Colts Should Sign Derek Barnett for Low-Risk Boost

0:00On April 5th, the Indianapolis Colts are still hunting for defensive in help, and one sharp analyst thinks they should scoop up free agent Derek. Barnett right now, Bleacher reports Gary Davenport peg Barnett as the perfect fit to add death opposite Lai Tu Latu. This former first round pick from 2017 is sitting out there unsigned, ready to contribute. Barnett shone brightest with the Eagles in 2019, racking up 50 quarterback pressures and 7-sacks. Over the last two plus years with the Houston Texans, he played a rotational role behind big names like Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. Still, he noshed five sacks each of those seasons and ranked 45th out of 124 defensive ends in past rush win rate last year. Colts fans know the team signed Arden Key and Michael Clemens in free agency, but that spot opposite Lai Tu screams for more competition. Chris Baller could use a solid rotational guy to raise the units floor, especially without a first round pick to chase a star.

1:02Barnett brings more than past rush. He's graded well as a run defender by PFF throughout his career. With plenty of salary cap room, the Colts could sign him now or wait till after the draft to see how things shake out. Bottom line, grabbing Barnett looks like low risk high reward insurance for Indy's D-line as they build toward a stronger fall.