For Colts, 5 Frontline Free Agents to Avoid

Nov 30, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes (55) celebrates with the fans after recovering a fumble to score a touchdown during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Number 5: Jerry Hughes, Defensive End

Player: Jerry Hughes

Age: 26

Ht/Wt: 6’2″, 254 pounds

Buyers Remorse: As a former 2010 1st round pick of the Indianapolis Colts under the Bill Polian regime, Hughes has resurrected his career as a member of the Buffalo Bills. Traded for ex-Colts linebacker Kelvin Sheppard in a now ill-fated April of 2013 trade, Hughes has become one of the better pass rushers in the NFL.

This past season, Hughes had 10 sacks to go along with his 53 tackles and 3 forced fumbles. It was the second consecutive season that Hughes has had a double-digit sack season, in as many seasons playing for the Buffalo Bills.

The proof of his production is in ProFootballFocus‘ (subscription) pudding too, as Hughes was the 14th rated best pass rushing 4-3 defensive end with a +7.6 pass rushing grade.

However, while the Colts could always use another pass rusher with Robert Mathis coming off a 4-game PED suspension and season-ending achilles injury at age 33, the team would be wise to look elsewhere than Hughes. The Colts have already crossed that bridge with Hughes, and there’s no need revisiting him again as a stand-up 3-4 pass rushing outside linebacker. He was highly unproductive with the Colts and his skill-set never translated playing under the Horseshoe.

Whether it was the high expectations, coaching scheme, or paint on the walls, Hughes simply didn’t pan out in Indianapolis. The Colts would be better served bringing in a pass rusher with a clean slate rather than attempt to bring in a prior disappointment.