The Indianapolis Colts are making moves to reinforce their defensive line, and one of their latest additions is free-agent defensive tackle Neville Gallimore. The former Dallas Cowboy and LA Ram has signed a one-year deal worth $1.27 million, a low-risk move that could provide solid depth behind star linemen Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner.
Breaking Down Gallimore’s Contract Details
Gallimore’s contract is structured with a base salary of $1.17 million, accompanied by a $100,000 signing bonus. While his total contract value is $1.27 million, his salary cap hit for the 2025 NFL season comes in at a very manageable $1.13 million. That figure currently places him 35th in terms of cap hit among Colts players, making this signing an economical way to bolster their interior defensive line.
Why Did the Colts Sign Gallimore?
After releasing Raekwon Davis, Indianapolis found itself needing additional depth at the defensive tackle position. While Stewart and Buckner provide elite talent on the starting front, the Colts were looking for reliable rotational players who could step in when needed. That’s where Gallimore comes in.
Having spent the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Rams, Gallimore played in a rotational role, bringing his experience from his early years with the Cowboys. The former third-round pick from the 2020 NFL Draft has shown flashes of potential, particularly as an interior pass rusher. Though not a game-changer, his presence adds experience and stability to a defensive line that needed reinforcement.
Evaluating Gallimore’s Performance
When looking at the numbers, Gallimore’s performance has been solid but not spectacular. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he ranked 51st out of 120 defensive tackles in pass rush productivity last season. While that’s a respectable mark, his struggles against the run are evident—he ranked 133rd in run-stop rate. Clearly, he’s more effective in pressuring quarterbacks than shutting down the ground game.
What This Means for the Colts' Defensive Plans
Gallimore’s signing doesn’t mean Indianapolis is done making moves at defensive tackle. In fact, with the 2025 NFL Draft featuring a strong class of defensive linemen, Colts GM Chris Ballard could still add one or two more players to solidify the position. Gallimore provides insurance and depth, but the team will likely continue to seek out long-term solutions through the draft or additional free agency signings.
A Low-Cost, High-Upside Move
For a cap-friendly deal, the Colts are getting a rotational lineman with NFL experience who can contribute without breaking the bank. Gallimore has the opportunity to carve out a meaningful role, and if he can improve his run defense, he might see significant snaps in 2025.
With training camp and preseason ahead, Colts fans should keep an eye on Gallimore’s development. Will he step up and earn more playing time, or will he remain a depth piece? Either way, at just $1.13 million against the cap, this signing is a smart, low-risk addition to Indianapolis’ defensive front.
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