After a shocking late-season debacle, the Indianapolis Colts entered the offseason with major needs on defense. They addressed their linebacker position in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they could still bolster the defensive line.
With the draft in the rearview mirror and a free agent pool that still features plenty of talent, general manager Chris Ballard should leave no stone unturned. His seat might get blazing hot early in the season, so he can't afford to get complacent now.
The Colts were one of the worst teams at putting pressure on the quarterback last season. Their pass-rush win rate (29 percent) was the third-lowest in the league, per ESPN. Considering that, they should make a run at any of these three proven headhunters.
3 veteran pass rushers who make sense for the Indianapolis Colts
3. Haason Reddick
Haason Reddick isn't the guy he used to be four or five years ago, but he's still one of the most battle-tested guys at the position who is still up for grabs. He's logged 61.5 sacks, 108 QB hits, and 77 tackles for loss with 18 forced fumbles in his nine-year career, and he can be an upgrade as a rotational piece for obvious pass situations.
Reddick is coming off a disappointing campaign, and he hasn't found his footing in the past couple of years. That said, Spotrac projects his market value at just $4.9 million per year, and as a 4-3 specialist, he can be a strong low-risk/high-reward short-term pickup.
2. A.J. Epenesa
A.J. Epenesa's versatility makes him a solid addition for Lou Anarumo's defense. He's spent most of his career playing in Sean McDermott's complex defensive schemes, so he's used to pre-snap disguises and holding his own on zone coverage. Also, he's been a backup for most of his career, so he won't have trouble embracing that role if needed.
Epenesa failed his physical with the Cleveland Browns earlier in the offseason, so that will obviously be a concern. That said, it might also help this team get him at a discount from his projected market value of $6.4 million. His positional versatility makes him worth the shot.
1. Cameron Jordan
Cameron Jordan has spent his entire career with the New Orleans Saints, and he'd certainly appreciate an opportunity to stay in the Big Easy. Nonetheless, it looks like the organization might not be as interested in that as he is. Otherwise, they would've re-signed him already. He's their all-time leader in sacks, so it should be an easy call.
Jordan is coming off turning back the clock last season, registering 10.5 sacks despite playing less than 50 percent of the snaps. He's still got plenty left in the tank, and even though his price tag of $6.7 million might be too high for a soon-to-be 37-year-old, he'd be an upgrade over whoever the Colts might be thinking of starting next to Laiatu Latu.
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