The Indianapolis Colts reached an agreement with pending free-agent linebacker E.J. Speed before the official start of free agency, and now we have the details of the contract.
According to Aaron Wilson of Click2Houston, Speed is getting a two-year deal worth up to $8 million with $3.92 million guaranteed. Here’s how the contract breaks down:
- Signing bonus: $2.92 million signing bonus (guaranteed)
- 2023 base salary: $1.58 million ($1 million guaranteed)
- 2024 base salary: $3.5 million
- $500,000 annual playtime incentives
The parameters for the incentives weren’t exactly clear, but it likely has to do with his snap counts. This is a solid deal for an ascending talent at the linebacker position in a role as the third player behind Shaquille Leonard and Zaire Franklin.
Speed led the Colts in special teams snaps while serving as a depth piece in the linebacker room during the 2022 season. He set career-high marks in tackles (63), solo tackles (37), tackles for loss (seven), passes defended (two) and forced fumbles (two).
Keep up to date with the latest news, signings and rumors through our free agency tracker for the Colts.
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