Spencer Ware signs with Indianapolis Colts

Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware has signed a new deal with the Indianapolis Colts.

The Indianapolis Colts have officially signed former Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware to bolster its backfield after failing to pick up any talent at the position during the recent 2019 NFL Draft.

Ware was never expected to return to the Chiefs this offseason, as Jason La Canfora reported back in March that the market for Ware would “out-price the Chiefs.” Terms of Ware’s deal were not revealed just yet, but the Chiefs made their moves at running back quite some time ago to make it clear Ware would not be returning.

Brett Veach brought Carlos Hyde aboard early in free agency on a one-year deal that pairs him with Damien Williams, who also logged a new two-year extension back in December, atop the team’s depth chart. Draft weekend also brought in sixth round rookie Darwin Thompson from Utah State to compete with Darrel Williams, who impressed as an undrafted free agent last season. The Chiefs also have further talent in James “Boobie” Williams from Washington State as a pass catching back hoping to make waves as a rookie free agent.

Ware has been a lead back before, but he’s shown himself to be a great tandem partner in the backfield, which is what he will be for the Colts. Indianapolis has plenty of solid options already at running back, led by Marlon Mack, and Ware will likely slip in when Mack needs a break and to also provide important depth to withstand the rigors of the season. The Colts also have Jordan Wilkins and Nyheim Hines, both drafted in 2017 on the roster.

Ware had visited the Detroit Lions and Colts already in free agency but Chris Ballard, the Colts general manager, won out in the end. Ware had 337 carries for 1,570 yards and 11 touchdowns in his three-year stint with the Chiefs.