Indianapolis Colts Re-Sign Productive Linebacker

Just hours after losing Bobby Okereke to the New York Giants, the Indianapolis Colts have signed E.J. Speed to a two-year, $8 million deal.

The deal includes $500K in incentives each year.

Breaking: FA LB E.J. Speed is re-signing with the #Colts on a two-year deal worth $8M, sources tell @theScore. 500k in incentives each year.

Very good player back to Indy.

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 14, 2023

Speed, a 2019 fifth-round pick, has steadily improved each season and set a career-high with 63 tackles in 2022, while also recording his first career sack.

The Colts' decision to re-sign Speed to a two-year deal worth up to $9 million suggests that they see him playing a more significant role in the upcoming season. 

With Leonard healthy after undergoing surgery to repair a nerve issue in his back, the projected starters at linebacker for the Colts will be Leonard on the weak side, Zaire Franklin in the middle, and Speed on the strong side, the same position he held in the 2022 season.

Breaking: The Colts have agreed to terms with LB E.J. Speed on a 2-year, $8M contract extension, per @Schultz_Report. #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/KqzG4wx9lM

— Indy SportsOne (@IndySportsOne) March 14, 2023

The retention of Speed ensures that the Colts will have a strong linebacker trio, even after Okereke's departure. 

Over his four-year career, the 27-year-old has recorded 110 total tackles, one sack, three forced fumbles and three passes defended across 61 games played.
Photo Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports