Chad Muma Heads to New England: A Fresh Start for a Linebacker Still Searching for His NFL Footing
Chad Muma’s NFL journey has taken another turn. The former third-round pick out of Wyoming is now heading to his third team of the 2025 season, as the New England Patriots signed him off the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad following Week 15.
It’s been a winding road for Muma, who entered the league with promise when the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him in the 2022 NFL Draft. But despite his college pedigree and athletic profile, consistent playing time has eluded him. Jacksonville never gave him a substantial role, and after final roster cuts this season, Muma landed in Indianapolis - a team that, on paper, seemed like it could use a player with his skillset.
Early in the season, the Colts were looking to solidify the linebacker spot next to Zaire Franklin. There was a window of opportunity for Muma to earn his way into the rotation.
Indy had yet to find a long-term answer at that position, and when they claimed Muma, it looked like a chance for him to prove himself. But that door shut quickly when the Colts signed veteran Germaine Pratt after Week 4.
From that point on, Muma faded into the background.
He last saw the field on defense in Week 6 and has been on the practice squad ever since. Over the course of the season, he logged just 32 defensive snaps and recorded a single tackle.
For an inside linebacker, that’s a tough stat line. Whether it was scheme fit, performance in practice, or simply being buried on the depth chart, Muma never managed to carve out a role in Gus Bradley’s defense.
Now, he gets a fresh start in Foxborough - and a potential shot at postseason action. The Patriots, sitting at 11-3, are virtually locked into a playoff spot with a 99% chance of making the postseason.
That’s a stark contrast to the Colts, who after a red-hot 7-1 start have dropped five of their last six and now sit at 8-6. With just a 15% chance of making the playoffs, according to the NFL’s own projections, Indy is in must-win territory.
The Colts still have a path, but it’s a narrow one. Their final three games come against the 49ers, Jaguars, and Texans - a gauntlet that leaves little room for error. Realistically, they may need to win out, and a Week 18 clash with Houston could end up being a de facto playoff game.
As for Muma, he won't be part of that final push in Indy. And maybe that’s for the best - for both sides.
The Colts are leaning heavily on Franklin and Pratt, and keeping those two healthy is absolutely critical. Losing either would be a major blow to a defense that’s quietly taken strides this season.
It’ll be interesting to see how Muma fits into New England’s plans. While he hasn’t made much of an impact this season, the Patriots clearly see something worth investing in. And if there’s one thing Bill Belichick’s staff has done well over the years, it’s finding ways to maximize overlooked talent.
There’s also a fun wrinkle to this story: all three teams Muma has suited up for this season - the Jaguars, Colts, and Patriots - are still in the playoff hunt. Jacksonville and New England are likely in. If Indy can claw its way back into the postseason picture, Muma will have the rare distinction of spending time on three playoff-bound rosters in a single season.
For now, it’s a new chapter in New England. And for Chad Muma, it’s another chance to show he still belongs in this league.