Arden Key weighs in on Colts' position battle at defensive end

A key position battle unfolding this summer for the Indianapolis Colts will be at defensive end.

>The starting role opposite of Laiatu Latu is up for grabs, and likely competing for those snaps will be Jaylahn Tuimoloau and Arden Key.

>So what will it take to win that job?

>“Consistency, that’s it," Key said on Tuesday. "The most consistent guy will win the job. That’s just what it is in this league.“

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#Colts DE Arden Key on what it will take to win the starting job opposite of Laiatu Latu:

“Consistency, that’s it. The most consistent guy will win the job. That’s just what it is in this league.“

Mentioned that he’s trained with DeForest Buckner over the last five years. pic.twitter.com/0VhxkKmobA

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) June 9, 2026The Colts heavily addressed the defensive end position this offseason, but whether or not they found an impact presence to pair with Latu remains to be seen.

>Tuimoloau played just over 200 defensive snaps in his rookie season, while Key has produced at a steady level during his career, but he hasn't been a high-impact player.

>As a collective unit in 2025, the Colts' defensive front ranked 30th in ESPN's pass rush win rate. More pass rush juice around Latu is a must this season.

>"I'm just here to capitalize on the opportunity to come in and help on the pass rush and stop the run," Key added. "We gotta stop the run to rush the passer."

>This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: What will it take to win starting job at Colts' DE position?