Colts Add Three-Time Super Bowl Champion to Bolster Defensive Interior
The Indianapolis Colts continued reinforcing their defensive line by signing former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, a veteran with three Super Bowl rings and years of experience in the trenches.
Indianapolis has made it clear that strengthening the defensive tackle position is a priority this offseason. The team has already added multiple players to the interior, starting with a trade that sent longtime linebacker Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for defensive lineman Colby Wooden. The Colts also signed former New York Jets defender Micheal Clemons, further strengthening the rotation behind standout tackles DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart.
Nnadi may not be a widely recognized star, but his resume is impressive. The former third-round pick spent eight seasons with Kansas City and played a role in the franchise’s Super Bowl victories in 2019, 2022, and 2023. Over 130 career games with 98 starts, he recorded 249 tackles, seven tackles for loss, five sacks, nine quarterback hits, a forced fumble, and even an interception in 2019.
The move also comes after Neville Gallimore departed in free agency to join the Chicago Bears. Last season, Gallimore and Adetomiwa Adebawore combined for 7.5 sacks as reserve defensive tackles. With the additions of Wooden, Clemons, and Nnadi, Indianapolis now has a deeper rotation alongside Adebawore.
Improving the defensive tackle depth should help prevent issues the Colts faced in previous seasons when Buckner or Stewart left the field. Opponents often targeted the middle of the defense in those situations. In 2024, backup options like Raekwon Davis and Taven Bryan struggled to consistently hold the line against the run.
While Nnadi may not produce flashy statistics, he provides a reliable veteran presence for defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and will work closely with new defensive line coach Marion Hobby.
It’s still possible the Colts could add more talent to the defensive front during free agency. Edge rusher, linebacker, and safety remain potential areas to address. Meanwhile, after trading Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis could target a wide receiver early in the draft to support Alec Pierce and Josh Downs.
With free agency just underway, the Colts appear far from finished making moves as they continue reshaping their roster on the defensive side of the ball. 🏈
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