Five Defensive Backs the Colts May Target in Free Agency

The Colts still have a projected $22.4–$23 million in cap room after two weeks of the 2024 NFL Free Agency. With the recent trade of L’Jarius Sneed toppling the biggest domino in the defensive back market, NFL teams searching for secondary support may be making moves soon.

But who is still standing? Now let’s look at a list of prospective Colts defensive back free agents to target:

Broncos vs. Chiefs in Kansas City

Photo S. Justin Simmons
Justin Simmons, the Belle of the Safety ball, is the best defensive back available in free agency. The 30-year-old safety has played with the Denver Broncos for the entire eight years of his career, making the second team All-Pro.

4 out of the last 5 have been safe. But Simmons lost cap space when the Broncos made the decision to let go of Russell Wilson and accept the biggest dead cap hit in NFL history.

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We should take a close look at the 49ers’ desperate need for another game-winning play.

 

The date is January 14, 2012. We are in San Francisco at Candlestick Park. The 49ers need a touchdown with 14 seconds remaining, down three, and facing a third down to maintain their hopes of making the playoffs without having to go to OT. In the meantime, the Saints can draw a conclusion from this and move on to the NFC Championship Game. In order to appreciate everything that this moment signifies and to comprehend how we got here, we need

to go back.

Photo 

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The star safety has amassed over 2000 snaps in the box and over 1000 in the slot, yet it still thrives mostly as a Free Safety. His strength is undoubtedly his versatility. Simmons plays with great intelligence and instincts, and he excels at reading quarterbacks and getting to the football quickly. He has led all safeties in INTs (23), and Passes Defended (51) since 2019. Combine his versatility in alignments and strategies for coverage with dependable, hard-hitting tackling in his formidable run defense? There are many admirable aspects of Simmons’ playing.

Even Nick Shook of NFL Network stated that the Colts were Justin Simmons’ best option. For a team trying to bring in a mentor, leader, and creator in the

It’s difficult not to notice the fit at the defensive end. In 2023, he remains a top-10 safety in the NFL, and with six interceptions in just 12 games in 2022, he made a compelling case for the title. Simmons still appears to have a lot more excellent football left in him over the next four years, even as he approaches his 31st season.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Jane Gershovich took the picture/Getty Images
An additional Safety prospect that the Colts might be interested in is Quandre Diggs, S. The Pro Bowl player for 2020–2022 ranks third in interceptions since 2020 and eighth among safeties in passes defended. Diggs experienced a decline in 2023, but the 31-year-old Safety was undoubtedly

among the Safeties who has performed the best over the last four seasons. Diggs, primarily a Free Safety, monitors the rear of the Defense well.Photo 

Being an outspoken and vocal player, Diggs mentors younger players while not being hesitant to hold teams and teammates accountable. In their rookie seasons the past two years, Seattle’s corners Devon Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen were observed to benefit greatly from his playmaking skills and seasoned leadership.

Diggs and the Colts are reportedly on the same page, and Diggs has recently had excellent interactions with guys like Zaire Franklin. Is he the most likely to sign a contract with the Colts?

NFC Championship: San Francisco 49ers vs. Detroit Lions
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images photo
Gipson, S. (Tashaun) is

the 33-year-old oldest possible target on our list, but don’t let that deceive you—at his age, he still appears to be a very good rangy safety. Gipson, who primarily plays as a Free Safety but occasionally moves to the box and slot, was ranked 23rd out of 102 Safeties in 2023 in terms of coverage. Gus Bradley prefers to use a three-safety rotation, so Gipson might be able to maintain his freshness with a snap total and role akin to what he played for the renowned 49ers defense the previous two seasons.

Entering his thirteenth NFL season, Gipson’s knowledge and guidance may come in handy for the youthful Colts secondary. Having worked on six distinct teams and numerous different schemes,

He has seen and learnt a great deal in the NFL.Photo 

Gipson may not be a long-term member of the Colts’ roster, but he may contribute to the rotation’s coverage snap total while giving rookies like Rodney Thomas II, Nick Cross, and Daniel Scott or even Nick Cross crucial experience. He might assist some of them in moving forward in their development as possible long-term Colts safeties by having a seasoned coach of the game with them on the field. His time on the field wearing a horseshoe may not have the same lasting effect on the Colts as that mentorship. I could see this as a cheap move that would provide the Colts with cap space for another deal.

or two as well.

Houston Texans vs. New Orleans Saints
Bob Levey/Getty Images photo
Steven Nelson, CB
The Colts may go for an experienced cornerback in free agency as well, and a divisional foe could provide the needed player. Former Texans wide receiver Steven Nelson had a strong 2023 campaign as their number two boundary cornerback (though he did take the starting job for six weeks due to Derek Stingley Jr.’s injury). With 12 passes defended and 4 interceptions, he tied for 19th place at the end of the season. Additionally, he has only given up one touchdown in the previous two seasons.

Nelson would provide the Colts a cornerback with proven starting experience because he is an excellent man coverage corner with above average zone ability.

.. The 31-year-old cornerback’s Spotrac Market worth is estimated to be $8.4 million annually, and he has had a good career thus far. In the event that he joins with the Colts, he provides them with a short-term starter while letting Jaylon Jones, Julius Brents, and/or Dallis Flowers progress across the field.

Given what transpired in the 2023 Wildcard Round, it might be a difficult reunion with new Colts backup quarterback Joe Flacco at training camp.

Ravens vs. Rams in Los Angeles
Todd Olszewski’s photo via Getty Images
Witherspoon, Ahkello
Ahkello Witherspoon has to be one of the Colts’ top targets if they want a large, strong, and extremely agile veteran cornerback who was very effective in 2023. He left.Photo 

survived a rigorous ordeal the previous year, ranking fifth among targeted Corners in 2023 with 99. Witherspoon, on the other hand, won out and permitted the fourth-lowest completion percentage among all Corners in 2023. All of this while having 33-inch arms, a 9.89 Relative Athletic Score, and a 6’3, 200-pound corner frame. His profile reminds me of a cornerback prototype used by Chris Ballard and Gus Bradley.

The 29-year-old cornerback had a strong 2023 comeback season. In 2019–2021, he showed glimpses of his potential as a starting corner for the 49ers and Steelers. A second chance at a starting position in a scheme that fits him well could pay off handsomely for the Colts. Although he just signed a $3 million, one-year contract with the Rams last year, he should be good for a terrific

salary increase. Even so, it’s unlikely that he will be the most costly Corner available for signing in free agency.