The top priority for the Indianapolis Colts this offseason is to find some help in the pass rush department. With an insane amount of salary cap space, they could turn to the free agent market to address the need.
With the franchise tag deadline passed, the market has become clearer as the top options are no longer available. Should the Colts look to free agency to find some pass rush help, there are still some options.
Here are 7 edge rushers the Colts could consider in free agency:
Trey Flowers | New England Patriots | Age: 25
Likely the top option for the Colts entering the market, Flowers is young and talented enough to warrant a multi-year contract after a solid run with the Patriots as a fourth-round pick in 2015.
>>> Trey Flowers Free Agency Profile <<<
Flowers isn’t going to put up video game numbers, but he’s a perfect fit for the Colts’ one-gap front. With a combination of size, quickness and strength, Flowers has the ability to set a strong edge while also possessing a pass rushing repertoire that likely makes him the top edge rusher available.
The Colts will likely have to pay up for Flowers, but their amount of salary cap space shouldn’t hinder them from any player on this list.
Preston Smith | Washington Redskins | Age: 26
Smith is likely the next top option for the Colts in terms of edge rushers. Still at a young age, Smith’s skill set and production warrant a multi-year deal from the Colts as a player that could fit immediately into an impact role.
>>> Preston Smith Free Agency Profile <<<
Smith has had trouble with consistency during his time with the Redskins, but his pass-rushing skills make him a top target for the Colts’ attacking front. He can win with a strong bull rush, hand usage and a quick first step. He’s also shown the ability to run the arc with speed.
Smith can be a versatile piece for the Colts along the defensive line. He’s a solid fit for the edge while also being a candidate to kick inside in sub packages. He should be among the top priorities.
Za’Darius Smith | Baltimore Ravens | Age: 26
Though he’s worked in a 3-4 alignment with the Ravens since entering the league in 2015, Smith has the prototypical size to work on the edge in an even front for the Colts.
>>> Za’Darius Smith Free Agency Profile <<<
Used along the defensive line, Smith could work both on the edge and the interior for the Colts. He has a quick first step and employs a beautiful chop move to get past his blockers. There might be some concern as to his ability to rush successfully from the edge, but he’s a great interior rusher.
With the need for interior pressure growing in the NFL, the Colts can use Smith’s aggressiveness to hone his skills from the edge while kicking him inside when they see fit.
Ezekiel Ansah | Detriot Lions | Age: 29
After playing the 2018 season on the franchise tag, Ansah will be hitting the market for the first time in his career. The Ghana native is an intriguing case for free agency as he displays both upside and concern.
>>> Ezekiel Ansah Free Agency Profile <<<
Ansah has had some elite years with the Lions since entering the league, but he’s also been extremely inconsistent at times while also dealing with a bevy of injuries. His skill set and size works well with the Colts’ scheme, but he might be too much of an injury risk to sign to a multi-year deal.
Should he be a cheap option, the Colts should definitely kick the tires, but overpaying for Ansah would be a mistake. He’s a target for sure, but with caution.
Shaq Barrett | Denver Broncos | Age: 26
One of the likely bargain free agents this offseason, the Colts could look Barrett’s way as his time with the Broncos appears to be up. Falling behind Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, Barrett posted 3.0 sacks and six tackles for loss in 2018.
Barrett was used as a situational pass rusher during his time with the Broncos, and he had some nice success. However, he will be looking for a starting role in free agency, and he might fit nicely into the Colts’ attacking scheme.
Barrett has been productive in his time as a situational pass rusher, and the Colts could target him after the first wave of free agency passes.
Dante Fowler Jr. | Los Angeles Rams | Age: 24
A very intriguing fit for the Colts this offseason, Fowler might hit free agency simply due to the fact that the Rams might not have enough salary cap space to bring him back.
Though he’s had some off-field issues in his past, Fowler would be a strong fit for the Colts. A speed rusher off the edge, Fowler could thrive in the one-gap scheme for the Colts as he did working with the Rams late in the 2018 season.
If Chris Ballard feels his off-field issues are behind him, Fowler is an intriguing option for the Colts.
Benson Mayowa | Arizona Cardinals | Age: 27
Likely an option to look at following the first wave of free agency, Mayowa hits the market after one year with the Cardinals. He appeared in 15 games but only made four starts while recording 4.0 sacks.
Mayowa has solid size to work the edge for the Colts, especially seeing that his natural fit is as a 4-3 defensive end. With the Cardinals switching to a 3-4 alignment, Mayowa could be looking to find a scheme that best suits his skill set.
Mayowa will be one of the cheaper edge rushers on the market, and he could be a target to add some nice depth to the defensive line.
