The Colts re-signed defensive lineman Margus Hunt, according to a team announcement. Prior to the deal, Hunt was set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 13. It’s a two-year, $9MM deal that could be worth up to $10MM through incentives, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter).
Hunt, 32 this summer, spent the first four years of his career with the Bengals. Then, in 2017, the former second-round pick joined the Colts as a free agent.
Hunt spent his first season as a spot starter and managed to make some noise. In 2018, he adjusted well to the team’s new 4-3 scheme and recorded career highs in tackles (30), tackles for loss (13), sacks (5.0). He also registered six quarterback hits, two passes defensed, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Thanks in part to Hunt, the Colts’ defense improved in terms of both total defense and run defense.
“Margus is a unique guy inside because of his length,” Colts GM Chris Ballard said of Hunt in January. “Putting him at the three (technique) and the one (technique) it really kind of accentuated on what he is really good at. We were fortunate to have Margus.”
The Colts will also return key front seven players Denico Autry, Jabaal Sheard, Tyquan Lewis, and Kemoko Turay in 2019.