The Indianapolis Colts have some promise in their young defensive ends but adding an impact player at the position or competition that can provide depth should always be considered.
All three of the starting edge rushers will return in 2024 with Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam and Dayo Odeyingbo all under contract for the upcoming season. Adding to the position via free agency still would be a wise idea.
We should note that we understand a handful of these players won’t even hit the market, but we’re working under the hypothetical scenario that they hit they become available, regardless of how slim the chances are.
If Chris Ballard decides to add to the position group via free agency, here are 10 players that the front office should target.
(AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Previous Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
The odds of the Jaguars letting Josh Allen test the market seem slim but if that were to play out, then Chris Ballard can try to lure an impact player from the division rival. Allen is coming off the best season of his five-year career where he had a career-high in sacks (17.5), QB hits (33), and TFLs (17). If there is a chance to sign Allen it would be interesting to see if Ballard puts money into him and passes on giving an extension to Kwity Paye or Dayo Odeyingbo.
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Previous Team: Carolina Panthers
Similarly to Josh Allen, is another young edge rusher who can be an impact player for the defense if he hits the market. Since 2021, he hasn’t had a season where he’s finished below 50 tackles, 13 TFLs, 18 QB hits, and eight sacks. Burns has been on the cusp of having his breakout season and maybe a change of scenery can help make that happen. He would be in that tier of edge rushers where Chris Ballard would have to choose between investing money from the market or saving that cap space for the in-house talent.
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Previous Team: Minnesota Vikings
Danielle Hunter might not be as young as some of the edge rushers on this list but the eight-year pro is coming off the best season of his career. He set career highs in tackles (83), TFLs (23), sacks (16.5), and forced fumbles (four). Hunter will likely be seeking one more big payday so he will come at a cost if Chris Ballard elects to go after a proven veteran edge rusher to add to the trenches.
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Previous Team: New…
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