The Indianapolis Colts made a significant move to bolster their linebacker depth by re-signing Tyjuan Hagler.
Hagler, a fifth-round selection by the Colts in the 2005 NFL Draft, has started 10 games over the past three seasons, and although he has struggled at times with injuries, when he has been healthy, he has been a solid part of the linebacking corps. He also has been able to play all three positions, so his re-signing gives the Colts some flexibility at the position.
Partly because Hagler has had trouble staying healthy for a full season, I'd be a little surprised he moves into the starting lineup on a permanent basis. The other reason for that is the Colts like Gary Brackett at middle and Clint Session at weakside linebacker, and they also almost certainly want to get a serious look at 2008 third-round selection Philip Wheeler at strong side backer.
The Colts' philosophy has been draft-and-develop-one-year-and-start-the-next at linebacker for some time, and considering Wheeler's potential, he almost certainly will be this year's version.
That said, Hagler's re-signing is important because it solidifies the team's depth at the spot. Adam Seward was signed as a free agent from Carolina, and he is expected to back up Brackett in the middle. With Hagler, they now have a player who can fill reserve role at both the outside spots -- not to mention inside, if needed -- as well as a guy who has performed solidly on special teams.
It's still not out of the question that the Colts could select a linebacker in the draft this month. They typically have replenished that spot a year or two before players hit free agency, but now they won't be forced to do so, and if they don't draft a linebacker, they'll still have a good depth situation entering next season.
For the record, Hagler has appeared in 30 games in the three seasons on the active roster, and appeared in nine games with three starts this past season, registering 21 tackles and a forced fumble. He started seven of 12 games in 2007, registering a career-high in tackles (60), with a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Hagler appeared in nine games for the Colts in 2006 and missed the 2005 season due to injury.
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