Former Alabama defensive back signs with Indianapolis Colts

Just before the new league season begins, teams across the NFL are making moves to prepare themselves for free agency and the NFL draft. While a lot of the transactions are getting rid of or signing players to contract extensions, there are a few low-key signings floating throughout the league.

One of those involved the Indianapolis Colts and former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Tony Brown. The Colts announced Brown would be signing with the team on Tuesday, although the teams were not announced. Brown will now be on his fourth team after leaving school in 2018.

After going undrafted in the 2018 NFL draft, Brown was picked up by the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent. He was released shortly after and then picked up by the Green Bay Packers, originally on the practice squad. Brown was eventually called up to the active squad and played in 20 games for the Packers between the 2018 and 2019 seasons, starting in three games.

Brown spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020, playing in 13 games and even making one start. However, injuries hampered the defensive back and eventually led to him being cut from the roster.

During the 2021 seasons, Brown spent time with the Bengals and the Las Vegas Raiders, both on the practice squad. Brown has recorded 50 tackles (39 solo), 3.0 tackles for loss, six passes defended, two forced fumbles, and eight special teams stops throughout his career.

Viewed as an elite prospect when showing up at Alabama, Brown will be trying to fulfill it while with the Colts. Competing for consistent playing time and staying on the active roster will surely be the goal of the former Crimson Tide cornerback.

According to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting services, Brown was a five-star prospect coming out of high school. Brown was ranked the No. 8 overall prospect in the 2014 recruiting class and was the No. 1 cornerback.

During his time in Tuscaloosa, Brown played in 38 career games, recording 79 tackles and three interceptions. Brown had one in the 2018 National Championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs, as the Crimson Tide won a second ring with the defensive back on campus.

Additionally, Brown was able to force a fumble and defend seven passes in three seasons playing under Alabama head coach Nick Saban. Brown is just the latest NFL defensive back Saban has added to his already long list, now with the Indianapolis Colts.