The Indianapolis Colts are continuing their offseason push to inject youth and speed into their defense, and their latest move reflects that vision. The team has signed linebacker Devin Veresuk to a reserve/futures contract - a name that might not ring bells for NFL fans just yet, but one worth keeping an eye on.
Veresuk comes to Indianapolis after a breakout rookie campaign in the Canadian Football League, where he was selected second overall in the CFL Draft and went on to earn Eastern Conference Rookie of the Year honors. That’s not a small feat. The 24-year-old made an immediate impact with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, starting 15 of 18 games and showing off a versatile skill set that could translate well to the NFL stage.
At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Veresuk brings a solid frame to the linebacker position, but it’s his athleticism that really jumps off the page. In his CFL debut season, he racked up 66 tackles, 2.0 sacks, a forced fumble, an interception, and even found the end zone twice - once on a pick-six and once on a blocked punt return. Add three special teams tackles to the mix, and you're looking at a player who found ways to contribute all over the field.
Before landing in the CFL, Veresuk played his college ball at the University of Windsor, and he turned heads at the University of Buffalo’s pro day leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft. He clocked a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, leapt 10 feet 4 inches in the broad jump, and posted a 36-inch vertical - all of which contributed to a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 8.36, a strong mark that signals NFL-level explosiveness and agility. Those numbers earned him workouts with the New Orleans Saints and Houston Texans late in the 2025 NFL season.
The Colts’ linebacker room is very much in flux heading into 2026. Veteran WILL linebacker Germaine Pratt, the unit’s most consistent performer last season, is set to hit free agency at age 29.
Meanwhile, MIKE linebacker Zaire Franklin - also 29 - is under contract but has become the subject of cap-related speculation. Franklin carries a cap hit of $18.5 million over the next two years, and while he's a respected leader, his production hasn’t quite matched the price tag.
If the Colts choose to move on, they could save nearly $15 million in the process.
That uncertainty opens the door for someone like Veresuk to carve out a role. While it’s too early to pencil him into the starting lineup, the opportunity is there.
The Colts’ linebackers struggled last season, particularly in coverage and takeaways. Outside of Pratt, no other linebacker made a significant impact in the turnover department.
In fact, defensive linemen Laiatu Latu and Grover Stewart combined for more interceptions (four) than the entire linebacker corps (three - all by Pratt). That’s a stat that speaks volumes.
Right now, the only linebackers under contract for 2026 are Franklin, Veresuk, Austin Ajiake, Jaylon Carlies, John Bullock, and Joseph Vaughn. It’s a young, unproven group - and that’s exactly why Veresuk’s arrival is intriguing.
He’s not just a camp body. He’s a high-upside athlete with a track record of production in a pro league, and he’s walking into a situation where snaps are up for grabs.
The Colts have also dipped into the CFL talent pool elsewhere, recently signing cornerback Rob Carter Jr., formerly of the BC Lions. It’s clear the front office is exploring every avenue to find contributors, especially on defense.
For a Colts team looking to turn the corner defensively, Veresuk is a low-risk, high-reward addition. He’s got the physical tools, the motor, and the momentum. Now it’s about seeing whether that CFL success can translate to the NFL grind.