Colts Urged to Sign ‘Hard-Hitting’ Defender Projected to Make $66 Million

The Indianapolis Colts need to find a new starting safety now that Julian Blackmon is about to enter free agency. As a result, Aaron Schatz of ESPN believes the Colts should pursue pending free agent safety Kyle Dugger.

“Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley adores a hard-hitting strong safety, from Kam Chancellor in Seattle to Derwin James Jr. with the Chargers.

“That’s a position where the Colts can improve, especially since Julian Blackmon is a free agent,” Schatz wrote on March 1. “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.

What You Should Know About Kyle Dugger.
Dugger, 27, was drafted in the second round (37th overall) by the New England Patriots in 2020 from Division II Lenoir-Rhyne.

During his four seasons in New England, Dugger established himself as a physical safety with versatility. During that time, he played more than 160 snaps in the box (1,564), slot (608), free safety (577), corner (202), and defensive line (167).

According to Spotrac, Dugger’s predicted market worth is $66.2 million over four years, or an average annual value (AAV) of $16.5 million. He stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 222 pounds. According to Over The Cap, that type of contract would place Dugger as the NFL’s fourth-highest-paid safety in terms of AAV.

Does Kyle Dugger Make Sense for the Colts?
If Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley is looking for a hard-hitting safety to replace the vacuum left by Blackmon (if the Colts do not retain Blackmon), Dugger fits the bill.

Dugger is a versatile defender who can provide physicality to Indianapolis’ defense while also boosting the team’s run defense, which suffered last year. And with $72 million in cap space this offseason, the Colts can afford a costly signing like Dugger.

Users on X, formerly Twitter, discussed the Colts’ safety room as they prepare for free agency.

“My mentions today have made me aware that many fans appear to believe the #Colts safety room is better than it is,” Destin Adams of A to Z Sports commented. “If they lost Blackmon they’d immediately have one of the worst safety duos in the entire league.”

“I would argue (the Colts have the) worst (safety room) in the league,” another user commented. “Rodney Thomas II had one of the worst seasons in recent years.

We need to add a vet and a draftee to S, in addition to Julian. It is that awful. I’d like the kid from California to make an instant contribution to ST.”

“What does all in for Ballard look like to a Colts fan. What does he need to do to satisfy you. For me, it’s about vet safety and CB. “That’s it,” another person wrote.

“The depth in 2023 at safety was hot garbage,” another user commented. “The Colts need to re-sign Blackmon, while also continuing to develop their younger men, and sign Tashaun Gipson Sr (another strong veteran) Consider signing a safety for a one-year contract at a low cost and drafting one in the first four rounds.

Devon Clements writes about the Kansas City Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts for Heavy.com. A native of New England, he has been covering the NFL since 2017. Previous publications include USA Today’s Sports Media Group and Sports Illustrated. More on Devon Clements.