Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed reacts after breaking up a pass and nearly making an interception during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Grace Hollars/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Colts linebacker linked to Buccaneers in free agency

Originally posted on Tampa Bay Buccaneers on SI
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated Mar 23, 2025 4:30 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have addressed the linebacker position during free agency, but they may not be done.

Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox has the Buccaneers as a potential landing spot for Indianapolis Colts free agent linebacker E.J. Speed.

Speed to Tampa?

"We saw an early run on off-ball linebackers in free agency, but Indianapolis Colts standout E.J. Speed wasn't among the initial signings," Knox wrote.

"This could be due to the fact that Speed was only a two-year defensive starter in Indy and will turn 30 in June. He can also be a bit inconsistent in the tackling department and was credited with 31 missed tackles over the last two seasons... The Buccaneers re-signed Lavonte David and added Anthony Walker Jr. in free agency. However, they could afford to take a chance on Speed, who would help bolster the inside-linebacker rotation."

The Bucs could benefit from a linebacker of Speed's caliber. It may not be the most pressing need on the roster, but Speed makes the Bucs better, and any of those kinds of players should be beneficial to Tampa at this point in the offseason.

This article first appeared on Tampa Bay Buccaneers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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