Report: Colts in talks with free agent DE Danielle Hunter

The Indianapolis Colts reportedly are in talks with Minnesota Vikings impending free agent defensive end Danielle Hunter, per ESPN’s Stephen Holder.

Hunter is expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market if he gets there, which means the Colts would have serious competition vying for his services.

Among the outside free agents the Colts have had talks with: Vikings DE Danielle Hunter, a 4-time Pro Bowl selection with 87.5 career sacks. Too early to predict where he winds up as of this moment, but with MIN signing multiple edge rushers, he looks to be headed elsewhere.

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 12, 2024

The Colts re-signed rotational defensive end Tyquan Lewis and starting one-technique defensive tackle Grover Stewart to multi-year deals before the official start of free agency.

Adding a talent like Hunter, who has produced every season he’s been in the league, would be a massive upgrade to a pass rush that already showed some promise in 2023.

Though signing the 29-year-old Hunter would be an uncharacteristic signing for general manager Chris Ballard, it’s difficult to deny what type of upgrade he would bring.

In eight NFL seasons, Hunter has recorded double-digit sacks in five of them. It would have been six of his seasons had he not suffered a herniated disc in 2021. Still, he recorded six sacks in seven games that season.

The Colts will have a lot of competition for Hunter’s services, but if they’re serious about building a contending defense, it all starts with a deep pass rush.