The Indianapolis Colts announced Thursday that they have released linebacker D’Qwell Jackson. Jackson led the team in tackles every year since he joined the Colts as a free agent from the Browns in 2014. The $5.5 million that the Colts will save in cap space with the move was likely the motivating factor behind this decision.
Colts release D’Qwell Jackson
The veteran linebacker led the team in tackles over the past three years.
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Per ESPN Stats & Info, Jackson is ranked fourth in the NFL in tackles since he joined the Colts. At 33, though, he is an older player on a rebuilding team looking for youth. This is the first big move the Colts have made since hiring general manager Chris Ballard, who will have to rebuild a roster with a defense that ranked 30th in yards allowed last season.
Jackson notably sparked the long “Deflategate” saga by bringing an intercepted ball to the sideline during the Colts’ playoff game against the Patriots following the 2014 season. Further examination revealed that the ball was deflated, and this incident led to the overall investigation.
Jackson also served a four-game suspension late in the 2016 season for a violation of the league’s rules on performance-enhancing drugs.
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