With training camp just around the corner, the Indianapolis Colts front office has been busy adjusting the final personnel changes before the team heads to Grand Park.
On Monday, the team tried out former Baltimore Ravens strong safety Matt Elam, per Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.
Elam, who has not played in the NFL since 2016, had a brief stint for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the CFL in 2018 before being released this May.
He attended Florida under coach Urban Meyer and started three seasons for the Gators. He was named first-team All-SEC and first-team All-America in 2012 before he decided to forego his senior season and head for the draft in 2013. He was taken by the Ravens with the No. 32 overall pick.
In a promising rookie year in which he recorded 54 total tackles, Elam struggled the following season and lost his role as a starter. In 2015, Elam tore his biceps, which caused him to miss the entire season. In 2016, he was released.
In February 2017, Elam was arrested in Miami and charged with possession of marijuana and oxycodone and intent to sell.
The drug charges were eventually dropped. In May of that year, Elam was arrested again, this time on battery and theft charges involving an incident with his girlfriend. All charges in the case were dropped as well.
Elam was also given a tryout with the Miami Dolphins, who signed cornerback Tyler Patmon on Monday, which most likely ends their pursuit of Elam. Elam is also set for a tryout with the XFL if he cannot find his way onto an NFL roster.
The odds of Chris Ballard inviting Elam to training camp are low. With multiple off-the-field issues, he does not fit into the new culture the Colts front office has created. It is highly unlikely their desire goes further than a tryout, but with the safety position needing depth and experience, it might not be unorthodox to take a closer look at Elam.
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