The Indianapolis Colts made two more free agent additions on Wednesday, signing wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither.
Let’s grade these additions.
Westbrook-Ikhine had four productive seasons in Tennessee from 2021 through 2024, averaging almost 50 targets per year during that span. However, with the Dolphins last season, he struggled to find his footing, totaling only 11 receptions for 89 yards, per PFF.
For his career, he has caught 62% of his 225 targets, averaging 13.5 yards per catch with 19 touchdowns. Westbrook-Ikhine has been productive with the ball in his hands, picking up yards after the catch throughout his career.
Davis-Gaither, meanwhile, 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.
Grading Colts signing of Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
Grade: B-
This was a necessary move. Depth and competition at wide receiver were needed after Michael Pittman was traded. Without him, the top receiver options after Alec Pierce and Josh Downs were Ashton Dulin, Anthony Gould, and Laquon Treadwell. Now, does Westbrook-Ikhine provide that competition and stability? That still remains to be seen. But he has past production that the Colts can attempt to tap back into.
Grading Colts signing of Akeem Davis-Gaither
Grade: B-
These two moves fall into the same category for me as being quite necessary. Before signing Davis-Gaither, the Colts’ most experienced linebacker was Jaylon Carlies with 244 career snaps — 242 of which came in 2024. Now again, does he provide that stability and level of play the Colts need from a starting linebacker? We will see, but Davis-Gaither’s familiarity with Anarumo’s defense can hopefully help him hit the ground running and be used in a way that maximizes his skill set.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Grading Colts’ Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Akeem Davis-Gaither signings
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
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