The Indianapolis Colts improved quite a bit last season, going from the worst team in the NFL to an 11-5 record and playoff appearance in 2012. That earned general manager Ryan Grigson "Executive of the Year" honors, but there is still plenty of work to be done for the Colts. Indy finished 26th in total defense, 21st in scoring defense, and 29th against the rush. For that reason, the Colts have reportedly signed free agent linebacker Erik Walden away from the Green Bay Packers.
Erik Walden signed by Colts
Indianapolis added another new player to their defense on Tuedsay as they try to continue to improve as a team. Walden was just one of a few moves.
Jonathan Daniel
Walden, 27, was a sixth round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2008 but was released before the start of the season. He spent time with the Chiefs and Dolphins over the first three years of his career, before being picked up by the Packers in 2010. Walden finally earned 15 starts for Green Bay in 2011, recording 60 tackles and three sacks. He started 10 games in 2012, getting three more sacks and two interceptions.
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Indianapolis started a number of different linebackers last year and will be looking to find more consistency on a defense that recorded just 32 sacks and allowed 5.1 yards per carry. They allowed the second-worst yards-per-carry average in the NFL last season. Joining Walden in the Colts movement to revamp the defense will be cornerback Greg Toler, also signed as a free agent on Tuesday.
If Grigson has found himself some more gems on the free agent market this year, he might be looking at back-to-back Executive honors. I’m sure he will just be happy if the Colts finish higher than 26th on defense though.
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