The Indianapolis Colts have had a very productive offseason in free agency and the draft. However, there are still questions surrounding the young secondary. If the Colts want to keep up with the best AFC offenses, they must explore the defensive backs market. Many top defensive backs have already been claimed early in free agency. However, several quality players are still available and could provide much-needed help for the Colts.
Three Defensive Backs the Colts Should Target This Offseason
Justin Simmons
Justin Simmons is a veteran safety in the NFL who spent his entire career with the Denver Broncos. From 2019 onward, Simmons has been selected to either the Pro Bowl or was a Second-Team All-Pro. In 2022, he finished with six interceptions, which ranked first in the NFL. It should be noted that this came during a season in which he missed five games due to injury. In 2023, his numbers declined, but he was still able to get three interceptions, 53 solo tackles, and two forced fumbles.
The Colts have many young defensive backs on their roster, particularly at safety. Therefore adding a veteran like Simmons at safety could prove to be very useful. Indy resigned safety Julian Blackmon this offseason which was a crucial move for the defense. Starting safety Rodney Thomas II is coming off a very down year in 2023 and even was benched in favor of safety Nick Cross. These two will compete this offseason for the starting spot, but there is no question that Simmons could help this defense on day one. In turn, this would allow Cross and Thomas to develop and grow in their third year.
Stephon Gilmore
Stephon Gilmore is a familiar face in Indianapolis. In 2022, he signed a one-year deal with the Colts and made the case for why he is one of the top defensive backs. Gilmore is a 33-year-old cornerback who started his career with the Buffalo Bills and eventually moved on to the New England Patriots.
Although the 2022 season was a massive disappointment for the Colts, one of the few shining moments was Stephon Gilmore. In week three against the Kansas City Chiefs, Gilmore was the one in coverage and forced a contested pass from Patrick Mahomes which resulted in a game-ending interception. In week five against the Denver Broncos, Gilmore intercepted a pass from Russell Wilson in the end zone that kept the Colts’ chances alive and sent the game into overtime. Lastly, In week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Gilmore was in coverage one-on-one against Davante Adams and made a crucial fourth-down end-zone stop.
Gilmore is a lock-down cornerback. However, he is getting older and, interestingly, he has not been claimed by a team yet. The Colts have an opportunity to take advantage of Gilmore’s talent as one of the best defensive backs in the league.
Xavien Howard
Xavien Howard is a 30-year-old veteran cornerback who spent his entire career with the Miami Dolphins. Throughout his career, he has been a four-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro. He was a First-Team All-Pro in 2020 and ranked third as Defensive Player of the Year behind T.J. Watt and Aaron Donald. Since Howard’s stellar 2020 performance, he went on to be selected to two straight Pro Bowls in 2021 and 2022.
In 2023, however, his numbers took a slight dip but he was still fairly productive. Howard finished last season with one interception and 36 solo tackles. He also allowed a catch rate of 59.4% but only allowed a passer rating of 80.5. He did have several nagging injuries in 2023 but was only sidelined for three games. The bottom line is that Howard is one of the better defensive backs in the league and would be an asset for the Colts.
The issue will be whether Chris Ballard believes the Colts are in big need of veteran help or not. If he is, he needs to look no further than these guys.
Main Photo: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
