Jerry Tillery

Career StatsF

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		113	14.0	194	17
2025		17	1.5	20	1
2024		17	0.0	28	5.5
2023		17

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Jerry Tillery's one-year, $1.5M deal with the Colts earns a solid B- CVI, representing a smart low-risk acquisition that could deliver meaningful value. For a depth piece at defensive tackle, $1.5M AAV sits right in the sweet spot — not quite bargain-bin territory, but well below what established starters command in today's market. At 29, Tillery is entering what should be his prime years as an interior lineman, where experience and technique often matter more than raw athleticism, making this a shrewd bet on a player who could still ascend. The structure heavily favors Indianapolis with only $900K guaranteed, giving them an easy exit if things don't work out while creating significant upside if Tillery develops into a reliable rotational contributor. This is exactly the type of calculated gamble that good front offices make — modest investment, manageable risk, and the potential for a depth piece to outperform his contract in a big way.

Performance Analysis

Jerry Tillery receives an F grade as a former first-round defensive tackle who has been a durable disappointment across seven NFL seasons. His 14 sacks and 194 tackles over 113 games is below-average production for a player who was drafted 28th overall. Tillery has been remarkably available — full 15-17 game seasons for seven straight years — which is why teams keep giving him opportunities despite the underwhelming results. The sack production has been sporadic, never reaching the consistent level expected from a first-round interior lineman. Now with the Colts after stops in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Minnesota, and Kansas City, Tillery is the definition of a veteran depth piece whose draft status far exceeded his NFL production.

Fan Sentiment

A low-risk depth gamble on a former first-round pick with untapped potential. Five headlines covered the signing, signaling modest media interest in his pedigree. The key signal is his 2019 first-round status — the talent ceiling remains intriguing despite disappointing Raiders tenure. Fans debate whether Indianapolis unlocks his potential or simply adds rotational depth. Tillery likely earns a rotational role but must show consistency to justify the roster spot.