Colts Eyeing Free Agent EDGE Rusher Derek Barnett

Indianapolis looking to bolster pass rush opposite young star Laiatu Latu

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting depicting an EDGE rusher in motion, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange capturing the raw energy of a pass rush.A cubist interpretation of an EDGE rusher's relentless pursuit of the quarterback, reflecting the Colts' need to bolster their pass rush this offseason.Indianapolis Today

The Indianapolis Colts are in the market for a veteran EDGE rusher to pair with young standout Laiatu Latu, and former first-round pick Derek Barnett has emerged as a potential target. Barnett, who spent the last five seasons with the Houston Texans, has recorded 5+ sacks in five of his NFL campaigns and could benefit from an increased role in Indy's defense.

Why it matters

The Colts' pass rush was a weakness in 2025, and adding an experienced EDGE like Barnett opposite Latu could help shore up that area of the defense. Indy missed out on signing Trey Hendrickson, so Barnett represents a quality fallback option as the team looks to improve its ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

The details

The Colts were close to signing Trey Hendrickson in free agency, but he ultimately chose to join the Baltimore Ravens. With around $26.6 million in cap space, Indianapolis is now eyeing Derek Barnett as a potential addition to their defensive front. Barnett, a former first-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, has spent the last five seasons with the Houston Texans, recording 5+ sacks in five of those campaigns. While not an elite pass rusher, he would provide a steady presence opposite young standout Laiatu Latu, who is slated to be the Colts' only guaranteed starting EDGE in 2026.

  • The Colts missed out on signing Trey Hendrickson earlier this offseason.
  • Indianapolis is currently projected to have around $26.6 million in salary cap space to work with.

The players

Derek Barnett

A 27-year-old EDGE rusher who has spent the last five seasons with the Houston Texans, recording 5+ sacks in five of those campaigns.

Laiatu Latu

A third-year EDGE rusher for the Colts who is slated to be the team's only guaranteed starting pass rusher in 2026 after showing improvement in his first two NFL seasons.

Trey Hendrickson

A highly sought-after free agent EDGE rusher who the Colts were close to signing before he ultimately chose to join the Baltimore Ravens.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Colts have a clear need at edge-rusher but no first-round pick with which to target one. The team's off-ball linebackers are half a mess, but 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.”

— Gary Davenport, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

The Colts will continue to monitor the free agent market for EDGE rushers, with Derek Barnett emerging as a potential target to pair with young standout Laiatu Latu. Indianapolis is also expected to address the position in the upcoming NFL Draft, where they hold the 47th overall pick.

The takeaway

The Colts' pass rush was a weakness in 2025, and adding an experienced EDGE like Derek Barnett could help shore up that area of the defense. While not an elite talent, Barnett would provide a steady presence opposite Latu and help improve Indianapolis' ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.