Colts Urged to Poach LB From Eagles Practice Squad
The Report on Bleach Employees of the NFL suggested that linebacker Brandon Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad should be signed by the Indianapolis Colts.
With the Indianapolis Colts, the Shaquille Leonard era has come to an end.
To take Leonard’s position on the 53-man roster, Indianapolis added linebacker Ronnie Harrison Jr. from the practice squad last Tuesday. However, the NFL staff of Bleacher Report claimed that Brandon Smith, an inside linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, should be acquired by the Colts.
“The Colts made a change at linebacker, releasing Shaquille Leonard last week,” the crew at BR reported. “After having back surgery, the veteran had changed, and E.J. Speed was moving up the depth chart to replace him.
“Brandon Smith is one of the younger players Indianapolis could investigate as a potential solution in that area. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft as our eighth-ranked linebacker. He is now available on the practice squad of the Philadelphia Eagles.”
The Colts need to sign Smith to their active roster in order to acquire him from the Eagles.
Smith was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 draft by the Carolina Panthers, who on Monday sacked former Colts head coach Frank Reich. He recorded eight total tackles in 12 games with the Panthers in 2022.
Smith played largely on special teams for Carolina, but he did make one start.
Smith was cut by the Panthers at the conclusion of the 2023 preseason. On October 12, he was added to the Eagles practice squad.
Zaire Franklin has played a great linebacker for the Colts this season. However, Leonard is the only other linebacker from Indianapolis with at least 415 defensive snaps in 2023, other from Franklin.
Going forward, without Leonard, a lot more playing time is anticipated for the previously mentioned Speed. However, below Franklin and Speed on the depth chart, the Colts lack depth at linebacker.
As of Week 13, the Colts have a 6-5 record and are guaranteed a postseason spot. That might make it more difficult to find Smith—or any project player—playing time.
But it would make sense for the Colts to take a risk on Smith if a roster slot opens up in the closing minutes.
