With most negotiations in a halt because of Daniel Jones, the Indianapolis Colts only made two outside signings early in free agency, both on the defensive side of the field. The Colts tried to get Trey Hendrickson before the Maxx Crosby debacle, but that fell through once Hendrickson signed with the Baltimore Ravens.
Indy did sign former Tennessee Titans defensive end Arden Key to a two-year, $20 million contract, and New York Jets edge rusher Michael Clemons on a three-year, $17.5 million deal that can go up to $18.5 million, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
On first glance, that last addition may not move the needle that much. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is a secondary specialist, and this team is still lacking in the pass-rush department. That said, he can end up being a sneaky bargain.
Michael Clemons brings versatility for the Indianapolis Colts
While listed as an edge defender, Clemons has extensive experience playing in the interior of the defensive line. He hasn't gotten much of an opportunity, and he'll likely be a rotational piece in Indianapolis at first, but that ability to play all over the defensive line, even in the box, might come in handy for Anarumo.
He loves to mix things up, and Clemons' versatility will help him get and stay on the field early and often.
He only played 578 snaps last season, 323 as a pass rusher. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), he logged 22 total pressures, including 16 hurries, four QB hits, two sacks, and a couple of batted passes. He's a high-motor guy who should thrive in Tyquan Lewis's role.
Also, as Colts analyst Zach Hicks points out on social media, Clemons might be a bit of a diamond in the rough. His pass-rush win rate in true pass sets last season was 16.6 percent, which would've been the highest on the team in 2025.
Granted, this team can't rest on its laurels. They still need to find some help getting to the quarterback, and with $54 million in available cap space, according to Over The Cap, Colts GM Chris Ballard can add proven veterans like Jadeveon Clowney, Joey Bosa, or Arnold Ebiketie.
That said, this is a team game first and foremost, and guy No. 53 plays a role just like the face of the franchise. And with a defensive genius like Lou Anarumo calling the shots, there should be no such thing as a weak link on that unit.