The Indianapolis Colts zeroed in on depth during free agency with defensive signings like defensive tackles Jerry Tillery and Derrick Nnadi, cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, and safety Juanyeh Thomas, just to name a few, but none of them will be clear-cut starters next season.
The only free-agent signing with a pathway to earning a regular starter's spot on the Colts defense is Arden Key, who came over from the Tennessee Titans on a two-year contract. Initially, Key was also considered a depth addition. However, as it stands, the Colts remain fairly thin at the defensive end position, opening the door for Key to be more than just a depth player.
That said, whether Key indeed earns a starter's role in Indianapolis or not, the Colts are still thin at the position, raising questions about whether or not they should make another move to bolster their defensive line. While there aren't many options remaining on the market, there is one, and one other that the Colts could bring in with a big trade.
The options are few for the Indianapolis Colts' chances at improving their defensive end position group
As it stands, Laiatu Latu is the Colts' only true starter at defensive end, a role which he won immediately upon entering the league just two seasons ago. Latu is the Colts' anchor at the position and one of the anchors on their defense despite still being as young as he is.
It gets tricky for the Colts after Latu, though, and especially after Key. Clemons was also an offseason addition in the Zaire Franklin trade with the Green Bay Packers, but Clemons is unlikely to earn a starter's role opposite Latu. Then there is Jaylahn Tuimoloau, who saw limited action in his rookie campaign in 2025, but is expected to see more playing time next season.
After Latu, there are more questions and concerns than answers and stability. If the Colts are banking on Key to steal a starting spot, well, there are upsides and downsides to that happening. All of this being said, the Colts could still survey the NFL landscape for another answer, whether via free agents still looking for work or a trade.
As far as who remains a free agent, the most notable name out there who could help the Colts at defensive end is 11-year veteran Jadeveon Clowney. The former first overall draft pick in 2014 has played for seven different teams in his career.
Since playing his first four years with the Houston Texans, Clowney has jumped from one team to another, but still managed to put up solid sack numbers more often than not in each season.
Would he make the Colts an instant top-five defense? Of course not. However, he did grab 8.5 sacks last season with the Dallas Cowboys, so clearly he can still get to the quarterback despite losing much of the speed and versatility that made him so dangerous earlier in his career. He could help the Colts; it's just a matter of how much value they believe he would really add in year 12.
The other option would be through a trade: Kayvon Thibodeaux with the New York Giants. With significantly less wear and tear on his tires compared to Clowney, Thibodeaux would be the more intriguing option due to his ceiling and raw talent. Thibodeaux remains in trade rumors, regardless, though, and the Giants may still cut loose before next season begins.
Thibodeaux would be a seamless fit in a Lou Anarumo-run defense, and Thibodeaux's current situation in New York could present an opportunity for a change of scenery. Not to mention, Thibodeaux would give the Colts an immediate starter, and one likely past next season, unlike Clowney.
If Key can win the job, perhaps the Colts will be comfortable with that next season. That may or may not help temper Colts' fans' concerns, and it would be a risk to go this route. Nevertheless, even with Key starting, the Colts are still thin at defensive end, and that's a problem they have to solve.
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