Needing so as to add some depth to the pass-rushing unit, the Indianapolis Colts made an early free company transfer by signing edge rusher Samson Ebukam to a three-year deal.
Whereas the precise nature of Ebukam’s function is unknown in the meanwhile, he appears to be an excellent match for the LEO function in Gus Bradley’s defensive scheme—the identical function held by Yannick Ngakoue in 2022.
Although Ebukam’s manufacturing might not match Ngakoue’s on the floor, there’s an opportunity he thrives in an analogous means whereas including extra upside as a run defender, one thing Ngakoue struggled with massively.
In itemizing a few of the finest bargains of early free company from our buddies over at Landing Wire, the Colts signing of Ebukam made the checklist. Right here’s what Doug Farrar needed to say concerning the transfer:
Ebukam was one other defensive lineman who acquired on the nice foot with Ryans working his protection — he had 4 first rate seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, after which blew up in manufacturing with the 49ers in 2021 and 2022. Final season, he had six sacks, a career-high 50 quarterback pressures, and 28 stops.
Ebukam was much more an edge man than Omenihu, who plied his commerce all around the line, however the excellent news for the Colts, who signed him to a three-year, $24 million contract with $10.755 million assured, is that Ebukam cam work off that edge with every kind of authority. Neither left sort out Tyler Smith nor tight finish Dalton Schultz had a lot of a solution for Ebukam on this sack of Dak Prescott within the divisional spherical. Ebukam gained with approach and energy, and that’s what the Colts can anticipate from him, as nicely.
Whereas Ebukam will deliver some electrical energy and tenacity to the defensive finish room, it’s nonetheless a transfer that doesn’t should hinder the event of younger go rushers Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo.
There have been occasions in 2022 when Ngakoue was on the sector far an excessive amount of, doubtless because of the contract and compensation the Colts gave up within the offseason commerce to accumulate him. That meant fewer snaps for Paye and Odeyingbo to work collectively.
However now, Ebukam doesn’t have to be a 70-80% snap participant. He can work extra in a rotation as a go rusher whereas having basically the identical fee of strain that Ngakoue produced in 2022. The contract additionally doesn’t demand a large beginning function both.
Ebukam hasn’t reached his ceiling but as a go rusher, and the Colts are hoping his elite athleticism will assist him develop much more in Bradley’s aggressive defensive entrance.
There’s an actual probability this signing seems to be a steal so long as the 27-year-old can keep wholesome.
Hold updated with the newest information, signings and rumors by way of our free company tracker for the Colts.
Like Colts Wire on Fb
Comply with Colts Wire on Twitter
Comply with Kevin on Twitter (@KevinHickey11)