Colts roster preview: LB Akeem Davis-Gaither competing for starting job

Between now and training camp, we will be going through the Indianapolis Colts' full 90-man roster, previewing each player.

Up next is linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, who wears No. 51.

Profile

• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 238
• Age: 28
• NFL experience: Year 7
• College: Appalachian State

Akeem Davis-Gaither's tenure with the Colts

The Colts signed Davis-Gaither this offseason as a free agent to a one-year, $2.725 million deal.

Recapping Akeem Davis-Gaither's 2025 season

Davis-Gaither played his first five NFL seasons in Cincinnati under Lou Anarumo. He had a career year with Arizona in 2025, totaling 117 tackles. In coverage, he allowed 10.9 yards per catch on 63 targets, while coming away with one interception and two pass breakups.

He fits that versatile mold that Anarumo covets at the second and third levels, able to impact the game as a blitzer and operate in space as needed.

Looking ahead to 2026 for Akeem Davis-Gaither

We assume that CJ Allen will be starting at MIKE linebacker for the Colts, but the starting spot next to him is up for grabs. Davis-Gaither will be in the mix for those snaps. During offseason programs, Bryce Boettcher and Jaylon Carlies also saw snaps with the ones.

Davis-Gaither also has ample special teams experience and can contribute to multiple units in that phase of the game.

Given Davis-Gaither's experience in what is an inexperienced Colts' linebacker room, I fully expect him to be on the team. That said, it's worth noting that the Colts would save salary cap money if they were to release him.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts roster preview: LB Akeem Davis-Gaither competing for starting job