INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts have made their first move to address the biggest hole on the roster.
Indianapolis has agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth up to $20 million with former Titans defensive end Arden Key, a league source confirmed to IndyStar, making Key the first outside acquisition of a busy opening day of free agency.
He is likely only the beginning of the team’s moves at defensive end.
Key is expected to be a rotational edge rusher for the Colts, rather than a bona fide starter for a Colts team that could close to 1,500 snaps at the position with the potential departures of Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam and Tyquan Lewis.
If all three players leave, Indianapolis will bring back only 2024 first-rounder Laiatu Latu, who led the team with 8.5 sacks last season, and 2025 second-rounder JT Tuimoloau, expected to take on a bigger role in his second year in the NFL.
“We do have work to do,” Ballard said. “Unfortunately, last year, when Tyquan (Lewis) got hurt and Samson (Ebukam) got hurt, it affected the group. We’ve definitely got to add fuel to that position, players.”
Indianapolis wants to get younger and faster on the defensive side of the ball.
Key, who turns 30 in May, is no longer a young player, but he’s a faster option, a 6-5, 240-pounder who brings speed off the edge. The veteran has spent the past three seasons as a starter in Tennessee, recording 16.5 sacks and 38 quarterback hits while playing as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.
Injuries limited his playing time last season.
Key played more than 700 snaps in each of his first two seasons with the Titans, but he missed four games with a quadriceps injury early and missed the final game of the season due to a hip injury, limiting him to 449 snaps, four sacks and 11 quarterback hits.
By signing Key, the Colts’ plans to get younger and faster haven’t changed.
Ballard acknowledged at the NFL scouting combine that it wasn’t realistic to only add rookies to the defensive front seven, particularly without a first-round pick available in 2026.
Indianapolis still has several needs that might be addressed in the draft, a list of needs that is growing after the team’s decision to trade veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh in the wake of a major extension for Alec Pierce.
“It can’t just be every player,” Ballard said. “You’ve got to have a good mix of vets, along with young players.”
The Colts might not be done at defensive end.
Indianapolis defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has plenty of history with former Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, the top defensive end on the market, and there are plenty of other options who remain available after the first couple of hours of the NFL’s negotiating window.
“We think it’s a good free-agent class,” Ballard said.
Key’s the first addition.
Indianapolis still has some work to do.
