Indianapolis Colts have released defensive tackle Margus Hunt

The Colts have released Margus Hunt, signaling a change along the defensive line is afoot.

It’s not the big news that many Indianapolis Colts were hoping to hear on the first day of free agency, but it’s news nonetheless. The Colts have officially released defensive lineman Margus Hunt.

Hunt played in 47 games in his three seasons with Indianapolis, and started in 25 of them. He posted one sack, six tackles for a loss, and two passes defensed in 2017. His second season was by far his best in Indy, as he posted five sacks, 13 tackles for loss, two deflected passes, and one forced fumble. He also posted 13 quarterback hits in his first two seasons. In 2019, Hunt played in 16 games but didn’t register a sack or a tackle for loss.

Hunt’s release signifies a change on the defensive line. General manager Chris Ballard could go after a high profile free agent now. Chris Jones has been franchise-tagged by the Chiefs, but it isn’t out of the question for Ballard to go after him via trade. While Jadeveon Clowney isn’t exactly a defensive tackle, he’s definitely in play with all of the cap space the Colts currently have.

The 2020 NFL Draft will likely be the area where Indianapolis addresses this position if they can’t get a top free agent. Both top interior defensive linemen, Auburn’s Derrick Brown and South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw, are in play for the Colts at the 13th overall selection. On day two, players like TCU’s Ross Blacklock and Texas A&M’s Justin Madubuike, who both fit Ballard’s preference as pass rushers at the 3-technique, could be potential selections.

However things go the rest of the offseason, the move is clear that an overhaul on defense is the direction the Colts are going. Get ready for the most interesting offseason for Indianapolis in quite some time.