Connor Barwin – Outside Linebacker/Defensive End
2017 team – Los Angeles Rams
2017 stats – 5 sacks, 26 tackles in 14 games
Last contract – 1 Yr, $3,500,000
Age – 31
Barwin is one of the few free agents left that could make an immediate positive impact on the defense. Barwin would probably be the best player on the defensive line right away, and would walk in to a lot of playing time in Indy. The problem is, Indianapolis is not the ideal situation for Barwin.
According to an article written by NFL.com’s Chris Wesseling, Barwin is holding out until he is offered a contract from a “Super Bowl contender.” While the Colts are far from Super Bowl caliber right now, he would have the opportunity to join an up-and-coming squad. Barwin reportedly has offers on the table, but it is not known which teams have reached out to the linebacker. Right now the betting favorite has to be the Rams, but I wouldn’t count Indianapolis out of the running.
If Barwin does join the Colts, it would give them a proven and capable pass rusher. It would also give defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus someone to put opposite of Jabaal Sheard. Adding another end to the mix could give the Colts a dynamic pass rush, which Colts fans haven’t seen since the days of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. To put it simply Barwin is a monster on and off the line of scrimmage, and a guy that can flat out play. His strength is something that is unmatched around the NFL, just check out this video of him working out a few years back.
If I’m Chris Ballard, I am making a strong push at Barwin. The Colts will have to compete with other teams, but I have a feeling the longer Barwin holds out the more offers he will lose. If that is true, the Colts could jump in and make an offer at the eleventh hour and snag one of the best free agents left on the market.