The Indianapolis Colts worked out three veteran edge defenders on Wednesday following an injury to Micheal Clemons.
The Indianapolis Colts are on the hunt for help on the edges after a toe injury sent Micheal Clemons to Injured Reserve.
On Wednesday, the Colts worked out veteran free agent edge defenders Carl Lawson, David Ojabo, and Preston Smith.
Lawson (6'2", 261, 31 years old) was drafted in the fourth round in 2017 out of Auburn by the Cincinnati Bengals. He spent his final two years there with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who now holds the same title in Indianapolis.
Lawson has also spent time with the New York Jets (2021-23), Dallas Cowboys (2024), and Baltimore Ravens (2025). In 90 career games (34 starts), Lawson has 135 tackles (32 for loss), 32.0 sacks, 122 QB hits, four forced fumbles, and one fumble recovered.
He has not played a full season since 2022, appearing in just 22 games over the past three years.
Ojabo (6'4", 256, 26) was a second-round pick by the Ravens out of Michigan in 2022. He signed a free-agent contract with the Miami Dolphins this offseason but was let go during preseason roster cuts.
In 32 career games (one start), he has 32 tackles (two for loss), 4.5 sacks, 10 QB hits, and two forced fumbles.
Ojabo tore an Achilles at his pre-draft pro day, and while he's never played a full season, he has increased his number of active games each season, from just two as a rookie in 2022 to 14 last year in Baltimore. He hasn't made a start since 2023.
Smith (6'5", 265, 33) was a second-round pick by the Washington Commanders in the 2015 draft out of Mississippi State. He also spent time with the Green Bay Packers (2019-24), the Pittsburgh Steelers (2024), and the Commanders again (2025).
In 176 career games (138 starts), Smith has 467 tackles (76 for loss), 71.0 sacks, 163 QB hits, 10 forced fumbles, seven fumbles recovered, five interceptions, and 28 pass breakups. He also has two defensive touchdowns.
Smith has started just 9-of-30 games in the last two seasons.
The Colts signed Clemons, 29, to a three-year, $17 million contract this offseason. In two games (38 snaps), he has recorded no official statistics, but has one quarterback pressure, according to Pro Football Focus. Clemons has lined up for 27 snaps on the edges and 11 snaps inside at tackle.
Currently on the roster, the Colts have Laiatu Latu, Arden Key, Jaylahn Tuimoloau, Caden Curry, and George Gumbs Jr., with Mitchell Melton on the practice squad.
