The Indianapolis Colts are hoping that Jayhlan Tuimoloau will take a leap after a disappointing rookie season. He certainly has less competition for playing time, and now that he's healthy, the job is pretty much his to lose.
However, they also signed Arden Key, a proven veteran with extensive AFC South experience, to keep him on his toes and elevate the competition. He's been a rotational piece for most of his career, but he'll take Tuimoloau's starting spot if the youngster isn't at his best.
Truth be told, that's not the most encouraging scenario for a team desperate for some momentum after losing seven consecutive games to close out last season. And that's when someone like Josh Sweat might come in handily.
The Indianapolis Colts should keep a close eye on Josh Sweat
Josh Sweat turned plenty of heads when he chose to skip OTAs. Veteran players often do that, but reports suggested his absence was motivated by a desire to leave the team. Then, he showed up for minicamp, and new Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur denied those rumors.
Then again, the writing is on the wall. He joined the Cardinals to reunite with former defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who's no longer there. The Cardinals are projected to have one of the worst records in the league, and like all losing teams, they'll likely move on from their veterans at the trade deadline.
Sweat has extensive experience in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes, and his ability to move around the defensive line could be of help for Lou Anarumo. He's a proven veteran, and he's coming off logging 12.0 sacks last season, so he can clearly still perform at a high level.
The Colts tried to sign Trey Hendrickson, and they may have been interested in trading for Maxx Crosby. That hints at the desire to get a big-name headhunter. Crosby might be up for grabs again at some point in the season, but with no first-round pick to offer, the Colts won't be a serious player in his sweepstakes.
That leaves Sweat as a feasible mid-tier target for teams like the Colts. They don't need to rush and sell the farm to try to get him now if they truly believe Tuimoloau can be a difference-maker opposite Laiatu Latu, but they should strongly consider him if he doesn't show signs of growth in his second year in the league.
Arden Key is an okay player, and this team doesn't need JAGs. People's works will be at risk if they get off to another slow start to the season, and if that's the case, Sweat can save this organization as much as this team can save him from a sinking ship in Arizona.
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