After losing Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam in free agency and missing out to Baltimore on Trey Hendrickson, the Indianapolis Colts defensive line needs fresh impact on the edge. The Colts have already signed some rotational pieces like Arden Key, but the depth chart still has question marks and lacks a consistent pass rusher to pair with the younger guys in Laiau Latu.
Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s defense thrives with disciplined, technically sound edge players who can set the edge against
the run, bend inside on stunts, and pressure the quarterback with consistent win rate on pass rush.
AJ Epenesa
A.J. Epenesa is a versatile defensive end known for his length, bend, and situational pass-rushing ability. Drafted by the Buffalo Bills, he has developed into a reliable rotational edge who can pressure the quarterback and contribute in sub-packages without being a full-time every-down rusher. While not elite against the run, Epenesa excels in gap-shooting and stunting, making him a natural fit for 4-3 and multiple-front defenses like the Colts’ under Anarumo. Cost-effective, he is valued roughly in the $4–8M per year range, offering affordable depth and rotational production for Indianapolis’ defensive line.
Yetur Gross-Matos
Yetur Gross-Matos is a 6’5″, 266-pound defensive end with a blend of size, length, and edge-setting ability. He has experience with the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers in a 4-3 defense, primarily as a rotational player who can contribute against the run and provide situational pass rush. Gross-Matos fits well in a scheme like the Colts, particularly in wide‑9 and gap-control alignments, where his physical traits allow him to pressure quarterbacks and set the edge without being an every-down starter. Cost-effective, he projects around the $4M per year mark, offering affordable depth and rotational impact for the Indianapolis revamped defensive line.
Josh Paschal
Josh Paschal is a 6’3″, 275-pound defensive end known for his physicality and versatility. Drafted by the Detroit Lions out of Kentucky, he has shown the ability to set the edge against the run and slide inside on early downs, though his pass-rush production has been modest, totaling 5.0 career sacks. Injuries, including a major back surgery that sidelined him for 2025, have limited his on-field impact. Paschal fits best as a rotational, power edge rusher in a 4‑3 like the Colts’ defense, offering disciplined edge play. He would likely project on a 1 year veteran minimum deal, providing affordable depth and a reclamation project for the Colts.
