Is starting job of Colts' free agent addition in jeopardy after draft?

TL;DR

Akeem Davis-Gaither's starting position with the Colts may be at risk after the 2026 NFL draft, raising questions about the team's linebacker depth. The draft's impact on the linebacker room has created uncertainty regarding his role.

Key points

Akeem Davis-Gaither joined the Colts as a free agent.
His starting position is now uncertain after the 2026 NFL draft.
The draft may have introduced competition in the linebacker room.

Indianapolis ColtsAkeem Davis-Gaither

Is the starting job of one of the Indianapolis Colts' offseason free agent additions now in jeopardy following the 2026 NFL draft?

Among the many free agent additions made by the Colts was linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither. Given the state of the linebacker room for much of the offseason, it seemed like a given that he would be a Week 1 starter.

However, following the NFL draft, there is less certainty around that.

Why might Akeem Davis-Gaither's starting job be in jeopardy?

The Colts utilized two of their eight draft picks on the linebacker position, taking CJ Allen and Bryce Boettcher. Allen will likely be the team's starting MIKE linebacker, potentially leaving Davis-Gaither and Bryce Boettcher to compete for the WILL linebacker role.

The Colts believe that Boettcher can play both linebacker spots. He's been a reliable tackler during his career, allowing him to make an impact against the run while limiting yards in coverage. Boettcher allowed only 6.0 yards per reception in 2025.

Davis-Gaither, who is entering his seventh NFL season, has experience on his side. He also spent five of his six seasons up to this point playing in Lou Anarumo's defense. That familiarity should help him hit the ground running.

When projecting what the starting defense will look like come Week 1, I did have Davis-Gaither as a starter, but he may no longer be a lock for that role with the addition of Boettcher.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Is Akeem Davis-Gaither's starting spot with Colts already in jeopardy?

Q&A

What changes occurred in the Colts' linebacker position after the 2026 NFL draft?

The 2026 NFL draft introduced new players that may affect Akeem Davis-Gaither's starting role, creating uncertainty in the linebacker position.

Who is Akeem Davis-Gaither and what is his role with the Colts?

Akeem Davis-Gaither is a linebacker added to the Indianapolis Colts during the offseason, initially expected to be a Week 1 starter.

Why is there uncertainty about Akeem Davis-Gaither's starting job?

Uncertainty surrounds Akeem Davis-Gaither's starting job due to the Colts' draft decisions that may have strengthened their linebacker options.