One of the strengths of the Indianapolis Colts is likely going to be the defensive line. The tackles should excel at stuffing the run and getting an interior pass rush. The edge rushers should be solid, too, though there are questions about the depth.
The depth was affected by Indy letting Dayo Odeyingbo walk in free agency. General manager Chris Ballard allowing this to happen makes some sense, especially after the defensive end signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Bears this offseason. The deal pays Odeyingbo a maximum of $48 million with $32 million guaranteed.
The Colts were never going to pay that, so financially, letting the end leave was a smart move.
Former Indianapolis Colts edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo might break out for the Chicago Bears
On the field, however, Odeyingbo could be missed. He wasn't an All-Pro, but he was consistently good in all facets of the game after his rookie season. He had a high of eight sacks, and in 2024 had 42 total pressures. He might still have been ascending as well. After all, he is still only 25 years old.
But things seem to be working out exceedingly well in his new home with the Bears, though. Odeyingbo has already grown into a leadership role, and his position versatility is going to be put to use in Chicago.
Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen recently said after one training camp session, "I think one of the things that he does exceptionally well is, I think he moves inside and passing downs and rushes really well from the interior...Everybody talks about these speed rushers off the edge, but really it’s about the interior pocket pressure that you have to have."
Odeyingbo might have also accidentally thrown some shade at Colts head coach Shane Steichen while the defensive end was praising new Chicago coach Ben Johnson.
When asked about his impression of Johnson, Odeyingbo said, "He's very demanding. That's something you want. He's not afraid to call you out."
One could interpret that as Steichen doesn't call out players enough, and, therefore, doesn't hold players as accountable as they should be. Perhaps Dayo Odeyingbo is about to have a breakout season because he is receiving the kind of tough love he needs to be great.
The skill has never been lacking. The defensive end was a second-round draft pick for the Indianapolis Colts in 2021, so obviously, Indy had high hopes for him. After recovering from an Achilles tear before his rookie year. He's suffered a number of injuries over his first four seasons, but he hasn't missed a game in his last three.
He was the kind of player the Colts could count on to show up every game. Now, the Chicago Bears seem to be aware of what Odeyingbo can do. Colts fans might regret him leaving in free agency based on what he produces this season.