Colts Lose Edge Rushers, Sign New Players

0:00On March 13, the Indianapolis Colts are shaking up their defensive line this off-season, losing two key-edge rushers. Samson Evacom agreed to join the Atlanta Falcons after three years with Indy, where he signed a three-year $24 million deal. Meanwhile, Quitte Pay, their 2021 first-round pick, headed to the Las Vegas Raiders on a $38 million contract. Evacom had a strong debut in 2023 with 9.5 sacks, but a torn Achilles kept him out all of 2024, and he managed just two sacks last season. Pay Dept 12 sacks over his final two years with the Colts, totaling 30.5 sacks in 75 games during his career there. Fans and analysts see this as a big shift for the Colts' pass rush, but the team move fast to rebuild. They signed former Jets defensive end Michael Clemens to a three-year, $17.5 million deal with upside to $18.5 million, and X-Titan's player Arden Ki to a two-year pack worth up to $20 million with $11 million guaranteed.

1:05Over the last three seasons, Clemens and Ki combined for 22.5 sacks, close to what Abukum and Pay produced in Indy during that span. Neither is seen as a full-time starter opposite, Laiatu Latu yet, so more moves are likely with the Colts holding about $50.5 million in cap, space. Indy nearly landed Trey Hendrickson before Baltimore's swooped in, and veteran Taekwan Lewis remains available after eight years with the team. This overhaul keeps the Colts' defense evolving as they gear up for 2026.