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Colts Likely to Part Ways with Long-Time Defensive End After Arden Key Signing
The Indianapolis Colts' decision to sign veteran edge rusher Arden Key signals the end of Tyquan Lewis' tenure with the team.
Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:20pm
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The Indianapolis Colts have signed veteran edge rusher Arden Key, which likely spells the end of Tyquan Lewis' time with the team. Lewis, a second-round pick by the Colts in 2018, has dealt with a litany of injuries throughout his eight-year career, missing a total of 45 games. With Key's arrival and the departures of other Colts defensive ends, the team appears ready to move on from Lewis, who has 18 sacks and 32 tackles for loss in his career.
Why it matters
The Colts' decision to sign Key and let go of other defensive ends like Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam suggests the team is looking to revamp its pass rush. While Lewis has been a respected member of the Colts' locker room, his extensive injury history has made him less valuable than the more durable Key, who has 30.5 career sacks.
The details
The Colts signed Key, an eight-year veteran, to a two-year deal worth up to $20 million with $11 million guaranteed. Key has 30.5 career sacks, including 16.5 over the past three seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Meanwhile, Lewis has dealt with a litany of injuries during his time in Indianapolis, missing a total of 45 games. Through 88 games and 20 starts, Lewis has 18.0 sacks, 46 quarterback hits, and 32 tackles for loss.
- Lewis was drafted by the Colts in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft.
- Over his eight-year career, Lewis has missed time due to injuries in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025.
The players
Arden Key
An eight-year veteran edge rusher who has signed a two-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts.
Tyquan Lewis
A long-time defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts who has dealt with numerous injuries throughout his eight-year career with the team.
Kwity Paye
A former Colts defensive end who the team decided to let walk in free agency.
Samson Ebukam
A former Colts defensive end who the team decided to let walk in free agency.
What they’re saying
“Sources: Former #Titans DE Arden Key is signing with the #Colts on a 2-year deal up to $20M with $11M, guaranteed.”
— Jordan Schultz, NFL Insider
What’s next
The Colts will need to determine if they will keep Tyquan Lewis on the roster or part ways with the long-time defensive end.
The takeaway
The Colts' decision to sign Arden Key and let go of other defensive ends signals a shift in the team's defensive strategy, prioritizing durability and production over loyalty to long-time players like Tyquan Lewis, whose extensive injury history has made him less valuable to the team.
