In what was a very active offseason for the Indianapolis Colts, what was the best deal made by GM Chris Ballard?
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell answered this question for each AFC team. When it came to the Colts, Barnwell believes that landing Arden Key on a two-year, $16 million contract was Ballard’s best deal.
“Landing on Key was a solid move at the right cost,” Barnwell wrote. “The 30-year-old journeyman has been a consistently solid rotational player on the edge. He has managed double-digit quarterback knockdowns in each of the past six seasons while playing for four different teams. He can be a bit of a freelancer at times as a run defender, which might make him a liability at times on early downs, but Key has able to win one-on-one against tackles and create splash plays.”
On the flip side, Barnwell also discussed the “worst” deal made by the Colts, which centers around Daniel Jones’ contract.
Although Key doesn’t have eye-popping production over his career, as Barnwell mentions, he’s been steady, and there is absolutely value in that, and something that the Colts’ pass rush needs more of in 2026.
Over the last three seasons, Key totaled between 33 and 40 quarterback pressures, according to PFF. His most productive season came in 2022, when Key tallied 51 pressures.
For a Colts team in search of more pass rush juice, Key’s ability to get off the ball quickly can help accomplish that.
Key will have the opportunity to earn starting snaps opposite of Laiatu Latu this summer.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Free agent DE signing named Colts ‘best’ offseason deal
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
