Logan Wilson's journey through the NFL has been a rollercoaster, and now, with the Colts needing linebacker depth, there's a buzz about whether he might reunite with his old defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, in Indianapolis.
Wilson's future with the Colts hinges on several factors: his health, contract demands, and interest from other teams. But if you're placing bets, Indianapolis seems like a strong contender to sign the former Wyoming standout.
The situation gets intriguing with Germaine Pratt's upcoming free agency. The Colts have only one seasoned linebacker, Zaire Franklin, under contract for next season, but he might be a salary cap casualty. The linebacker room in Indianapolis is clearly in flux.
Wilson and Pratt were a reliable duo from 2021 to 2024. Wilson, in particular, was on the rise until a knee injury in 2024 put a halt to his progress.
Drafted by the Bengals in the third round in 2020, Wilson became a starter in 2021. By 2023 and 2024, he was a mainstay, playing over 2,000 snaps and evolving into a well-rounded linebacker. Initially seen as a strong run stopper, he showcased his versatility in 2023 with 135 tackles and nine pass defenses.
Unfortunately, his 2024 season was cut short by a knee injury that required surgery. The following year, with Anarumo and Pratt gone, Wilson struggled to regain his form. Traded to Dallas, he couldn't make a significant impact.
Yet, at 29, Wilson isn't out of the game. Players often need a year post-surgery to bounce back. The Colts' GM, Chris Ballard, faces a decision: Is Wilson on the verge of a comeback, or are his best days behind him?
If Wilson can return to form, reuniting with Anarumo on a likely team-friendly deal could be a smart move. Adding Pratt to the mix would strengthen the familiarity between the coordinator and his linebackers.
Franklin faced challenges in Anarumo's system in 2025, especially after losing his partner E.J. Speed to Houston and with Jaylon Carlies sidelined.
The Colts started the season with Joe Bachie, a Cincinnati cast-off, alongside Franklin. Bachie, primarily a special teamer, knew Anarumo's system but was later released due to injury.
Pratt's arrival, however, elevated the defense, and Franklin found his footing. The Colts could save money by releasing Franklin, potentially reallocating funds to retain offensive talents like Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce, or to re-sign Pratt. Letting Franklin go might also pave the way for Wilson's reunion with Anarumo and Pratt.
The quiet signing of Bachie initially went unnoticed, but it hinted at Anarumo's preference for system-savvy linebackers. Now, with the chance to add another familiar face, bringing Logan Wilson to Indianapolis seems like a logical step, whether or not they manage to keep Pratt and Franklin.