The Colts signed to D'Qwell Jackson to a four-year, $22 million deal this morning, beating out the Dolphins, Broncos and Titans. The deal includes $11 million in guaranteed money, which is a sizable outlay for a non-edge rushing linebacker. Though the deal was undoubtedly influenced by the four team compeition and the bigger than expected increase in the 2014 salary cap, it's clear evidence that the Colts see Jackson as a vital addition to their defensive front.
Jackson is the headline name for IDP owners here, but the negotiation process gives us insight into what more than just the Browns and Colts are thinking this offseason.
What does the Colts' aggressive pursuit of Jackson mean for their linebacker depth chart?
Greg Manusky stuck primarily with a 3-4 front on base defensive downs last year. That won't be changing. Jackson will pair with Jerrell Freeman at inside linebacker, though it's unclear whether he'll be on the weak or strong. Both Jackson and Freeman are likely to play every down. Both Kavell Conner and Pat Angerer are free agents. Neither were expected back before Jackson's signing. Kelvin Sheppard is signed through this season and may be the primary backup at both inside linebacker spots. Josh McNary and Justin Hickman (if healthy) could also figure heavily into the reserve mix.
Who's the better IDP option, Jackson or Freeman?
I don't see a clear answer to that question. Both are undersized. Freeman has been better against the run despite playing behind a lesser defensive line over the past two seasons. Freeman is probably a little better in coverage. But those attributes won't necessarily mean Freeman has a better statistical expectation than Jackson. Expect to Freeman best Jackson in some weeks and Jackson better Freeman in others. Those hoping Jackson will hold his elite tier ranking will likely be disappointed. The Indianapolis home stat crew will keep Jackson rolling in assists, but their stinginess with solo tackles and the competition from Freeman make it very unlikely Jackson will approach 90 solos. My first instinct would be to slot both players as low ceiling, high floor LB2 options.
Does Pat Angerer have any IDP value?
Probably not. Angerer showed enough talent to succeed in stretches in Indianapolis, but could not stay healthy for any length of time. Slowed by foot and knee injuries, Angerer will have to show he's regained enough foot speed, range, power and coverage ability to get another NFL team to look at him as more than a reserve / rotational body. Anything is possible, but the odds are long.
What do we know about the abyss left behind at inside linebacker in Cleveland?
Not much. The abyss is deep, dark and devoid of NFL-ready talent.
As it currently stands, Craig Robertson, Darius Eubanks and Tank Carder would battle it out for playing time. Robertson was a model of inconsistency in coverage last year and has never held up well against the run. Eubanks has the body of a safety and took fewer than 100 snaps last year. Carder has better size but isn't a prototypical inside linebacker and has durability issues. None look like the type of player Mike Pettine prefers to use in his multiple front, multiple coverage scheme.
It's likely that the most attractive fantasy linebacker option isn't currently on the roster yet. If the Browns don't add talent here, T.J. Ward could approach 100 solos this year -- assuming he returns to Cleveland.
Why did the Dolphins pursue Jackson?
Careful, we may not want to get too deep into the thought process of the Dolphins. It may not send us to Carcosa levels of insanity, but it's best not to peel too many layers back. The Dolphins willingess to get involved with Jackson after cutting Kevin Burnett and Karlos Dansby and throwing buckets of money at Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler is a clear indication of what many noted after those moves last year. The linebacking group still needs work.
Jackson was probably seen as a replacement for Wheeler, who was losing snaps to Jelani Jenkins late last season. But it's dangerous to read too much into Miami's plans. Dion Jordan was slowed by a shoulder injury last year, but never had a clear role and now may be on the trade block. It'll be interesting to see if the Dolphins were just kicking the tires with Jackson or if their pursuit was the first sign of a defensive overhaul.
Does the Titans pursuit of Jackson tell us anything about Ray Horton and the Tennessee linebackers?
This question really intrigues me. Horton had a front row seat to the Jackson show as Cleveland's defensive coordinator last year. Horton is aggressive and loves athletes, but he grew up in Dick Lebeau's assignment based philosophy. Jackson showed better than expected pass rush ability last year and he was solid enough in coverage. But he's stuggled to be an anchor run defender. Clearly, Colin McCarthy and Moise Fokou aren't that player either. Zaviar Gooden doesn't clearly fit the prototype either. But, if the Titans were serious about Jackson, it could be a sign that Horton isn't sold on Zach Brown. And that's key IDP news.
That may be reading too much into the situation. Horton may well see Brown as another Daryl Washington in the making. But it's worth considering until we hear Horton's views on his personnel. Especially if the Titans aggressively pursue similar linebackers in free agency next week.
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Jackson is the first high profile free agent to change teams. Free agency officially starts Tuesday, March 11, though teams can open negotiations this weekend. I'll have a full free agent primer soon detailing a number of big defensive names -- including Michael Johnson, Karlos Dansby, Aqib Talib, Alterraun Verner, and a long list of safeties -- who will be attractive on the market.
Follow and ask questions on Twitter @JeneBramel. Reading the Defense will be a regular feature this offseason with free agent commentary, draft prospect previews, tier discussion, links to our offseason IDP roundtable podcasts and much more. Subscribe to The Audible on iTunes or download our IDP podcast here.