Colts release D'Qwell Jackson

The Indianapolis Colts released veteran linebacker D'Qwell Jackson on Thursday after three seasons with the team.

Jackson started every single game for the Colts over his first two seasons in Indy, but his 2016 season was cut short by a performance-enhancing drug violation that forced him to the sidelines for the last four games.

While the former Pro Bowler led the Colts in tackles each of the past three seasons, he's struggled to consistently perform at a solid level.

Jackson's release is the first significant move made by new general manager Chris Ballard, who is tasked with rebuilding one of the weakest rosters in the league.

The Colts will save $5.5 million in cap space by cutting ties with Jackson, but now have another hole to fill on an already talent-needy defense.