In the coming weeks, we will be taking a closer look at each of the Indianapolis Colts’ unrestricted free agents and making a prediction as to whether or not they will return for the 2025 season.
Up next, let’s take a look at defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. If you’ve missed any of our other free agency predictions, you can find them below.
Will Fries
Julian Blackmon
Grant Stuard
Ryan Kelly
On a Colts’ pass rush unit that ranked 22nd in pressure rate and 26th in sacks, Odeyingbo was the leader on this Colts’ team last season in total pressures. He also brings versatility to the front, able to line up inside as well for an added pass rush presence.
If this was the 2024 offseason or before, given how GM Chris Ballard has operated, Odeyingbo returning would be considered likely, in my opinion.
But this offseason, I’m not as sure. While ultimately, we are in wait-and-see mode to see if Ballard’s comments from his season-ending press conference match his actions, he did emphasize the need to add competition throughout the roster this offseason.
And as we evaluate the Colts’ current roster, there are quite a few position groups that could be added to. As Ballard said, after an 8-9 season, this team isn’t close.
So when it comes to Odeyingbo, at a position group that already has Laiatu Latu, Kwity Paye, and Tyquan Lewis, along with DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart along the interior, do the Colts prioritize adding to the defensive end unit when tight end, cornerback, safety, and potentially the offensive line are all more pressing needs?
Cap space-wise, the Colts rank 18th in available room currently. They also have seven draft picks. In both instances, that’s fine, but it’s not as if Indianapolis has an abundance of capital this offseason either.
The way I see it, keeping Odeyingbo would be a luxury and I don’t think that’s something the Colts have this offseason. There are too many other needs that have to be addressed.
Prediction: Odeyingbo signs elsewhere