Dee Ford is a pass rush specialist, and that is exactly what the Colts need right now. They had some effectiveness rushing the passer with their defensive line, but the linebackers didn’t amount to much in terms of pressure.
Ford would give them a true specialist who can get after the passer. He had 13 sacks this past season for the Chiefs and was a wrecking ball all year long. He doesn’t need much help to get to the quarterback. That was the biggest thing missing for the Colts in that loss to Kansas City.
Ford won’t be cheap coming off of that career year. He could be looking at a deal worth $15 million a year in the four to five-year range. But the Colts have the money to spend, and Ballard has familiarity with Ford having been with the Chiefs when they drafted him.
Right now, Ford might be the most likely signing because of that familiarity. He would be a nice addition to the defense alongside Darius Leonard and Anthony Walker. But the next guy on this list can also rush the passer, and he might be better.