:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69042544/1190451779.0.jpg)
According to The Athletic’s Zak Keefer, the Indianapolis Colts have signed Miami Dolphins free agent offensive tackle Julie’n Davenport—confirming his earlier report, that a deal between the two sides was close to being struck last week:
Deal's done: Colts have signed OT Julién Davenport, source said.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 29, 2021
Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Davenport’s new deal is for one-year contractually:
The #Colts agreed to terms with former #Dolphins tackle Julie’n Davenport on a one-year deal, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 29, 2021
The former 2017 4th round pick of the Houston Texans has spent the last two seasons in Miami—having made 28 career starts (51 games) for both the Texans and Dolphins franchises.
He made one start this past season, but 8 starts for Miami just a season prior in 2019.
Per PFF (subscription), Davenport received a +71.3 overall grade in 2020—including a +87.6 pass blocking grade, albeit in limited snaps (53 total snaps—33 of which were at left tackle).
He’s a season removed from a +56.5 overall grade in 2019—having had 484 total snaps at left tackle and 49 total snaps at right tackle respectively.
The 6’7”, 313 pound offensive tackle has experience at both tackle spots—as he has 1,550 career snaps at left tackle, 254 snaps at right tackle, and 104 snaps as an in-line tight end.
While he won’t be penciled into the vacant starting left tackle spot, Davenport should provide competition—along with the recently signed Sam Tevi, for the Colts’ primary backup swing-tackle position (which was a significant team deficiency last season).
However, Davenport should provide additional offensive tackle depth regardless.