John Simon, Colts Reportedly Agree to 3-Year Contract

Outside linebacker John Simon reportedly signed a three-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts on Friday, according to ESPN's Field Yates.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirmed the contract and added it is worth $13.5 million. Per Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star, Simon will receive $5.5 million guaranteed.

According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, however, the three-year deal is worth $17 million.

Simon, 26, registered 51 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 11 games for the Houston Texans last season, serving as a rotational outside linebacker. While he's generally been stronger against the run than the pass, he showed improvement getting after the quarterback in 2016, per Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus:

"

Before injury, John Simon was chipping in well as a pass-rusher in the Houston defense that was able to generate pressure from a lot of different players. His run defense has been good in each of the past three seasons, but 2016 saw him far more efficient in his pass rush, with 26 total QB pressures and two batted passes in his 205 pass-rushing snaps. This was the highest percentage of the team's defensive snaps that Simon has seen in his career, and his best performance individually, so he will likely be pushing for a starting spot in free agency.

"

Indeed, the change of scenery should include a starting gig for Simon.

With Erik Walden and Trent Cole hitting free agency, and Robert Mathis retiring, the Colts needed to address the outside linebacker spot. After posting 8.5 sacks combined over the past two season, Simon may be in for a career year in 2017.