Colts Bolster Defensive Line with Signing of Taven Bryan
Indianapolis, IN – The Indianapolis Colts strengthened their interior defensive line on Wednesday by agreeing to a one-year deal with free-agent defensive tackle Taven Bryan. The former first-round pick adds athleticism and depth to the Colts’ roster as they continue to build for the upcoming season.
Bryan, who entered the NFL with high expectations, hasn’t fully delivered on his potential but showed growth last season with the Cleveland Browns. Playing a larger role than he had during his four-year stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Bryan played 62% of the defensive snaps for the Browns during the 2022 season. He recorded 26 tackles (11 solo), 3.0 sacks, two tackles for loss, and six quarterback hits across 16 games, all starts. Pro Football Focus credited him with 23 total pressures, with most of his contributions coming from the three-technique position.
Depth Chart Impact
Bryan joins a Colts defensive line already featuring established talents like DeForest Buckner and Dayo Odeyingbo. While Bryan is not expected to compete for a starting role, he provides valuable depth as the third option at the three-technique position. His presence allows for additional rotational flexibility, particularly when Odeyingbo shifts to the edge.
Current 3-Tech Depth:
- DeForest Buckner
- Dayo Odeyingbo
- Taven Bryan
- McTelvin Agim
Draft Implications
The addition of Bryan won’t prevent the Colts from selecting a defensive tackle in the upcoming draft if the right player becomes available. However, his signing does reduce the urgency to address the position early, allowing the Colts to focus on other areas of need. While Bryan may not transform the interior into an elite unit, his athleticism and veteran experience provide valuable depth behind Buckner, something the team has lacked in recent seasons.
Free Agency Impact
The Colts have been proactive in free agency, and the Bryan signing may signal a shift in strategy for general manager Chris Ballard. Though the team could still pursue additional one-year deals for veteran defensive linemen, it’s likely that the Colts will now turn their attention to other pressing needs, such as cornerback and right guard. Major splash signings aren’t expected, but the Colts remain flexible in rounding out their roster for the upcoming season.
As free agency progresses, stay tuned to our tracker for updates on the Colts’ latest moves.
