The Indianapolis Colts could be in the market to add to the defensive end room this offseason. Could that make Shaq Lawson a target in free agency?
Profile
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 267
Age: 25
Drafted: 2016 — First round (No. 19)
The Road So Far
Selected out of Clemson in the first round, Lawson hasn’t quite lived up to the billing of a first-round pick. He’s recorded 38 quarterback hits, 25 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks in 50 games (17 starts) during his four-year career with the Bills.
Even though Lawson was drafted in the first round, the Bills declined his fifth-year team option for the 2020 season. This makes him an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins on March 18.
In 15 games (no starts) during the 2019 season, Lawson recorded 18 quarterback hits, 13 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks—all career-highs.
Fit With The Colts
Lawson would probably work mostly as an edge rusher for the Colts in their one-gap front. However, he has been known to kick inside occasionally with the Bills. They could view him in a similar light as Tyquan Lewis, who has been working both as an edge and a three-technique.
Throughout his career, Lawson has been better against the run than he has as a pass rusher. With the current mix of Justin Houston, Kemoko Turay, Al-Quadin Muhammad and Ben Banogu, the Colts could use another body in the rotation.
Lawson worked in rotation during his time with the Bills and still found some production. He never played more than 47% of the defensive snaps in a season and would likely be relied upon in the same role rather than being looked at as a top-notch starter.
Price
This will be interesting for Lawson. He is likely going to pursue starter money when he hits the market. The Colts have historically (during Chris Ballard’s tenure) stayed on the conservative side of offers. Lawson isn’t worth double-digit salary in terms of average annual value.
Spotrac’s market value model projects Lawson will receive a four-year deal worth $30.7 million with an AAV of $7.6 million. It’s difficult to see the Colts wanting to sign Lawson to a four-year deal. They likely could be in the market for something around two years, $16 million if they really wanted to add his talents to the rotation.
Conclusion
Lawson is coming off of a career-year and while he hasn’t lived up to his draft stock, he could be a solid addition to the rotation. The Colts shouldn’t pay him starter money, but Lawson is an intriguing low-risk, high-reward target in free agency.