Top 3 free agent edge rushers the Colts should target after not addressing the position early in the 2026 NFL Draft
The Indianapolis Colts decided to pass on adding an edge rusher during free agency and the early rounds of the NFL Draft. Now they may need to turn to one of these 3 free agents to fill the hole on their roster.
The Indianapolis Colts were able to fill some holes in the 2026 NFL Draft. For example, their first two selections of linebacker C.J. Allen and safety AJ Haulcy are expected to be day one starters. However, they didn’t fill all of their holes. So, they may have to turn to available free agents before training camp.
A major one is edge rusher, a position that underperformed in 2025. The team also lost two key contributors, Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam. And their only moves to add to the room have been bench-level players. There are still three free agents I think would be solid additions for the team to consider ahead of training camp.
Cameron Jordan would bring veteran leadership to the Colts defensive line
Let’s get the obvious negative out of the way about Cameron Jordan first. He will turn 37 before the season begins, which isn’t exactly inspiring. Jordan’s experience would be a welcome addition to the team, though.
Jordan had a rough production fall during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He recorded only six sacks during that span, but bounced back in 2025. Jordan recorded his first double-digit sack season since 2021 last year with 10.5, and he added 15 tackles for loss on top of it. If it’s only a one-year deal, Jordan could be a legit upgrade.
Jadeveon Clowney would complement Laiatu Latu well as a Colts starter
Former first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney has put together a successful 12-year career. He never became the superstar pass rusher some projected him to be, but he has shown some solid consistency. He’s recorded at least five sacks in all six seasons where he appeared in at least 14 games.
Clowney is coming off one of the best years of his career last season with the Dallas Cowboys. He recorded 8.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in just 13 games played. His ability against the run and overall strength off the edge would be a nice complement to Laiatu Latu in 2026.
Free agent edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney’s career stats
Jadeveon Clowney hasn’t lived up to the hype some had for him as a former first-overall pick. However, he’s still put together a very successful NFL career.
- Texans 2014-2018: 205 total tackles, 29 sacks, 64 tackles for loss, 5 forced fumbles
- Seahawks 2019: 31 total tackles, 3 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 4 forced fumbles
- Titans 2020: 19 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble
- Browns 2021-2022: 65 total tackles, 11 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles
- Ravens 2023: 43 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles
- Panthers 2024: 46 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, 9 tackles for loss
- Cowboys 2025: 41 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble
Joey Bosa would bring some welcomed strength to the Colts’ edge room
Joey Bosa isn’t the same player who was named to five Pro Bowls. He still has the ability to be a productive pro and would be an upgrade to the Colts current starting options.
Bosa has only recorded five sacks in each of the past two seasons. He hasn’t recorded 10 or more sacks since 2021. Bosa did record his most tackles for loss in a season since 2020, with nine. He also had five forced fumbles last year, which led the NFL. The veteran could make a lot of sense for the Colts on a one-year deal ahead of training camp.
