INDIANAPOLIS – A change of scenery for Raekwon Davis was facilitated by Chris Ballard not deviating from one of his core beliefs.
The Indianapolis Colts’ general manager remains steadfast in making certain his defensive front is stocked with quality players. Lots of them.
“I just felt like this was the best choice for me,’’ David said Friday after signing a two-year, $14 million contract that includes $7 million in guarantees.
“The organization, I feel like they opened their arms up and just let me in. They wanted me here. I feel like playing with Buckner and Grove . . . it’s a great fit for me.’’
DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart have formed one of the NFL’s best tackle tandems since 2020. That tag-team’s continued relationship was assured earlier this week when the Colts kept Stewart off the free-agent market with a three-year, $39 million deal. The team also brought back versatile Tyquan Lewis with a two-year, $12 million contract.
We’ll do the math for you. In just a few days, Ballard has invested roughly $65 million – approximately $40 million guaranteed – in coordinator Gus Bradley’s front four.
And here’s where we remind you Buckner is entering into the final year of a four-year extension that averages $21 million, which is a top-10 figure at his position.
Earlier this year, Ballard mentioned he and coach Shane Steichen shared priorities when it comes to the roster.
“We both agree that the fronts are important and how to build it,’’ he said. “Those will always be priorities for both us of.’’
The Colts’ run defense wasn’t up to prior standards last season. It ranked No. 24 in yards per game allowed (123.8) and No. 10 in yards per attempt (4.1).
But it was atrocious while Stewart was serving a six-game suspension for violating the league’s performance enhancing substances policy.
In 11 games with Stewart, the averages were 107.9 and 3.7, respectively.
Without his 6-4, 314-pound presence: 153 yards per and 4.7 per attempt.
The addition of Davis has bulk and experience, and will bolster Bradley’s confidence in his depth when he has to give Buckner and Stewart a breather.
The 2020 second-round pick of the Miami Dolphins anticipates carrying 315-320 pounds on his massive 6-7 frame. Imagine the power-forward possibilities with the 6-7 Davis and 6-7 Buckner.
In four seasons with Miami, Davis started 48 of 63 games and finished with 129 tackles, 2 sacks and five tackles for loss. He was on the field for roughly half of the Dolphins’ defensive snaps each season.
The Colts, he said, represent a new approach in year 5.
“Just learn a different scheme, be in something different,’’ Davis said. “Just trying to experience new things, you know? Since coming out of Alabama, I’ve been playing the same technique – two-gapping.
“Here, it’s not like two-gapping. Just playing the gap . . . you’re just going and making plays.’’
The Colts ask their defensive tackles to attack. In the last four seasons, Buckner and Stewart have combined for 38.5 sacks (OK, 32.5 belong to Bucker), 112 quarterback hits, 65 tackles for loss and seven forced fumbles.
Ballard obviously made a solid sales pitch when he contacted Davis.
“Yeah, man,’’ Davis said. “When he called me he was like, ‘It’s a different scheme for you. I feel like it fits you.’
“I thought to myself, ‘Yeah, man, let’s switch it up. Let’s see what this new scheme, what type of opportunity it can put me in.’ I was willing to do it.’’
Davis describes himself as a d-tackle with “a high motor. I’ve got great leadership and just a fun dude. Just active, love enjoying people and making people happy.
“When Miami drafted me, every kid thinks that’s going to be your home. Then after four years, it’s still like a bittersweet thing going on. Now I’m here in this new place still doing things I love to do and my family gets to see me for another two years play in a different type of stadium doing something I love.’’
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.