INDIANAPOLIS – The outside linebacker group was expected to have a lot of activity for the Colts this offseason.
The continued rebuilding of that position came again on Monday morning.
After letting free agent outside linebackers Chris Carter, Trent Cole and Erik Walden hit the open market last Thursday, the Colts officially added former first-round pick Barkevious Mingo.
"Barkevious is a versatile linebacker who creates competition for our defense and special teams," general manager Chris Ballard said in a team release. "He's an athletic player who will fit in nicely with the culture we're establishing here. We're excited to see what he can bring to the table."
Reportedly signed to a one-year deal, Mingo comes to Indianapolis after three seasons with the Browns (2013-15) and a Super Bowl-year with the Patriots (2016).
Mingo, 26, was the sixth overall pick back in 2013 out of LSU, but has struggled to find the pass rushing success he had in his rookie campaign with the Browns.
As a rookie in 2013, Mingo recorded five sacks. Since, he's had just two sacks in three seasons.
The Browns traded Mingo to the Patriots during last year's preseason.
With New England, Mingo was mainly used as a special teams player, logging a total of 54 defensive snaps with the Patriots.
Mingo has missed only two games in his four NFL seasons.
Bringing in competition at the linebacker position this offseason was an absolute must for the Colts.
Akeem Ayers (2.0 sacks in 2016), Lavar Edwards (1.0 sack in 2016), Curt Maggitt (0 sacks in 2016) and Deiontrez Mount (0 sacks in 2016) are the Colts' only outside linebackers returning with NFL experience.
Mingo played 23 special teams snaps in the Patriots' comeback Super Bowl victory over the Falcons.
Since free agency started, the Colts have signed three outside linebackers: Jabaal Sheard, John Simon and Mingo.
Ironically, Rob Chudzinski was the head coach of the Browns when they took Mingo with the 6th pick in 2013.
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