Feb. 21, 2026, 3:54 p.m. ET
The Indianapolis Colts reportedly worked out a linebacker who played under Lou Anarumo prior to free agency.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2-Houston, the Colts worked out linebacker Markus Bailey, who previously played under Anarumo in Cincinnati.
Bailey was a seventh-round pick in 2020 by the Bengals, where he played through the 2023 season, all of which were under Anarumo. The last two seasons he has played in Arizona.
Over his career, Bailey has played just 408 defensive snaps, 273 of which came in 2021. That season, he recorded 38 tackles, with only three missed attempts, and allowed just 7.9 yards per catch with three pass breakups, per PFF.
The bulk of his playing time at the NFL level has come on special teams, where, from 2021-2023, Bailey played over 300 snaps each season.
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If the Colts do end up signing Bailey, this is an addition to bolster the depth of this room with some experience. Given the current state of the roster, there is very little experience at the linebacker position outside of Zaire Franklin.
In no way should this potential signing alter how GM Chris Ballard addresses the linebacker position this offseason.
Adding to the linebacker room has to be a top priority. Depth is needed, but so is an added coverage presence as well. Collectively, Ballard said he wants to get younger and faster on defense.
Ballard has already made a few additions to the linebacker position this offseason.