Report: Colts work out ex-Bengals linebacker under DC Lou Anarumo

ORCHARD PARK, NY - JANUARY 22: Markus Bailey #51 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs onto the field during introductions against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

According to KPRC2's Aaron Wilson, the Indianapolis Colts worked out former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Markus Bailey, who was previously coached by their veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo:

#Colts worked out former #Bengals linebacker Markus Bailey, per a league source. Bailey is a former Cincinnati draft pick from Purdue @BoilerFootball who played for Colts defensive coordinafor Lou Anarumo. A former All-Big Ten selection, Bailey has 73 career tackles, a half sack... pic.twitter.com/CxBETzjV1O

- Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 20, 2026

Originally a 2020 7th round pick of the Bengals out of Purdue University, the 6'1", 235 pound linebacker played under Anarumo from 2020-2023 in Cincinnati.

He later joined the Arizona Cardinals organization in 2024, where he appeared in 1 game, but was also suspended 6 games for violating the league's performance enhancing-drug policy that same season.

During 61 career games (4 starts), Bailey has 73 tackles (46 solo), 0.5 sacks, and a pass defensed.

He did not play professional football last season, but currently is on the UFL Birmingham Stallions roster.

With the need to get faster and younger, the Colts are expected to revamp their linebacking corps this offseason.

However, Bailey appears to be more of a special teamer and backup depth piece at this stage of his playing career than potential starting linebacker candidate for the Colts.