Colts Link to Rival DB in NFL Free Agency

The Indianapolis Colts may lose safety Julian Blackmon in free agency.

However, the Colts are reportedly considering replacing Blackmon with a rival defensive back. On March 1, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz named New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger as Indianapolis’ most crucial free agent signing this offseason.

“Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley loves a hard-hitting strong safety, from Kam Chancellor in Seattle to Derwin James Jr. with the Chargers,” Schatz wrote in an email. “That’s a position where the Colts can improve, especially because Julian Blackmon is a free agent.

“Dugger is a skilled, strong defender who fits the run effectively; his average run tackle came after a gain of only 4.5 yards, one of the lowest totals of any NFL safety last season. He can even cover tight ends if necessary. He would benefit the Colts’ defense, which finished 20th in DVOA last season, including 24th against the run.

It’s worth noting that Schatz authored his article under a few distinct rules. For the article, he chose one free agent each team and one team per free agent. So Dugger isn’t the Colts’ most crucial free agency option. According to Schatz, he is Indianapolis’ most significant option that is not more important to any other team.

Dugger began his NFL career as the Patriots’ second-round pick in 2020. He started seven games as a rookie before becoming a regular starter at safety in 2021. In 61 games, Dugger has 343 combined tackles, including 17 for loss and 9 quarterback hits. He has also made 20 pass defenses, nine interceptions, and 2.5 sacks.

He started 52 of his 61 games. Dugger returned two interceptions for touchdowns during the 2022 season. The Colts have six safeties under contract heading into free agency, but only two of them will play defensive snaps in 2023. Furthermore, Nick Cross, one of the team’s two safeties, only played only 25% of the defensive snaps.

Given the Colts’ need for additional secondary depth and salary cap flexibility, it would be surprising if they did not address safety in some manner this summer. According to Spotrac, the Colts have $73.9 million in salary cap room. As of March 1, this was the fifth-highest total in the NFL.