Sam Tevi is signing with the Colts

The complete overhaul of the offensive line continues.

Late Monday evening, it was reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero that former Chargers left tackle Sam Tevi is signing with the Colts. Of the three free agent offensive lineman that started for the Bolts in 2020, Tevi becomes the second one to sign elsewhere, joining Dan Feeney who inked a deal with the Jets last week.

Tevi, a 2017 sixth-round draft pick of the Chargers in 2017, moved from the right side to the left following the signing of Bryan Bulaga in last year’s signing period. Despite playing mainly on the right through is first three seasons, Tevi played his best football manning the blindside, starting all 14 games that he played in this past year. He allowed just two sacks, which is a big step forward after allowing eight sacks apiece in each of the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Over his four seasons with the Chargers, Tevi started a combined 44 games and played in 58 total.

Tevi has always been one of the more athletic lineman on the team and that showed on wide zone runs and screen plays where he was able to run out into space and make blocks on smaller defenders. However, he never truly got comfortable as a pass-protector until recently. With a multitude of elite pass rushers in the AFC West, Tevi struggled often against the likes of Von Miller, Frank Clark, and even then-rookie Maxx Crosby of the Raiders.

While his improved numbers speak for themselves, it was too-little, too-late for Tevi and his potential future with the Chargers. He’ll now get the opportunity to battle for a starting spot to protect new Colts quarterback Carson Wentz while playing for former Chargers QBs coach Nick Sirianni, who now leads Indy as their head coach.