How re-signing Tyquan Lewis impacts Colts draft plans

After getting extensions done with Zaire Franklin and Michael Pittman Jr., the first in-house free agent on the defense that the Indianapolis Colts re-signed was Tyquan Lewis.

Lewis is coming off a feel-good story in the 2023 season when he had the best season of his six-year career. Lewis agreed to come back on a two-year deal that is worth up to $12M with $7.7M of it guaranteed.

How does this impact Indy’s draft plans?

It shouldn’t have a major impact. Lewis does give the Colts a proven versatile depth option in the rotation on the defensive line for the next two seasons. But as of now, Lewis and Ebukam are the only edge rushers on the roster who are under contract for the 2025 season.

If Chris Ballard elects to not exercise the fifth-year option on Kwity Paye and doesn’t get an extension done with Dayo Odeyingbo, then there will be question marks for the edge rush group beyond the 2024 season.

Plus, I do believe there is an underlying need for depth at the LEO position behind Ebukam for the upcoming season.

Because of this, I do believe a pass rusher is still on the table for the Colts in the first round.

I would put that need behind a pass catcher but if the best player on Ballard’s board is an edge rusher, then adding more talent to the group has to be considered.