Although the heavy roster construction portion of the NFL offseason is behind us, Indianapolis Colts’ GM Chris Ballard should still be looking to make an addition prior to training camp, specifically at defensive end.
This is a position group that Ballard has addressed fairly heavily this offseason. With Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis no longer on the team, Ballard signed Arden Key and Micheal Clemons in free agency, while also drafting George Gumbs Jr. and Caden Curry.
However, despite the turnover and new additions, whether or not this unit has improved compared to last season is not known.
Overall, the Colts‘ pass rush ranked 30th in ESPN’s pass rush win rate metric in 2025. Outside of Laiatu Latu, the Colts struggled to generate a consistent pass rush from the defensive end position.
As of now, it remains to be seen whether or not Key, Clemons, or Jaylahn Tuimoloau can provide that needed pass rush juice opposite of Latu. And when it comes to Gumbs or Curry, expecting Day 3 picks to step in and provide high-level impact comes with obvious risks.
This uncertainty should open the door for an addition to be made, and there are still several veteran options on the free agent market, including Cameron Jordan, Von Miller, Joey Bosa, and Jadeveon Clowney.
Considering where each of these players are at in their respective careers, it’s not a given that they would step in and give the Colts the upgrade in production that they need. That said, adding more competition and a player with a strong track record of getting after the quarterback wouldn’t be a bad thing either.
From a salary cap standpoint, the Colts have more than enough room to make an addition here; it just comes down to whether or not Ballard believes that’s a worthwhile move to be made.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts’ Ballard should still consider adding free agent pass rusher