The Indianapolis Colts continue to keep more of their own free agents, re-signing defensive tackle Grover Stewart to a three-year, $39 million deal, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday.
Earlier Monday, the Colts finalized a three-year, $70 million deal to retain receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
Stewart's contributions have never truly been defined by his numbers -- evidenced by his mere nine career sacks -- but the difference in the Colts' run defense has been palpable with and without him in the lineup.
That became evident last season when the Colts were forced to play six games without Stewart because of a PEDs suspension. In Weeks 1 through 6, when Stewart was in the lineup, the Colts' defense allowed 3.7 yards per carry and 2.24 yards per rush before contact. Over the next six games, with Stewart suspended, the Colts allowed 4.9 yards per carry and 3.14 yards per rush before contact.
Stewart's durability has been one of his defining characteristics. Before his suspension, he had not missed a game in the previous four seasons. Off the field, Stewart's dedication to nutrition and healthy eating in the past couple of years has helped him reshape his body, and the decision has paid dividends between the lines.
A 2017 fourth-round pick, Stewart, 30, has spent his entire career with the Colts, teaming with All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner since 2020 to form one of the top defensive interior duos in the NFL. He has 280 tackles and 9 sacks in 107 career games (75 starts).
ESPN's Stephen Holder contributed to this report.
