The Indianapolis Colts are in desperate need of help in the pass-rushing department. Opposing teams had a clean pocket in almost every dropback, and even with a promising pass rusher like Laiatu Latu getting better every week, they need more pieces around him.
That's why it made perfect sense that they went after Trey Hendrickson in free agency. That's also why they may have allowed Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam to leave and replaced them with Micheal Clemons and Arden Key.
However, with not many affordable options left in free agency and limited draft capital, they may have no choice but to turn back to a familiar face. Tyquan Lewis remains unsigned, and with not that much buzz in free agency, he'd probably appreciate an opportunity to return.
Bringing back Tyquan Lewis makes sense for the Indianapolis Colts
Colts general manager Chris Ballard admitted that signing players who fit Lou Anarumo's defensive schemes was one of their priorities. The Colts already signed Cam Taylor-Britt and have made moves to appease Anarumo in the past, but there aren't many players available who fit that bill. Lewis already spent one season under his guidance, so he'd be a seamless fit as a rotational piece:
“Schematically, after being with Lou for a year, understanding what he needs to be successful is a big part of it,” Ballard said. “Understand the question, especially when you’re going with unproven guys.”
While not the most proficient head-hunter, his three sacks in just 13 appearances ranked third on the team. That speaks volumes about the state of the team's pass-rush unit, but it also shows that he might not be a lost cause.
Lewis isn't going to be a starter in Indianapolis. He shouldn't deter them from acquiring help at the position in the NFL Draft, either. But, with a projected price tag of just $2.8 million per year, this is a conversation worth having. The Colts don't need to tip their hand and bet against themselves; they can simply continue to wait, knowing that there aren't many -- if any -- candidates to steal him.
The Colts' offseason has been slow and somewhat disappointing, but this team was on the verge of reaching ten wins before three losses last season, and they clearly think they can still be a Super Bowl contender with what they have in the building.
Admittedly, Lewis isn't the best tackler in the league, and his mental miscues can lead to big gains every here and there. However, not all moves have to be flashy, and every piece counts to get across the finish line in the toughest competition in football.