5 Free Agent Defenders That Will Assist Colts In Each Position

The Indianapolis Colts defense saw both highs and lows in 2023.

They made statements to the league, both favorable and negative, with a few veterans, a lot of youth, and potential that was still developing.

On the plus side, the squad recorded the most sacks in the Indianapolis era, with 51, thanks to a diverse pass-rushing approach. They also shown that linebackers E.J. Speed and Zaire Franklin have the potential to be one of the greatest in the NFL.

On the other hand, despite their youth and potential, rookies such as JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones were forced to shoulder greater defensive responsibility than they had anticipated. Combine this with ineffective safety play (without Julian Blackmon), and you get a horrible performance against opposing offenses (28th in points allowed per game-24.4).

With free agency approaching, it’s time to look into who the Colts could realistically sign on the defensive side of the ball. As with the offensive piece, each position designation will be assigned a free agent to whom Chris Ballard may offer a deal.

Dorance Armstrong, the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive end, has sack figures that suggest he could be a starter. However, Armstrong was a more in-depth piece. Armstrong, like Tyquan Lewis, specializes in pressing quarterbacks. Where he differs from Lewis is that he nearly increased the number of sacks in 2023 (7.5 versus 4.0).

If Indianapolis wants to add to their already powerful pass rush, Armstrong is an excellent choice. Even if Indy re-signs Lewis, the team should explore adding Armstrong. According to Spotrac, he recently signed a two-year, $12 million contract with an average of $6 million per year. If his next transaction is similar, Indy should be able to complete it. Having a man with 16 sacks (8.5 in 2022) over two years as a rotating piece would be a huge boost at a low cost.

The Colts boast a powerful defensive interior duo in DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Stewart, who is still without a contract, missed six games in 2023 due to suspension. Stewart’s absence exposed a major weakness in Indianapolis’ defense: stopping the run, particularly up the middle.

Whether it was Taven Bryan or Eric Johnson II, Stewart demonstrated even more value by simply remaining off the field. Bryan and Johnson both had limited ability to stop the run. What Indianapolis needs is consistency behind Stewart to stop the running game. Shelby Harris speaks too much sense.

Harris has spent nine years in the league and was a competent run defender for the Cleveland Browns in 2023. Harris had a 68.5 grade from Pro Football Focus for his run defense. Not only that, but he has an above-average pass rush, with a 75.6 rating. Harris would be a bargain, with a roughly equal contract to Bryan, who disappointed. With Harris’ signing, the Colts would no longer have to worry about missing a beat when Stewart takes a rest.

The Colts’ linebacker tandem of Speed and Franklin is an excellent starting combination. Even Ronnie Harrison Jr. and Segun Olubi showed athleticism and moments of consistency on the field. But if Indianapolis wants to acquire another covering linebacker, Josey Jewell may meet the bill.

The main drawback to this option is that Jewell may want to start wherever he joins, but he is also approaching the age of thirty. Spotrac has an estimated market worth of $7.6 million each year, but this figure could be lower. Jewell might push Olubi and even get more consistent snaps, assisting Speed and Franklin in coverage. Neither was better than Jewell in 2023 as a cover linebacker for the Denver Broncos.

It may appear that the signing puts pressure on Speed and Franklin, but it is not. Jewell joining Indy would diversify the defensive looks and provide another talented coverage linebacker to compliment Speed and Franklin.

Indy’s defense in 2023 had a clear weakness: its young secondary. Veteran Kenny Moore II had an outstanding season, but he was the only seasoned cornerback in Gus Bradley’s scheme. While Brents had a high ceiling and Jones exceeded seventh-round predictions, Indianapolis still required a top-tier cornerback. Kendall Fuller could be Ballard’s greatest free-agent signing yet.

It’s worth noting that Dallis Flowers, a second-year defensive back, was performing well prior to his season-ending Achilles injury, which ended his season after four games. Even with Flowers back, Fuller adds efficiency, expertise, and results to a defense that complements him brilliantly. In 2023, with the Washington Commanders, he earned 79 tackles, two interceptions, and the top PFF defensive (83.1) and coverage grade (82.8) on the whole roster.

According to Spotrac, his annual net worth is approximately $13.6 million. It may sound painful, but Fuller is worth every penny. He’s still under 30 years old and presumably has a few more years in his peak. Why not aid Moore with a young secondary that is sure to pick up a future cornerback in the 2024 NFL draft?

The Colts’ safety position is currently undetermined. While strong safety Blackmon is coming off his best season, he is also a free agency. Indy would be wise to keep Blackmon on the strong side while adding one of the numerous quality safeties available on the free side. Rodney Thomas II shown he is only a backup, while Nick Cross showed promise but remains a question mark. Indianapolis would be wise to sign former Notre Dame defender Alohi Gilman before anyone else does.

Gilman isn’t one of the most well-known free agent safety prospects, but he’s one of the most consistent and promising. While the Los Angeles Chargers would want to keep him, they are in a terrible cap scenario and must let go of guys. Ballard needs to swoop in and land Gilman.

Gilman excelled in coverage, earning an impressive 89.2 grade per PFF. He also excels at run defense and secures tackles (73 in 2023). Gilman was everywhere for the Chargers, recording ten passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Signing Gilman makes sense given his age, development over four years, and trajectory. While he is a future star, he will not make a lot of money. Given that names like Justin Simmons, Quandre Diggs, and Xavier McKinney are on the market, Indianapolis could sign Gilman to a fair contract and ensure Cross is the future at the position. This addition also adds a potential breakout talent to the defense, which need covering support.