The Indianapolis Colts have a handful of vital players set to hit free agency this offseason, including one player in the middle of a breakout season.
While the Colts defense has been hit or miss for the majority of the 2024 campaign, they’ve gotten another quality season out of edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo.
Though his 3.0 sacks on the season paint a different picture, the former second-round pick leads the team in total pressures (36), according to Pro Football Focus, and quarterback hits (13).
Re-signing Odeyingbo would be in the best interest of the Colts, but Matt Holder of Bleacher Report predicts he could land in the NFC North with the Chicago Bears next offseason.
“Finding a second edge-rusher to pair with Montez Sweat has been an issue in Chicago since last season, and the addition of Darrell Taylor this summer has left something to be desired,” Holder wrote. “Odeyingbo could be a good under-the-radar free-agent acquisition as he managed to record 16.5 career sacks in 57 games with just 15 starts, including eight in 17 games and one start last year. While his sack total has gone down this fall, he’s still been a decent productive pass-rusher with 35 total pressures through Week 14, per PFF.”
While the Colts have gotten a promising start out of rookie Laiatu Latu, Odeyingbo can still be a cornerstone piece of the defensive line.
With former first-round pick Kwity Paye struggling to provide a difference-making impact through his fourth season, the Colts can’t afford to let Odeyingbo leave.
It will be interesting to see what happens with the Vanderbilt product, but he could have plenty of suitors this offseason if he hits the open market.
MORE NFL: Colts activate four-time Pro Bowler from injured reserve
