Players reportedly available via trade / roster cut

[Racehorse]

Originally Posted by AlwaysSunnyinIndy

Another player previously linked to the Colts that now appears to be on the roster bubble is DL Jerry Tillery.


Tillery entered the NFL through the 2019 NFL Draft - the year that the Colts originally had the 26th pick. Many mock drafts had projected Montez Sweat to the Colts but some had Sweat already off the board at that selection. So there were 2 or 3 other players projected to the Colts and Tillery was probably named the most often of that next group. Of course, the Colts ended up trading down preferring to acquire two early 2nd round picks in place of a late 1st round pick.


With the Chargers, Tillery has somewhat underwhelmed not really playing up to the 1st round draft status. He is a bit of a liability on run coverage.

Gus Bradley was his Defensive Coordinator for the first two years of his NFL career and I did read a few opinions from Chargers fans that he was probably better suited for Bradley's scheme vs their current DC.

The Chargers declined the fifth year option - which makes sense. It would have locked Tillery in to a ~$12M contract. At the time, the front office indicated that they were still interested in Tillery and wouldn't mind discussing a new contract.

The Chargers signed a few free agents and drafted another DL. The coaches were impressed by the new players during OTA's and rumors started that Tillery may be on the roster bubble. However, with training camp, I don't think any of these players have really distinguished themselves - either the new acquisitions or Tillery. So he is still probably on the bubble.


What would it take to acquire Tillery? With just this season left on his contract, probably not much. A 7th rounder? Maybe a 6th rounder? Or perhaps a pick swap - send out a 6th rounder and receive back a 7th? The price should not be a barrier for making the trade. I guess the bigger question is do the Colts need veteran help on the DL as a rotational piece? Do they want to spend a roster spot on Tillery?

What are your thoughts? I know there are several Notre Dame fans on this board - Smitty and others - what are your thoughts on Tillery?

I would prefer to use assets on OL depth than DL depth. DL seems to be solid with depth, unlike the OL.

[Dam8610]

Tillery fit Eberflus's system really well. Obviously didn't do well under Bradley. If the Colts were still in the Eberflus system he'd be worth a flyer.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Originally Posted by Dam8610

Obviously didn't do well under Bradley.

I don't know if the issue was scheme fit, though. The struggles could have been related to Tillery adjusting to the NFL.

DL seems to be one position group where many players need some extra time getting acclimated to the NFL game.

Since Bradley is now the Colts DC, Ballard can ask him how well Tillery fits into his scheme.