Grading the signing: Colts add depth to their defensive line by betting on the upside of Michael Clemons

A look at the Colts latest free agency signing that brings in former Jets defensive lineman Michael Clemons.

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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New Jets DL Michael Clemons
Sep 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets defensive end Micheal Clemons (72) after the game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts continue to add depth to their defensive line in free agency. Their first out-of-house signing was edge rusher Arden Key, and now they’ve added a player who has played defensive tackle and edge.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that the Colts are signing former New York Jets defensive lineman Michael Clemons to a three-year contract worth up to $18.5 million. Now, let’s grade the signing for the Colts as they continue to work towards revamping their defensive line.

Defensive lineman Michael Clemons’ career stats

  • 2022: 2.5 sacks, 36 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss
  • 2023: 0.5 sack, 27 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss
  • 2024: 4. 5 sacks, 34 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss
  • 2025: 1.0 sack, 22 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss

Colts add depth to the interior of their defensive line with Michael Clemons

Grade: C-

The Jets selected Clemons in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He’s appeared in 65 games and started 24. He’s recorded 8.5 sacks, 119 total tackles, and 13 tackles for loss during his NFL career to date.

The Colts are betting on Clemons’ upside here. He was a productive college player for the Texas A&M Aggies, who recorded 12.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss in four years at Texas A&M. More importantly, during his final year there, he recorded career highs across the board with seven sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 32 total tackles.

He has a large frame at 6’5″ and roughly 260 lbs, which probably played a factor in Lou Anarumo’s liking of his fit to replace a guy like Tyquan Lewis. Like Key, though, this signing can’t be one the Colts walk away from feeling like they’ve found a starter. More moves have to be made for the team to feel good about where that group is as a whole.

Giving Clemons a three-year contract as a bit of a project is shocking, to be honest. He also did decent for himself, getting a deal worth up to $18.5 million. There isn’t much risk for the Colts, but giving a 28-year-old who has yet to find his stride in the NFL a three-year deal that is a significant amount over the minimum isn’t a deal I think should cause much change in terms of the outlook of the team’s defensive line.

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