The Indianapolis Colts might not want to rely solely on the NFL Draft to fix their pass rush issues, as there are still free agents available.
The Indianapolis Colts entered the offseason with significant needs on the roster, and while many have been addressed to some degree, they remain an issue.
Lou Anarumo's group tied for 15th in the NFL in sacks last year with 39. Pro Football Focus ranked the Colts' pass rush 21st in the NFL. Those aren't dreadful marks, but still not good enough to be considered a consistent presence.
Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport has identified one free agent on the open market to send to each NFL team, and with the Colts' defensive front still needing to be addressed, Davenport circled former Houston Texans edge defender Derek Barnett for Indianapolis.
"The Colts have a clear need at edge-rusher, but no first-round pick with which to target one," Davenport remarked. "The team's off-ball linebackers are half a mess, but (Chris) Ballard has an excellent record targeting the position in Day 2 or even Day 3 of the draft.
"It's the former need we'll address here—even if it's not a player who is going to magically fix the team's problems at the position.
"Despite playing less than 400 snaps each of the past two years in the shadow of Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter with the Houston Texans, Derek Barnett had five sacks both seasons. The former first-round pick could benefit from a higher snap count.
"And the Colts have to do something to try to generate a pass rush."
For what it's worth now, the Colts really liked Barnett coming out of the University of Tennessee way back in 2017, general manager Chris Ballard's first draft with the Colts. The pass rusher had incredible production in his three years in Knoxville, racking up 52 tackles for loss and 33.0 sacks, but he was picked by the Philadelphia Eagles directly in front of the Colts with the 14th pick. They selected safety Malik Hooker at No. 15.
Barnett, who will be 30 when the 2026 season begins, hasn't lived up to the billing of a first-round pick during his nine-year career, but has put up respectable rotational pass-rusher numbers throughout.
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) scrambles from Houston Texans defensive end Derek Barnett (95) during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn ImagesIn 112 games (50 starts) for the Eagles (2017-23) and Texans (2023-25), Barnett has 216 tackles (57 for loss), 34.0 sacks, 104 QB hits, five forced fumbles, five fumbles recovered, one pass breakup, and three defensive touchdowns.
Last year in Houston, Barnett had 5.0 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and 10 QB hits in 17 games.
The Colts have already seen changes up front this offseason, starting with a new defensive line coach. Charlie Partridge departed after two years to accept the same position at Notre Dame, and Anarumo hired his former defensive line coach with the Cincinnati Bengals, Marion Hobby, to take over.
The Colts also parted with Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis in free agency, but were active themselves, replacing Ebukam with Arden Key and Lewis with Micheal Clemons. However, they still have not replaced Paye, who has been their starting strong-side end for five years. Laiatu Latu and Jaylahn Tuimoloau are the only other notable edge rushers on the roster.
When the 2026 NFL Draft arrived on Thurs., April 23, the Colts will almost certainly be looking to add a defensive end early. Not only is it a need, but it's a trend for Ballard throughout his decade in Indianapolis.
"Something to keep in mind with Chris Ballard. In his career, 8 of his 10 edge rusher picks (80%) have come before day 3," Zach Hicks of the Locked On Colts podcast posted on X.
The Colts have seven picks in this year's draft, ranging from Round 2 to Round 7: one in each until their two picks in the seventh. They also have a projected $26.6 million in salary cap space, per OverTheCap.com.