The Indianapolis Colts are need of help in the secondary and some good news for them in that regard–if they’re willing to go down this path–is that this year’s free agency class has a lot of top talent.
“We’ve got to get better,” said Chris Ballard about the cornerback and safety positions.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen recently put together his top 50 free agents for the 2025 offseason and included are 13 defensive backs–the most of any position group.
Some of the names at the top of that list include CB DJ Reed, CB Charvarius Ward, S Tre’von Moehrig, and CB Byron Murphy Jr.
A positive from the 2024 season in the secondary was the growth we did see from Nick Cross and Jaylon Jones. Ballard landing Samuel Womack on waivers prior to the season provided some help as well.
However, overall, the Colts’ secondary still did not play well enough this past year. In yards per pass attempt allowed, pass deflections, opponent passer rating, and completion rate, Indianapolis ranked in the bottom 10 of the NFL in all four categories.
Hopefully providing a boost for the secondary will be new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, whose scheme, which does a good job of disguising coverages, has resulted in some productive Cincinnati secondary units over the years.
But, while important, that’s only part of the equation. Ballard’s willingness to bring in outside talent can help this group make a fast turnaround as well.
Now, I’m sure the big question is, will Ballard have a change of heart when it comes to free agency?
Based on his season-ending press conference, it does sound like things will be different, although Ballard didn’t provide any specifics into what that might look like.
What he did say was his roster construction approach in 2024, which included almost no roster turnover from a non-playoff team in 2023, was a “mistake.”
The emphasis this offseason is on adding more competition throughout the roster to raise the level of play and fight off complacency. In theory, that means utilizing free agency to bring in outside help. But whether or not that happens remains to be seen, but when it comes to secondary help, there will be players available.
In terms of cap space, the Colts have $28.4 million in cap room, which ranks 18th in the NFL. They do have the ability to create more space if needed.
