The Indianapolis Colts simply cannot stay healthy defensively. The cornerback group has been a mangled mess ever since training camp, and the defensive front recently lost DeForest Buckner for at least four games. A couple of aspects about Lou Anarumo's group must improve, though.
One is pass coverage in the middle of the field. The inside linebackers have been atrocious in that area, and whether it's scheme or talent, the problem must be fixed. Great offenses will take advantage of it.
Another area is the pass rush. Only Laiatu Latu has been consistently good at putting pressure on opposing QBs. The team needs more versatility in that area, and clearly, Indy is willing to look anywhere to add some pieces that could complete the puzzle. That includes having a visit with edge rusher Shaq Lawson.
Indianapolis Colts bring edge rusher Shaq Lawson in for a visit
Lawson has mostly been out of the NFL in 2023. He played in one game for the Carolina Panthers in 2024, and only 14 snaps. He was a first-round draft pick in 2016 for the Buffalo Bills, but he never truly met the high expectations of him. His most sacks in a season are 6.5 in 2019. His next best is four.
He's been solid against the run and in terms of quarterback pressures, but mostly earlier in his career. Since 2022, the 31-year-old Lawson has played more like he was 40 years old. He's not going to be a consistently good player for the Colts should the team signs him.
He might have been in 2018, but in 2025, he won't. He is well past his prime, and his best seasons were not elite. The edge rusher was more of a rotational player than one a team counted on to start and be extremely disruptive. That is going to suddenly change with Indianapolis.
Lawson wasn't the only player Indy brought in for a visit during the bye week. Five other potential edge rushers and defensive linemen were given a look, too. The list includes defensive end Myles Cole, defensive end Viliami Fehoko, defensive tackle Christopher Hinton, defensive tackle Maurice Hurst, and defensive end Chris Wormley.
None of those players is likely to help the pass rush much. The positive part, however, is that Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard is still searching for help, as he knows his team is this close to potentially winning a Super Bowl.