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According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Indianapolis Colts have agreed to a 1-year, $2.5 million deal with Los Angeles Chargers free agent defensive end Isaac Rochell:
DE Isaac Rochell signing with the Colts on a 1-year $2.5 million deal that can go up to $3 million, per his agent @bd_mclaughlin.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2021
Originally, a 2017 7th round pick of the Chargers, the former local Notre Dame Fighting Irish standout has 74 tackles (42 solo), 10 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 58 total QB pressures, 3 passes defensed, an interception, and a safety during 51 career games (9 starts).
Rochell had 29 tackles (17 solo), a tackle for loss, 2.5 sacks, 16 total QB pressures, and a safety for the Chargers during the 2020 season in 16 games (6 starts).
At 6’4”, 280 pounds with 32 3/4” arms, Rochell doesn’t have the long arms that Colts general manager Chris Ballard typically covets off the edge, but he does have other elite traits:
Per PFF, Rochell was their 99th best graded edge defender last season with a +52.6 overall grade.
With the Colts having lost starting veteran Denico Autry in free agency (and potentially key backup Al-Quadin Muhammad joining him), Rochell should provide a bigger versatile defensive end—who can kick inside on passing downs, as additional rotational defensive line depth.