
DE · Indianapolis Colts
1 transaction this offseason
Height
6'5"
Weight
263 lbs
Age
28
College
Texas A&M
Draft
2022, Rd 4, #117
Experience
4 yrs
DE Rank
#153 / 161
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | Sacks | Tkl | TFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 65 | 8.5 | 119 | 18 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 16 | 1.0 | 22 | 3.5 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 17 | 4.5 | 34 | 3 |
| 2023 | ![]() | 16 |
Length
3 years
Total Value
$17.0M
Guaranteed
$6.0M
AAV
$5.7M/yr
The Colts handed Micheal Clemons a reasonable but unremarkable deal, paying $5.7M annually for what amounts to a depth piece at defensive end — this earns a C CVI that reflects fair market value without much upside or downside. Indianapolis is essentially paying rotation money for rotation production, which makes sense given Clemons' role as a situational pass rusher who can spell the starters but isn't expected to anchor the defense. At 26, he's entering what should be his prime years, so there's modest hope he could outperform this tier and provide some surplus value over the three-year term. The $6.0M in guarantees limits the Colts' exposure while still giving Clemons security, creating a low-risk structure that won't hamstring the franchise if he remains a complementary player. This is the type of signing that rarely moves the needle either direction — competent roster building that fills a need without breaking the bank or creating a steal.
Micheal Clemons earns an F grade as a defensive end who has failed to translate his imposing physical frame into NFL production. His career across multiple stops has been defined by potential rather than performance. The Colts are giving him another opportunity, but the pass-rush production that his size and athleticism suggest should be there simply hasn't materialized. Indianapolis needs edge defenders who can win at the point of attack, and Clemons hasn't demonstrated that ability consistently. The gap between his physical tools and on-field results remains frustratingly wide.
A reasonable depth addition that shores up Indianapolis's defensive line rotation without breaking the bank. Five headlines covered the move, suggesting moderate media interest for a rotational signing. Clemons brings pass-rush upside as a former Jets draft pick with untapped potential. Fans see this as a low-risk flier on a young player who never fully developed in New York. If Clemons finds his footing in a new system, the Colts could land a rotational bargain.
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| 0.5 |
| 27 |
| 5 |
| 2022 | ![]() | 16 | 2.5 | 36 | 6.5 |
Updated Mar 19, 2026
Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
F
2025
(50% weight)
D-
2024
(30% weight)
F
2023
(20% weight)