Colts Free Agent Linebacker Anthony Walker Reportedly Visiting the Browns

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Indianapolis Colts starting free agent linebacker Anthony Walker is visiting the Cleveland Browns on Thursday:

Originally a 2017 5th round pick of the Colts, the 6’1”, 230 pound linebacker has appeared in 57 career games (48 starts), recording 343 tackles (229 solo), 19 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 11 passes defensed, a forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries.

He’s coming off a 2020 season for the Colts in which he recorded 92 tackles (65 solo), 2 tackles for loss, an interception, 5 passes defensed, and a fumble recovery during all 16 starts.

While not necessarily the most athletic or explosive linebacker, Walker is a cerebral, instinctive, sure tackling, and reliable starter—who’s a defensive leader in the locker room.

Unfortunately, the Colts may not be able to keep everyone in free agency, and Walker could be a salary cap casualty this offseason. Hurting his Colts’ cause is that emerging 3rd-year linebacker Bobby Okereke’s most natural position is also arguably at Walker’s ‘Mike’ spot.

That being said, just as Colts fans saw recently with running back Marlon Mack re-signing on a team-friendly deal, if Walker’s market proves to be cold, there’s always the chance Indianapolis could look to bring him back.

However, it’ll be interesting to see whether he ultimately leaves Cleveland with or without a new deal.