With Free Agency Still in Full Swing, it is Vital that the Colts Sign Some Help for Their Inexperienced Secondary.

The only move that the Indianapolis Colts have made in their secondary was signing cornerback Kenny Moore II to a long-term contract. It was reported on March 12th that Moore agreed to a three-year, $30M contract to stay with the Colts. After shoring up veteran talent, it was all but expected that General Manager Chris Ballard would further explore veteran talent at cornerback. For days on end, Kansas City Chiefs superstar cornerback L’Jarious Sneed was a name that kept getting mentioned. Unfortunately, a deal never took place and apparently conversations between the two never even took place.

Although, it is good to have Kenny Moore back on the team, the bottom line is that the secondary did not get any better from last season. Under defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, the Colts gave up 24.4 points per game which ranked 24th in the league. They also gave up 6.8 yards per pass (22nd) and 226 passing yards per game (17th). Needless to say the weak link in this Colts defense was their secondary. Therefore, it is imperative that the Colts address the glaring issue and the need to get help.

Free Agency

The best place for the Colts to get considerable help in the secondary is in free agency. Aside from Kenny Moore II, the rest of Indy’s starting secondary is 26 years of age or younger. While experience doesn’t guarantee results, it is an indicator or reliability and familiarity with how to play the position. This is crucial to help with continuity and leadership within a unit. Realistically, there are still several corners and safeties still available on the market.

CB L’Jarious Sneed, Kansas City Chiefs

There were several rumors early on that a deal could be finalized between L’Jarious Sneed and the Colts. However, those reports are dying away and it appears that Indy will have to look elsewhere in free agency.

S Mike Edwards, Kansas City Chiefs

On Monday, Chiefs safety Mike Edwards was brought into Indianapolis for a look. Unlike Sneed, Mike Edwards is not the kind of free agent to bring in as a starter. However, with Colts starting safety Julian Blackmon visiting the Buffalo Bills, safety depth and help would be imperative if Blackmon leaves.

CB Stephon Gilmore, Dallas Cowboys

A familiar face that could return to the Colts is cornerback Stephon Gilmore. This shutdown corner will turn 34 this year, but still has a lot left in the tank. He played for one season with the Colts in 2022 before signing a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys in 2023.

S Justin Simmons, Denver Broncos

Second Team All-Pro a two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons is a name that has not come up in very many free agent conversations. Nonetheless, he is a free agent who has proven to be one of the best at his position. If Julian Blackmon indeed ends up leaving the Colts, Simmons would be a guy who could easily step into the starting role.

The NFL Draft

Drafting young players to help an already inexperienced secondary would seem like a desperation move by Chris Ballard. The Colts still have a considerable amount of money to get a veteran. Therefore, the draft would be a good place to search for depth.

There are many mock drafts that project the Colts will go with a cornerback in the first round. However, if Ballard wants to fix the wounds in this secondary, he will need to get experience through free agency.