The Indianapolis Colts didn't lose a single Week 1 starter from 2023 this offseason. And added multiple talented contributors in the 2024 NFL Draft.
But there is a specific position that they haven't addressed, and I believe they must upgrade it through free agency before Training Camp.
While many may think the team needs to add a player at CB, that isn't the position I'm referring to. I think a veteran CB could be wise, but I think they saw enough flashes from Juju Brents and Jaylon Jones to assume we see a jump in production from that spot this next year. I think it's still a risk, but one with upside. Their starting FS spot, though, is not so much.
Currently, the team would be looking at a battle between Rodney Thomas II, Nick Cross (both of whom struggled mightily last season), Daniel Scott (essentially a rookie due to his losing his rookie season to injury), and Jaylin Simpson (a 2024 5th-round pick). I believe the Colts allowing any of these players to be their day-one starter for Week 1 would be borderline irresponsible.
The team utilizes single-high situations at a rate that is too high to rely solely on the young players I mentioned above. I think the team can still believe in one or multiple of these young players as future options at the position without putting too much on their plate this season, especially with the team's defensive line projected to be the most talented that we've ever seen during Chris Ballard's tenure as GM. Luckily for the Colts, multiple available veteran safeties would be massive upgrades and help raise the floor and ceiling of the team's secondary.
- Justin Simmons
- Quandre Diggs
- Marcus Maye
- Eddie Jackson
- Tracy Walker
- Terrell Edmunds
More must-reads: