March 25, 2026, 8:10 p.m. ET

With NFL free agency at a near standstill, we will be evaluating the current state of each Indianapolis Colts’ position group, specifically, where things stand and whether or not more moves need to be made.

GM Chris Ballard has now made nine outside free agent signings over the last week-plus, along with re-signing a number of the Colts‘ own free agents.

However, there is still work to be done, as the Colts still have several roster holes to address. The good news is that the Colts have a good amount of salary cap space to work with.

In the draft, the Colts are without a first-round pick and have a modest seven selections in total.

Up next in our review is the defensive end unit. If you missed our other positional reviews, you can find them below.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Colts‘ defensive ends under contract after free agencyLaiatu LatuJT TuimoloauMicheal ClemonsArden KeyDurell NchamiViliami Fehoko Jr.Colts free agency moves at defensive endThe Colts sign free agent Arden Key.The Colts sign free agent Micheal Clemons.Free agent Samson Ebukam signs with the Falcons.Free agent Kwity Paye signs with the Raiders.Free agent Tyquan Lewis remains unsigned.What is the need at defensive end for the Colts after free agency?

The Colts made two additions, signing Key and Clemons, giving their defensive end rotation a boost. Key’s role will likely be similar to that of Ebukam’s, and Clemons’ role will mirror what Lewis was asked to do.

However, even with the resources already invested into this position, Ballard should not be done adding to this unit.

Ideally, Clemons and Key will be rotational defenders, like Ebukam and Lewis were last season. That means the Colts still need to find a starting-caliber presence to line up next to Laiatu Latu.

If the Colts are unable to find that high-impact presence in the draft, then one of JT Tuimoloau, Key, or Clemons will fill that starting role. And in that scenario, it’s fair to wonder how much this defensive end unit actually improved from last season.

In 2025, the Colts’ pass rush unit ranked 30th in ESPN’s pass rush win rate metric. Improved play and consistency around Latu is very much needed.