The Indianapolis Colts are preparing for free agency to begin this week as it is currently slated to do and with that should come some interest in the market for defensive ends.
With an abundance of salary-cap space (over $80 million), the Colts can essentially go after any free agent they want. They won’t, of course, because general manager Chris Ballard is very calculated and cautious when it comes to adding big contracts in free agency. But there are still players they should consider targeting before the price gets too out of hand.
Here are six defensive ends the Colts should consider in free agency:
Jadeveon Clowney | Seattle Seahawks | Age: 27
When the franchise tags are all official, Clowney will be the biggest fish in the free agent market. One could argue he was regardless, but it will be official by Monday. Clowney possesses all of the potential in what an elite defensive end can bring to a defense.
He’s a freak athlete that combines insane size, speed and power at one of the most crucial positions across the entire roster. There are concerns with his game of course. He’s a stout run defender and sets the edge with near perfection, but his pass-rushing leaves a little to be desired. He’s still strong in this area, but he’s never had a season with double-digit sacks.
There is also the question of durability. Over his six-year career, Clowney has missed 21 games (most of which came in 2014). But if he’s commanding $21 million per year on the market, the Colts will need availability from him.
Clowney would be intriguing to add to the defensive line and while it is unlikely the Colts will sign him when looking at the big picture, he should be considered at the very least.