Colts add a veteran pass rusher to the defensive line

On Thursday, the Indianapolis Colts waived a player and signed a veteran pass rusher to help contribute to the already solid defensive line.

While in the second week of OTAs, the Indianapolis Colts made another free agency signing on Thursday, adding veteran defensive end Genard Avery. The acquisition was accompanied by the waiving of undrafted rookie running back Darius Hagans.

Avery now joins the Colts as he prepares for his sixth season in the NFL. After being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2018 Draft, Avery has since spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He’ll now provide depth for Indianapolis at defensive end.

Colts sign defensive end Genard Avery

Avery’s most productive season came in 2021 with Philadelphia. That season, Avery started 12 games for the Eagles, and played in 16, recording 43 tackles, four for a loss, and one sack. In his career, Avery has played in 62 total games, starting 17, recording 106 tackles, 12 for a loss, and 8.5 sacks.

Avery isn’t a splashy signing but he’s likely expected to be a depth contributor for the Colts. If he makes Indy’s 53-man roster, he will be behind Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Tyquan Lewis. Avery will have to beat out guys like Titus Leo, Khalid Kareem, and Rashod Berry, who are all fighting for roster spots.

After Indianapolis had one of its best pass-rushing seasons in years, the team decided to move on without Yannick Ngakoue, signing Samson Ebukam instead. The hope is that Ebukam and Paye can take leaps playing alongside DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, and Indy’s depth will help the Colts be a team that can get after the quarterback and close out games, something Indy has struggled with in past years.

READ MORE