The Indianapolis Colts hope to have an improved defense in 2026. Better health will certainly assist in that goal, assuming players such as DeForest Buckner, Sauce Gardner, and Charvarius Ward can be available for most games. But being better at edge rusher would help, too.
While Laiatu Latu can likely be expected to be good again, he needs help. The team signed Arden Key, who is fine but not great, and maybe Jaylahn Tuimoloau will be much better in his second season. Or maybe general manager Chris Ballard could make an offer to Kyle Van Noy.
The veteran is 35 years old, but still effective, especially at his projected salary. According to Spotrac, Van Noy could expect a one-year deal for $3.5 million in 2026, should he choose to play. That might be enough to entice him to return.
The Indianapolis Colts should make an offer to veteran edge rusher Kyle Van Noy
He's definitely hinting that he wants to come back. He did so while speaking with The Insiders on the NFL Network this week. The edge rusher said, in part, "There’s a lot of teams interested, but we’re in just a wait-and-see game right now."
Of course, the player is also trying to drum up as much interest as he can by mentioning there could be several suitors for his services. That's just good business. But he also could be telling the whole truth.
He is only a season removed from having 12 sacks for the Baltimore Ravens and a Pro Bowl appearance. He didn't get nearly as many pressures in 2025 with the Ravens, but his ability to help stop the run remained elite. That has always been a key to his success: He's a versatile player capable of being good in every phase of the game.
Even in his mid-30s, he has stayed terrific in pass coverage. He isn't asked to do that very much in Baltimore's system, and might not be in Lou Anarumo's Indianapolis Colts scheme, but having him on the field could help the defensive coordinator disguise his alignments.
A good edge rusher group has depth. Van Noy might not be expected to start, as that will likely be Latu and Key, but he would get on the field quite a bit, and is a three-down player. He would also be able to stay fresh in the system. Maybe more importantly, his high-end experience in the league would help a somewhat younger defense be better prepared. Indy just needs to sign him.
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