The Indianapolis Colts released defensive end Kendall Langford Wednesday with a failed physical designation. Signed to a four-year deal with the Colts before the 2015 season, Langford started all 23 games he played for the team over the past two seasons. He ended last season on injured reserve following a knee injury he suffered during training camp.
We have released DE Kendall Langford with a failed physical designation: https://t.co/RY074HayFG pic.twitter.com/a3pOc6QcFa
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 9, 2017
Indianapolis Colts Release Defensive End Kendall Langford
Langford had off-season surgery to attempt to address the issue with his knee. But with the influx of outside talent brought into the organization in new general manager Chris Ballard’s first year on the job, it seems the Colts aren’t willing to wait and see how Langford heals. Defensive ends Margus Hunt, Hassan Ridgeway, Henry Anderson, and rookie Grover Stewart remain as options at the position for the 2017 campaign.
“Kendall is well-respected amongst everyone in the organization and a great ambassador of the horseshoe,” Ballard said in the official team release announcing Langford’s release. “We wish him all the best moving forward.”
Per OverTheCap.com, Langford carried an $8.7 million cap hit over the final two years of his deal with the Colts. By releasing him, the team realizes $7.95 million in cap savings during that time and is on the hook for just $750,000 in dead money. Taking that into account, Wednesday’s roster move doesn’t come as much of a surprise.
Langford was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on July 29th. Listed at 6’6” and 299 pounds, he’s played in 135 career games while totaling 369 tackles (240 solo), 22.5 sacks, 20 passes defensed, four forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. The Miami Dolphins took Langford in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
The Colts 2017 preseason gets underway this coming Sunday when they face the Detroit Lions. Kickoff from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis takes place at 1:30 PM ET.
