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Colts Could Consider these Top 7 ‘Under the Radar’ Free Agents

By Luke Schultheis

Jan 8, 2017; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive back Micah Hyde (33) celebrates a play during the game against the New York Giants at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2017; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive back Micah Hyde (33) celebrates a play during the game against the New York Giants at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Mario Addison (97) rushes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Mario Addison (97) rushes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Mario Addison, Pass Rusher Carolina Panthers

The 6’3″, 260 pound pass rusher is coming off a breakout campaign with the Carolina Panthers, as he had 9.5 sacks this past season along with 27 tackles and 2 forced fumbles in 14 games (1 start).

It’s not as though Mario Addison is a one-year wonder either, as he’s combined for 22.0 sacks over the past three seasons–indicating that he’s a quality pass rusher off the edge.

In fact, Pro Football Focus recently listed him as one of their ‘10 under-the-radar players about to hit free agency‘:

"“A former undrafted free agent, Addison has always been a decent pass-rusher, but took his game to the next level in 2016, cracking double-digit sacks for the first time his in career. Ranking second among 4-3 defensive ends in pass-rushing productivity, Addison totaled 10 sacks, five hits, and 51 QB pressures on just 294 pass rushes.”"

Specifically, per Pro Football Focus (subscription), Addison was their 16th best ‘edge defender’ last season–including a +81.6 pass rushing grade.

Interestingly enough, if the Colts signed Addison, it would be his 2nd-stint in Indianapolis, as he spent part of the 2011-12 seasons on their active roster and practice squad before being waived.

Like former running back Dion Lewis–who’s now starring for the New England Patriots, he was presumably a player that the Colts signed and may have given up on too early.

Originally signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2011, Addison also spent time with the Washington Redskins organization before finding recent success with the Carolina Panthers.

Obviously, Addison alone wouldn’t solve the Colts pass rushing woes, but as a complementary situational pass rusher off the bench, Indianapolis could have quite an under-the-radar find.

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