The Indianapolis Colts will be in search this offseason to find a disruptive interior defensive lineman. With the most salary cap space in the NFL, free agency could be an avenue they use to add some depth to the position.
The Colts harp on versatility along the defensive line. General manager Chris Ballard loves pass rushers and defensive linemen that can work at all four spots in the Colts’ attacking front.
While there isn’t a deep group set to enter free agency, here are seven defensive tackles the Colts could consider:
Grady Jarrett | Atlanta Falcons | Age: 25
The top option on the market by far, Jarrett will be heavily sought after should he hit free agency when the new league year begins March 13. The Falcons could franchise tag him while they work on a long-term deal, but there are reports the two sides are far from agreement.
>>> Grady Jarrett Free Agency Profile <<<
A disruptive force on the interior working mainly from the three-technique, Jarrett recorded 6.0 sacks for the Falcons in 2018 and has been a consistent contributor since becoming a starter in 2016.
It remains to be seen what type of market Jarrett will command should he hit free agency, but he should be the top option for the Colts if he does become available.
Sheldon Richardson | Minnesota Vikings | Age: 28
The market gets cloudy shortly after the aforementioned Jarrett, but Richardson should command a decent amount of interest in free agency. After enjoying somewhat of a bounce-back year, Richardson must prove he can continue being a fit in the locker room.
After recording 4.5 sacks during the 2018 season, which was the most since 2015, Richardson could be a target for the Colts if Ballard feels he wouldn’t be an issue with the locker room. The veteran has been known to carry some distractions throughout his career, which could strike him off the list quickly.
Richardson likely wouldn’t get a long-term offer from the Colts, probably more of a two-year deal at the most, but he might be worth kicking the tires on for the attacking defensive front.
Malcom Brown | New England Patriots | Age: 25
Working all over the Patriots defensive line, Brown had a disappointing season after failing to record a sack, which was the first time in his career that has happened. Still, he’s young enough to garner plenty of interest around the league.
Brown was a steady contributor for the Patriots in the defensive line rotation, and the Colts might look to bring him in hoping the scheme change would allow him to find more success rushing the passer.
Brown isn’t a player that will jump off the screen with immaculate production, but he’s an interesting free agent to look at potentially working in the defensive line rotation.
Darius Philon | Los Angeles Chargers | Age: 25
Philon is an intriguing target for the Colts given his age, skill set and production over the last two seasons working in the Chargers defensive line. A sixth-round pick in 2015, Philon has 4.5 and 4.0 sacks over the last two seasons respectively.
Starting 13 games for the Chargers in 2018, Philon would be an interior defender that would likely work more at the nose tackle position but with the ability to get upfield and disrupt the top of the pocket.
Philon should get a healthy contract with a new team if he hits the market, and the Colts should at least show some interest as he could be a producer for the interior.
Christian Covington | Houston Texans | Age: 25
With the depth lacking in the free agent group, Covington is an option for the Colts but not one that they should pursue heavily. He will likely garner more attention after the first wave of free agency goes by should he not re-sign with the Texans.
Working mostly as a one-technique and nose tackle in the Texans’ 3-4 front, Covington might not be the best fit in the Colts’ one-gap scheme, but he could be an option if they are looking for a solid run defender with a little upside as a pass rusher.
Covington is young enough to get a multi-year deal, and it wouldn’t be one that breaks the bank, regardless of how much salary cap space the Colts have. He won’t be at the top of the list, but Covington is one to consider if they are looking for help with the run.
Rodney Gunter | Arizona Cardinals | Age: 27
Slightly older but still at an age that the Colts believe is young enough, Gunter is an intriguing option to work from the nose or one-tech with upside as a pass rusher.
Gunter recorded 4.5 and nine quarterback hits in 2018 proving he can provide disruption from the interior. It isn’t clear if the Colts would want to move him to a three-technique, but he could work well in the rotation, especially as a nose tackle with pass rushing upside.
Kerry Wynn | New York Giants | Age: 28
It will be interesting if Wynn will hit the free agent market, but he might be a versatile option for the Colts. Wynn has worked both in a 4-3 and a 3-4 with the Giants working all over the defensive line.
Wynn hasn’t had a ton of production with the Giants, but he has been a consistent contributor and solid depth piece in the defensive rotation for the Colts.
Wynn has the size to work more as a defensive end that kicks inside in sub packages, but he could be an under-the-radar option for the Colts following the first wave of free agency.
