Colts Free Agency Grades
Nov 17, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Trent Cole (58) celebrates a sack during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Trent Cole, 2 years $16M
The Colts landed another former member of the Philadelphia Eagles in veteran pass rusher
Trent Cole. Entering this offseason, the team was in need of another proven pass rusher and General Manager
Ryan Grigsononce again went with a player that he was already both familiar and comfortable with.
Oct 13, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Trent Cole (58) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The 32 year old Cole may have slowed down a tad, but he’s still coming off a productive 6.5 sack season. His sacks may have been fewer to come by, as he had shared pass rushing duties with Connor Barwin (14.5 sacks) and Vinny Curry (9 sacks) eating into this total.
According to ProFootballFocus (subscription), he received the 12th best pass rushing grade last season with a +11.3 pass rushing grade. However, Cole won’t just be a “one trick” pony with the Colts, as he’s respectable against the run too, registering a +2.6 grade in run defense.
The 10-year veteran has consistently been one of the NFL’s more productive pass rushers with the Eagles. The former 5th round pick of the Eagles in 2005 has 85.5 career sacks, which is the 48th most in NFL history.
Cole’s contract does guarantee a fairly significant $8 million; however, pass rushers always come at a premium in today’s free agency. With Andrew Luck‘s mega-contract looming, Cole’s short-term contract is set to expire right in time. In the mean time, he can join both Robert Mathis and Jonathan Newsome, giving the Colts a formidable trio of pass rushers.