Colts: Should Indy consider adding former rival Whitney Mercilus?

The Indianapolis Colts took down the rival Houston Texans in convincing fashion last week, and the win was apparently so dominant at times that it forced Houston to end their decade-long partnership with pass rusher Whitney Mercilus. No. 59 screaming off the edge has been a nightmare for many a Colts offensive tackle over the years.

After being picked in the first round in 2011 out of Illinois, Mercilus helped form the backbone of some tremendous Texans defenses alongside players like JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney. Unfortunately, due to Houston pivoting into rebuild mode, they had to say goodbye to their longtime defensive end.

Mercilus will likely look for places where he can compete for a playoff spot, as he still has enough left in the tank to help a contender. In fact, his numbers might be able to go up with more one-on-one matchups.

While the Colts have a mountain to climb at 2-4, could they potentially entice Mercilus to come to Indianapolis as they try to compete for the division crown? He’d stay in the division, start right away, and help a struggling defense get that one piece that they need to really go over the top.

Colts Rumors: Will Indy sign Whitney Mercilus?

Mercilus has just three sacks this year, but considering that he played in less than 50% of Houston’s snaps in three of the last four games because of their propensity for getting blown out, that production isn’t too bad at all. The 31-year-old has recorded 57 sacks, including 12 in 2015, during his pro career.

The Colts appear ready to move off of some of their second-round flops like Ben Banogu and Kemoko Turay, as the selections of Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo prove. While Paye has proven to be a solid player, Odeyingbo hasn’t played a snap yet, and the fact that this team parted with Justin Houston in the offseason still stings.

They need someone who will provide a veteran edge while still making an effort as an edge-setter, and Mercilus can do that without costing a ton. While the secondary has been tagged with a good chunk of the blame with regard to their poor defensive performance, the pass rush hasn’t been getting it done, and Mercilus could be the addition this team needs.

The Colts don’t need Mercilus to come in and be the second coming of Dwight Freeney. As long as he takes some of the pressure off of Paye and DeForest Buckner while being able to force the opposing quarterback into some errant plays every now and again, that will justify the addition.

Seeing Mercilus trade in his Texans navy for Colts blue and white might be shocking to both fanbases given the decade he spent trying to demolish Indianapolis, but the move would make sense from several different angles.

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