It's a good year to need edge rush help, which is the Indianapolis Colts' biggest need, according to ESPN.
Every now and then, NFL teams get fortunate when their most significant needs align with what's available in the offseason through free agency and the draft.
Two years ago, defensive end Laiatu Latu fell into the Indianapolis Colts' lap as the first defensive player off the board with the 15th overall draft pick. Last year, tight end Tyler Warren was their guy with the 14th pick.
This offseason, the Colts are still searching for edge rush help. Their 39 sacks in 2025 were tied for 15th in the NFL, and Latu is their only proven player returning in the role.
According to ESPN's Ben Solak, the edge defender group has the largest supply of quality players this offseason, which bodes well for the Colts, who lack a first-round draft pick and will be reliant on depth in free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft.
It's "a good year to need any sort of edge rusher at all," Solak wrote. He added the caveat that it's "a bad year to need a truly elite dude (unless you'd like to send two first-rounders for Maxx Crosby)."
The Colts don't necessarily need "a truly elite dude," as long as they find an adequate complement to Latu on the opposite end.
"If your favorite team's general manager can't find a good fit at edge rusher this offseason, tell him to take a hike," Solak said. "The main thing that impresses me is the variety.
Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard speaks with media Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at the Colts practice facility in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Mykal McEldowney/IndyStarOdafe Oweh (Chargers), K'Lavon Chaisson (Patriots), and Boye Mafe (Seahawks) are speed artists who can create pressure fast. Guys such as Khalil Mack (Chargers), Jadeveon Clowney (Cowboys), and Kingsley Enagbare (Packers) are all hitters in the running game. Want to gamble on injured, aging veterans? Trey Hendrickson (Bengals), Joey Bosa (Bills), Cameron Jordan (Saints), and Von Miller (Commanders) could all have something left. What about undeveloped traits? Kwity Paye (Colts) and Arnold Ebiketie (Falcons) are your guys. There's something for everyone in this group."
While the Colts don't have a first-round pick this year as a result of their Sauce Gardner trade with the New York Jets, they do arrive to the show in Round 2 with the 47th overall pick.
"Expect to see at least six edges go in the first round (if we're counting Arvell Reese)," Solak continued. "Seven made it in Field Yates' most recent mock draft, as Missouri's Zion Young joined the party. While there isn't a truly elite rusher like Will Anderson Jr. or Abdul Carter, there are a ton of top-50 options, and some splashy free agents to boot."
That top-50 of the draft is the ring of the bell for the Colts. If the aforementioned Young is available, he is a solid option as a power rusher with plenty of upside still to reach his ceiling. Players such as TJ Parker and R Mason Thomas would be other high-end options potentially available in the top 50.
As for free agency, edge rushers Hendrickson, Oweh, Mafe, and Jaelen Phillips are the more expensive options for the Colts, while Arnold Ebiketie and Malcolm Koonce are other productive players who could be had for a little less.
The negotiating window for NFL free agency begins at 12:00 p.m. ET on Mon., March 9, and teams may begin signing new players at 4:00 p.m. ET on Wed. March 11.
The 2026 NFL Draft will be held between Thurs., April 23 and Sat., April 25.
Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.