Ebukam joined the Colts on a three-year deal final March, resulting in excessive expectations in Indianapolis. The 29-year-old definitely delivered, setting a brand new profession excessive with 9.5 sacks. That determine greater than doubled his earlier private watermark, and he was positioned to stay a key determine alongside the sting in 2024. Now, his consideration will flip to rehabbing forward of 2025.
Indianapolis additionally has former first-rounder Kwity Paye within the fold for not less than two extra campaigns after electing to choose up his fifth-year possibility this spring. Paye has taken a step ahead when it comes to manufacturing throughout every of his three seasons so far, and Ebukam’s absence will add additional to the expectations of a breakout in 2024. The Colts additionally return Tyquan Lewis and Dayo Odeyingbo on the defensive finish spot.
These gamers will probably be joined by first-round rookie Laiatu Latu this season. The latter was the primary defender chosen within the draft, going at No. 15 total. The Colts’ depth forward of him restricted expectations for his debut marketing campaign, however dropping a full-time starter in Ebukam will little question result in an elevated workload for Latu. Accidents had been a priority for the UCLA alum popping out of faculty, however he’ll now be counted on to stay wholesome this 12 months and serve in not less than a rotational capability.
Indianapolis completed fifth within the league in sacks final season with 51. The staff’s remaining depth on the sting – together with the continued presence of DeForest Buckner alongside the inside – ought to enable for an additional robust marketing campaign in that respect in 2024. Shedding Ebukam for the marketing campaign will deal a blow to the beginning lineup, nonetheless. He’ll now put together for a prolonged restoration interval forward of a possible stroll 12 months in 2025.
