Free agent targets for the Colts: Defense

We know they have needs (pick a spot on the roster). We know they have cash (roughly $74 million in salary cap space, if they want to spend it all). We know things will heat up next week, when NFL free agency kicks off and the Indianapolis Colts begin attacking their many deficiencies.

And we know they won't be landing DeMarcus Lawrence or Ziggy Ansah.

Here are six other defensive players the Colts could consider luring to town, and why:

(Don’t worry. We tackled the offense yesterday.)

Everything you need to know about Colts free agency:

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>> Anthony Hitchens, ILB, Dallas

The player that very likely could top the Colts’ entire free-agent wish list.

Hitchens offers help at a position of need (inside linebacker with a background in the 4-3 scheme), has plenty of good football in front of him (he’s just 25) and played under new Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus in Dallas. He checks nearly every box.

And with the expected departure of free agent Jon Bostic, the Colts suddenly have a glaring need at inside linebacker. As of now, it’s Antonio Morrison, Jeremiah George and Anthony Walker. That won’t do. Indy needs reinforcements. Indy needs an established starter to lead the group.

Landing Hitchens – a bonafide run-stopper – could be the signature move that bolsters this shaky position.

Hitchens started 28 games over the last two seasons and is capable of playing any of three ILB spots, though the Colts would likely slot him in the middle, a la Gary Brackett back in the day. What’s more: Eberflus has been his position coach since he entered the league. Hitchens will know the scheme – all the way down to the terminology – from the day he arrives.

It’s be stunning if the Colts weren’t in the running for Hitchens, and weren’t among the favorites. He could very well end up being one of their biggest signings.

>> Alex Okafor, DE, New Orleans

A gamble. Okafor has experience in multiple schemes and has proven, year after year, that he has a knack for getting to the quarterback. That’s something the Colts need to address, whether they land prized pass-rusher Bradley Chubb at the top of the draft or not.

After four seasons in Arizona, Okafor landed in New Orleans last season and piled up 4.5 sacks in 10 games before an Achilles tear cost him the rest of his season. Could be a nice addition to the Colts’ new-look defensive line, adding depth behind the likes of Jabaal Sheard.

If the cost is right, Okafor could be a great fit.

>> David Irving, DE, Dallas

A QB-seeking defensive lineman? Where do the Colts sign up?

Irving is another talent Eberflus is familiar with from Dallas, and he could offer the sort of depth on the defensive line the Colts could always use. He had seven sacks and eight pass deflections in eight games last season, though he missed four due to a violation of the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy and another four with a concussion. That could give Chris Ballard and his staff serious pause.

And maybe it should.

But there's no denying Irving's talent matches up with a glaring need for the Colts.

It remains unclear if Irving, a restricted free agent, will become available. The Cowboys will tender him, but the team has not determined whether to place a first- or second-round tender on him, according to David Moore of The Dallas Morning News. If the Colts make an offer, the Cowboys would have five days to decide if they want to match it or let Irving walk.

>> Dontari Poe, DT, Atlanta

A year after flirting with the Colts in free agency, maybe the second time’s the charm for Poe and Indianapolis. He had an offer on the table last spring after visiting with Chris Ballard, whom he previously played for in Kansas City, but elected to instead sign with Atlanta on a one-year deal.

Now, Poe enters free agency all over again, intent on finding a long-term deal.

Will it come in Indianapolis? The Colts addressed the defensive tackle position in a big way last offseason, signing Johnathan Hankins to a three-year deal worth up to $30 million. They added Al Woods on a meager, two-year, $4 million deal that turned out to be a steal. Will the Colts be willing to pursue Poe’s asking price with the position far more solidified than several others on the roster?

>> Malcolm Butler, CB, New England

From undrafted and unknown to Super Bowl hero to one of the top cornerbacks in football to watching the Patriots’ Super Bowl LII loss from the sideline ... and we still don’t know why. While the mystery surrounding Butler’s benching last month lingers, his future in New England remains in doubt. What doesn’t: He’s 28 years old, and teams always need great cornerbacks.

He’ll find work. He’ll get paid.

Will it be in Indy? It’s likely a long shot. Even if Rashaan Melvin doesn’t return, the Colts aren’t likely to be willing to shell out serious money – what Butler would command on the open market – for a shutdown corner. There are simply too many needs elsewhere. Indy is far more likely to land a cornerback at a more friendly price, then hope their young duo of Quincy Wilson and Nate Hairston continue to develop.

>> Demario Davis, ILB, New York Jets

Davis could be the Colts’ consolation prize if they don’t land Hitchens. And he could be a nice one. A six-year veteran, Davis has spent most of his career in New York, where last season he enjoyed a stellar 2017: five sacks to go with 97 tackles.

He’s a stout tackler, something the Colts have always needed, and he called the plays for the Jets’ D last season.

Don’t rule out Indy making more than one move to supplant their weak linebacking core. Come September, they’ll be thankful they did.

Call Star reporter Zak Keefer at (317) 444-6134 and follow him on Twitter: @zkeefer.

Everything you need to know about NFL free agency:

Top 10 NFL free agents by position: Offense

Top 10 NFL free agents by position: Defense

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