According to Bleacher Report’s Ian Wharton, the Indianapolis Colts are very much interested in signing Detroit Lions defensive lineman Nick Fairley. Per Wharton, the Colts are currently offer nearly double as much guaranteed money as any other team:
As for Nick Fairley's next home, I've heard the #Colts are offering around double the guaranteed money as anyone else.
— Ian Valentino (@NFLFilmStudy) March 8, 2015
Oct 19, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) against the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field. Lions defeated the Saints 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Of course, with Ndamukong Suh set to join the Miami Dolphins for $114 million, the Colts have quickly switched gears to his former Detroit Lions defensive line counterpart in Nick Fairley. The 6’4, 308 pound Fairley has at times flashed dominance as a defensive lineman, as the 13th overall pick in the 2011 Draft out of Auburn. However, Fairley has battled his fair share of off-the-field, weight, and motor consistency issues.
Still, there’s no question that Fairley is one of the most talented defensive lineman in football, when things are going well. He has the talent and natural ability to be a true difference-maker out there, and someone that can consistently command a double team. In 8 starts last season, Fairley recorded 14 tackles, 1 sack, and a forced fumble, so injuries are always a concern too. Yet, when he played, he was effective, as he was the 13th best defensive tackle against the run overall with a +5.7 grade in run defense per ProFootballFocus (subscription).
With only one proven defensive end on the roster in Arthur Jones and an upgrade over starting nose tackle Josh Chapman arguably needed, the Colts need help on their defensive line no matter where Fairley would actually play. A coach can’t teach talent, and the 4th-year pro clearly has the athletic ability to be a dominating force along the Colts defensive line. At 27 years old, Fairley is expected to have many good years of football left, as he’s just entering his football prime. It will be interesting to see if that prime is ultimately played with the Colts.
Sep 14, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports