In a surprising turn of events, the Indianapolis Colts have released defensive tackle Colby Wooden, a player acquired in the trade for linebacker Zaire Franklin. Wooden's departure came before he could even take the field for the Colts, raising questions about the trade's value.
Wooden was initially seen as a promising addition to the Colts' defense, expected to thrive in a role that suited his skills as a 3-technique defensive tackle. This position is typically more aligned with his strengths compared to the nose tackle role he played with the Green Bay Packers, where he struggled to make an impact. The Colts had high hopes that Wooden could provide depth behind their veteran starters, DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, both of whom are entering the later stages of their careers.
However, the Colts ultimately decided to keep five defensive tackles on their roster, and Wooden was not among them. His release on Sunday allowed the New Orleans Saints to claim him off waivers, leaving the Colts with little to show for the Franklin trade besides a modest increase in salary-cap space, estimated between $4 million and $5 million.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Colts general manager Chris Ballard defended the trade and the decision to release Wooden. He emphasized the importance of creating competition within the team, stating, “It created great competition inside. One of the things we wanted to do was make sure we have enough depth inside to be able to spell Buck and Grove. All the guys we had, they’re all on NFL rosters right now.” Ballard acknowledged the reality that releasing a player like Wooden meant he could end up on another team, which he did.
Wooden had expressed optimism about his fit within the Colts' defensive scheme, believing it would allow him to showcase his abilities more effectively. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 273 pounds, he was considered undersized for a traditional nose tackle but was expected to be a disruptive force in the interior of the defensive line.
Despite his potential, Wooden faced stiff competition from other players on the roster. Adetomiwa Adebawore, who had a standout season with four sacks, emerged as a strong candidate for the interior rushing role during training camp. Additionally, free agent Micheal Clemons demonstrated versatility by effectively pressuring guards when playing inside, further complicating Wooden's chances of making the team.
Ballard noted that the decision to cut Wooden was not solely based on his performance but also on the impressive play of Jerry Tillery and Tim Smith, who outperformed him during the preseason. Tillery, a seasoned veteran, has played for multiple NFL teams, while Smith, a sixth-round draft pick, made significant strides after spending his rookie season on the practice squad. Smith led the Colts with 14 tackles during the preseason, showcasing his growth and potential.
“I’m proud of him,” Ballard said of Smith. “He had his struggles last preseason, and really into the year. We stuck with him, he kept working and really, a light came on. He played his ass off the last three weeks of training camp and in the preseason.”
Under Ballard's leadership, the Colts have typically maintained at least one backup to Stewart on the roster, but this year, they opted to keep two, highlighting the depth they feel is necessary for a successful defensive line.
In conclusion, while the release of Colby Wooden raises eyebrows regarding the trade for Zaire Franklin, Ballard remains confident in the decisions made, emphasizing that the players who made the final roster simply outperformed him.
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