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Indianapolis Colts: Team should sign Darnell Dockett

By Federico Ferrari

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Darnell Dockett was recently released by the Arizona Cardinals and is now officially a free agent. Should the Indianapolis Colts go after the veteran defensive tackle? The answer is yes and here’s why.

First of all the Colts’ defensive line already lost a few pieces since the end of last season. Starting defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois was released and starting defensive end Cory Redding is seriously considering retirement after 12 seasons in the league. If the Colts lose both of them they can’t afford to wait for the NFL draft to address the defensive line issue.

General manager Ryan Grigson has to move fast and add at least one “big guy” via free agency. We’ll have to wait a few more days to know who will actually become a free agent but it might be too late to sign Dockett by then.

Disregarded by many because of his age (he will be 34 once the 2015 season begins) and the ACL injury that forced him to miss the whole 2014 season, Dockett could be a key addition for a team like the Indianapolis Colts that is looking for impact players to immediately improve their defense to get a realistic shot at the Super Bowl.

Dockett was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round (64th overall) of the 2004 NFL draft out of Florida State. With the Seminoles he was a three-year starter and set a school record for not only tackles for a loss in a season (22) but for a career (48) as well. He spent his whole career in Arizona and was named a Pro Bowler three times in 11 years, recording 40.5 sacks and 56 tackles for losses.

Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett missed the entire 2014 season with a torn ACL. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The veteran defender isn’t afraid to speak his mind, especially through social media – and everyone who follows him on Twitter (@ddockett) knows what I’m talking about. Just a few days ago Dockett wrote this tweet hinting not only at a return in 2015 but also at a special prize:

He was pretty serious about the whole Comeback Player of the Year thing and a few days later he added:

Dockett will more than likely end up with a contender with enough cap space to give him the money he wants and the Colts are a team that matches both premises. He’d be a natural fit in Greg Manusky‘s 3-4 defense since the Cardinals use a similar scheme. While he may not be a good run defender he can still get after the quarterback effectively.

Injuries shouldn’t be a concern: he only missed two games in 10 years with the Cardinals and granted that he has fully recovered from the torn ACL that put him on injured reserve in 2014 he should have a couple of more playing years in him.

Ultimately, I believe the Colts should strongly consider Dockett because they can afford him cap-wise and, more importantly, because they could definitely use a veteran like him. He could lead a creaky unit when it matters the most, for instance during the Colts’ next playoff run.

Next: Indianapolis Colts Mock Drafts Comparison: Defense, OT or RB first?

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