Indianapolis, January 21, 2026
The Indianapolis Colts are focusing on improving their linebacker corps as they gear up for the upcoming NFL season. With recent roster adjustments, including the signing of Devin Veresuk and the addition of John Bullock, the team aims to enhance its defensive capabilities. Star linebacker Zaire Franklin leads the unit and emphasizes the need for a dynamic playmaker to boost performance. The Colts are committed to building a strong defense as part of their overall strategy for the 2026 season.
Indianapolis Colts Pursue Linebacker Enhancements for 2026 Season
The Indianapolis Colts are actively seeking improvements to their linebacker corps as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 NFL season. Following a series of roster adjustments and strategic decisions, the team aims to bolster its defensive capabilities, which is essential for maintaining competitiveness in the league.
Recent Roster Moves
In January 2026, the Colts signed linebacker Devin Veresuk to a reserve/future contract. Veresuk, who had a standout season with the Canadian Football League’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats, recorded 66 defensive tackles, two sacks, and one interception during his rookie year. His experience in a professional league is anticipated to bring depth and an additional skill set to the Colts’ linebacker position.
The Colts also claimed linebacker John Bullock off waivers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bullock contributed 10 tackles in his debut NFL season and is expected to enhance the team’s defensive lineup in the season ahead.
Linebacker Performance in 2025
During the 2025 season, the Colts’ linebacker unit struggled, ranking among the league’s lower tiers in performance metrics. Star linebacker Zaire Franklin led the team with 173 tackles, yet the overall effectiveness of the unit was limited. Franklin has expressed optimism regarding the upcoming season and stressed the need for adding a dynamic playmaker to elevate the performance of the defensive unit.
Strategic Focus for 2026
As the Colts look towards the 2026 season, strengthening their linebacker corps is a top priority to enhance overall defensive performance. The signings of Veresuk and Bullock, combined with Franklin’s leadership, indicate a commitment to making significant strides in the upcoming year. The Colts’ management remains dedicated to creating a formidable defense by addressing the linebacker position through strategic acquisitions.
Background Context
The Colts’ efforts to enhance their linebacker corps fit into a broader strategy for improving their defensive unit. Over recent seasons, the team has focused on strengthening various areas of the defense, including the secondary, by bringing in veteran players such as cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Cam Bynum. By focusing on the linebacker position, the Colts acknowledge its critical role in achieving defensive success and the necessity of continuous improvement to remain competitive in the NFL.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Devin Veresuk?
Devin Veresuk is a linebacker who played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League during the 2025 season. He recorded 66 defensive tackles, two sacks, and one interception in his rookie year. The Indianapolis Colts signed him to a reserve/future contract in January 2026 to bolster their linebacker corps for the upcoming NFL season.
What is the significance of John Bullock’s addition to the Colts?
John Bullock is a linebacker who was claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in January 2026. In his debut NFL season, he recorded 10 tackles. His addition is part of the Colts’ strategy to strengthen their linebacker position and improve their defensive performance for the 2026 season.
How did Zaire Franklin perform in the 2025 season?
Zaire Franklin led the Indianapolis Colts with 173 tackles during the 2025 season. Despite his individual success, the overall linebacker unit faced challenges, ranking among the league’s lower tiers in performance metrics. Franklin has expressed optimism about the potential for improvement, emphasizing the importance of adding a dynamic playmaker to the defense to elevate the unit’s performance.
What is the Colts’ strategy for improving their linebacker corps?
The Indianapolis Colts are focusing on strengthening their linebacker corps by signing players like Devin Veresuk and John Bullock. These additions, along with the leadership of Zaire Franklin, are part of the team’s broader strategy to enhance their defensive performance for the 2026 season. The Colts’ management is committed to building a more formidable defense by addressing the linebacker position through strategic signings and roster adjustments.
Key Features of the Colts’ Linebacker Corps Enhancement
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Devin Veresuk’s Signing | Acquired from the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Veresuk recorded 66 defensive tackles, two sacks, and one interception in his rookie season. Signed to a reserve/future contract in January 2026. |
| John Bullock’s Addition | Claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bullock logged 10 tackles in his debut NFL season. Expected to contribute to the Colts’ defensive lineup in the 2026 season. |
| Zaire Franklin’s Leadership | Led the team with 173 tackles in the 2025 season. Advocates for adding a dynamic playmaker to the defense to elevate the linebacker unit’s performance. |
| Strategic Focus for 2026 | The Colts are prioritizing the enhancement of their linebacker corps through strategic signings and roster adjustments to improve defensive performance in the upcoming season. |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
