Stampede Blue
One veteran free agent of the Colts defensive line is expectedly signing elsewhere to continue his pro career.
According to the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, former Indianapolis Colts free agent veteran defensive tackle Taven Bryan agreed to a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals over the weekend:
The former 2018 first round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars spent the past two seasons in Indianapolis, reuniting with departed, ex-Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.
During 17 games (6 starts) this past season, Bryan recorded 20 tackles (11 solo), a pass defensed, and a fumble recovery. Bryan received a +58.2 overall grade per PFF in 2024.
Bryan was initially signed to be a veteran rotational 3T to backup Pro Bowler DeForest Buckner and provide some interior pass rushing push—as he struggles in run defense and is more of a platoon player at defensive tackle.
Unfortunately, due to injuries along the interior, Bryan was at times miscast as the Colts’ 1T, including on running downs, which did not bode well for either him or the Colts run defense out there on the field.
The Colts will see Bryan again in a few weeks during Week 3 of this year’s preseason.
