The Indianapolis Colts have been once again passive in free agency, choosing to save up for larger contract extensions instead of spending a ton of money in a season that saw the cap shrink due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If there is one position that the Colts could still splurge on, it is pass rusher, as the uncertainty surrounding Justin Houston might be enough to stir Chris Ballard from whatever trance he has been in and make some moves.
The Colts might’ve allowed studs like Bud Dupree, Matthew Judon, and Carl Lawson to sign elsewhere, but there are plenty of veterans that could help the Colts pressure the quarterback.
Not only will these three help the Colts’ pass rush, but they won’t cost Ballard’s right arm and leg to bring to Indianapolis.
In a weakened division, bringing in one of these veterans could be a genuine difference-maker.
3 pass rushers the Indianapolis Colts should sign.
Colts pass rusher target No. 3: Aldon Smith
It’s easy to forget that when he was breaking into the league with the 49ers, Smith looked like a pass rusher that could be the best in the league beyond a shadow of a doubt, as he totaled 33.5 sacks in his first two seasons.
Unfortunately, Smith’s behavior got the best of him, as run-ins with the law and the league limited him to 14 sacks from 2013-2015. After four years away from football, Smith signed a contract with the Dallas Cowboys last season.
Will Aldon Smith behave himself with the Colts?
While not back to his dominant self, Smith was a quality rotational pass rusher, recording 48 tackles and 5.0 sacks while recovering two fumbles. Smith can still pressure the quarterback at a high rate, and his trademark explosion is there. As a 4-3 end in Matt Eberflus’ defense, he has a lot of appeal.
Due to his behavior, however, the Colts will need to double and triple-check Smith to make sure that he can remain in line. If he can keep his head on straight and focus solely on football, Smith could return to form with the Colts. Approaching double-digit sacks wouldn’t be out of the question.