete for a spot to provide depth while also being able to help on special teams. And as an added bonus, if he makes the roster he’ll get to face his former team twice a year.