There are plenty of question marks that surround the safety group for the Indianapolis Colts entering the 2024 offseason.
The first is whether Chris Ballard will re-sign Julian Blackmon. He’s the proven player of the group and if he does depart this offseason, then it would leave a glaring hole on the defense.
There is promise with Nick Cross but it’s a bet on his development this offseason while Rodney Thomas II has to rebound to how he performed his rookie season or he could be fighting for a roster spot.
With or without Blackmon on the roster, a veteran option should be considered by Ballard. The good news is that there is a quality group of safeties set to hit the market.
We should note that we understand a handful of these players won’t even hit the market, but we’re working under the hypothetical scenario that they become available, regardless of how slim the chances are.
If Chris Ballard decides to add to the position group via free agency, here are 10 players that the front office should target.
1
Antoine Winfield Jr.
Previous Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If Chris Ballard wants to add a versatile impact piece to his secondary, then Antoine Winfield Jr. is the player to target if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers allow him to test the market. In 2023 he set career highs in tackles (122), sacks (six), QB hits (eight), interceptions (three), pass defenses (six), forced fumbles (six), and fumble recoveries (four). Winfield Jr. can be utilized as a deep safety, in the slot, and the box as a run defender.
2
Xavier McKinney
Previous Team: New York Giants
One safety that could be hitting the market that can play as a free safety but also in the box is Xavier McKinney. He had a career-high in tackles (116), pass defenses (11), and fumble recoveries (two) this past season. McKinney has the tackling ability that Chris Ballard likes in his defensive backs and has shown that he possesses good coverage skills for the backend of a defense.
3
Kyle Dugger
Previous Team: New England Patriots
The potential of Julian Blackmon not returning to his strong safety role would leave a hole in the defense but a player like Kyle Dugger is an option to turn to. He’s coming off a season where he set career highs in tackles (109), TFLs (six), sacks (one-and-a-half), and QB hits (five). Dugger is a larger safety who is better in run defense and can also play in the money backer role that Gus Bradley used Ronnie Harrison Jr. in this past season.
4
Kamren Curl
Previous Team: Washington Commanders
Kamren Curl might not have the name recognition but can end up being an underrated free agent signing this offseason. He had a career-high tackles (115) in 2023 while also collecting three TFLs, a sack, three QB hits, five pass defenses, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Curl is a versatile safety that can give Gus Bradley creativity in deploying him in his defense.
5
Jeremy Chinn
Previous Team: Carolina Panthers
A safety who could end up being worth a shot on a prove-it deal is Jeremy Chinn. It was just in 2020 when he entered the league and looked like he had the potential to be a star defensive player for the Carolina Panthers after finishing second in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Unfortunately, he fell out of favor with the new coaching staff which led to a decrease in playing time, and was in trade rumors around the deadline. Similar to Kyle Dugger, Chinn is a larger safety who can be used in the money backer role Gus Bradley had Ronnie Harrison Jr. in.
6
C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Previous Team: Detroit Lions
Another versatile option at safety that could be available is C.J. Gardner-Johnson. He appeared in the first two games before suffering an injury that some thought could end his season but he was able to return for Week 18 and the playoffs. It was just in 2022 when he had a career-high in tackles (67) and interceptions. He can be used as a safety or in the nickel role but the question is if his attitude, for better or for worse, would be welcomed in the locker room.
7
Jordan Whitehead
Previous Team: New York Jets
A veteran option that can create competition and depth is Jordan Whitehead. In each of the past three seasons, he’s finished with at least 73 tackles, three TFLs, eight pass defenses, and two interceptions. Whitehead can provide value with his run defense but has grown his coverage ability as a free safety. He would be a nice addition to push Nick Cross or complement him if Julian Blackmon isn’t re-signed.
8
Jordan Fuller
Previous Team: Los Angeles Rams
Another option that can add depth and push for a starting role is Jordan Fuller. This past season he had 94 tackles, a TFL, and three interceptions while getting a career-high in pass defenses (eight) and forced fumbles (three). Fuller fits more in the free safety role and has good ball skills to help create turnovers but also is solid in run defense up in the box with his tackling ability.
9
Geno Stone
Previous Team: Baltimore Ravens
Geno Stone spent his first three seasons as a core special teamer while slowly working his way onto the field but because of injuries, he started in 11 games in 2023, which is three more than the combined starts he had in the last two years. He finished with career highs in tackles (68), pass defenses (nine), and interceptions (seven). Stone is primarily a free safety and doesn’t offer the versatility to play closer to the line but can provide the competition and depth the safety group needs.
10
DeShon Elliott
Previous Team: Miami Dolphins
One player I like who has starting experience to add some quality depth at safety is DeShon Elliott. In this past season with the Miami Dolphins, he had 82 tackles, a TFL, a fumble recovery, and an interception and set a career-high with seven pass defenses. Elliott is capable of pushing for a starting role and is a sure tackler in the backend of the defense.
