If the Indianapolis Colts are looking to give their pass rush a boost, that free agent market is now smaller.
According to Mike Garafolo, the Houston Texans are signing defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who was one of the top remaining pass rushers still available.
Clowney has recorded at least 40 quarterback pressures in each of the last two seasons.
Why is pass rusher a potential need for the Colts?
This Colts’ defense needs more pass rush consistency around Laiatu Latu this season. While Latu was productive, as a unit, the Colts ranked 30th in ESPN’s pass rush win rate metric and struggled to get after the quarterback when not playing with a lead.
GM Chris Ballard reshaped the defensive end unit this offseason, letting Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis leave in free agency, while signing Arden Key and Micheal Clemons. He also drafted Caden Curry and George Gumbs. That group will join Latu and Jaylahn Tuimoloau.
However, while changes have been made, it remains to be seen how much this unit has improved. Competing for the starting role opposite of Latu are Key and Tuimoloau. Key has had steady production in his career, but hasn’t produced at a high level, while Tuimoloau had a small role as a rookie.
Whether or not the Colts had any actual interest in Clowney is not known.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: A top free agent pass rusher no longer available for Colts
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
