3 free agents Colts must target after 2024 NFL Draft

The Indianapolis Colts have quietly made some great offseason moves over the past few months. The Colts feel like they are lying in the weeds, not widely considered a contender to win the AFC South thanks to the rise of CJ Stroud and the Texans. However, the Colts could find themselves fighting for the AFC South crown once we hit the midseason.

Some of their moves have been defensive, in the sense that they retained some of their best players. The team re-signed Michael Pittman Jr., DeForest Buckner, and Zaire Franklin to big contract extensions, keeping key players on each side of the ball. They also added some incredible rookies in defensive end Laiatu Latu, wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, and guard Tanor Bortolini.

It all hinges on the health of Anthony Richardson. He played well as a rookie and gave us one exciting month of football before suffering a season-ending injury. Indianapolis brought in Joe Flacco as a backup, which helps, but realistically their season won’t go anywhere if they can’t keep Richardson healthy. If Richardson stays healthy and can continue to better his game in the NFL, watch out for the Colts.

That being said, their roster is not 100% complete. Here are three players who the Colts should consider signing at some point this offseason to provide depth on defense.

Calais Campbell – DT

Campbell is such a reliable player for a 37 year old. Last year with the Falcons he logged 56 total tackles, six and a half sacks, and a forced fumble.

He wouldn’t need to start right away with DeForest Buckner, Raekwon Davis, and Grover Stewart currently anchoring the depth chart. Calais Campbell as a fourth body in that position group would help make the defensive line a genuine strength for the Colts. It would also be a strong complement to the edge room that boasts Kwity Paye, first-rounder Laiatu Latu, and veteran Samson Ebukam.

This move would be a no-brainer. Campbell would be a lock to make the final roster.

Xavien Howard – CB

The Dolphins cut Xavien Howard in the middle of March despite the fact that he was on the mend in late February. This looks like a cap saving move as the Dolphins designated him a post-June 1st release designation. This will allow Miami to recoup $18.5 million in cap savings later this summer.

All of this is to say — the Dolphins gave up on Xavien Howard’s contract, not Xavien Howard the player.

In 100 career games, Howard has intercepted 29 passes for two pick sixes. He’s also logged 95 passes defensed and 331 tackles.

He is a crafty veteran who could be a leader on the Colts right away. Howard could slide in behind Kenny Moore II and JuJu Brents to provide reliable depth and coaching for their younger players.

Justin Simmons – S

Simmons is another crafty veterans who could bring leadership to Indy’s secondary. However, he would reinforce a safety room that is projected to start Julian Blackmon and Nick Cross. One could argue that this is a bigger need than at cornerback.

The Broncos parted ways with Simmons to gain some cap relief to help with the Russell Wilson fiasco. Simmons was a mainstay in Denver’s secondary for eight seasons and was playing at a high level immediately leading up to his release.

In his eight-year career, Simmons has logged 604 tackles, 64 passes defensed, and 30 interceptions. He is everything you want from a free safety.

If Simmons does not end up landing with the Colts, it may be because he will be highly sought after.