The Indianapolis Colts have a major question mark at the quarterback position, as Anthony Richardson still hasn’t shown enough to project as a potential franchise quarterback. As a result, much of the Colts’ future depends on his performance this upcoming season.
With both the offensive and defensive units needing work, the Colts have a plethora of options to invest in. However, one analyst believes there is a key position where Indianapolis’ depth is extremely lacking, and a potential answer remains available on the free-agent market.
Indianapolis Colts Predicted To Sign a 4-Time All-Pro To Address Depth
For a team that was a borderline playoff team last year, defense wasn’t a particularly bright spot. Ranking 23rd on PFSN’s Defense+ metric, their pass defense was far from a strength.
Even as the sixth-best rush EPA defense in the league, their work in the secondary, particularly at safety, left a lot to be desired. During free agency, they added both Camryn Bynum and Charvarius Ward to bolster their pass defense.
In the draft, they added Justin Walley in the third round and took a swing on Hunter Wohler in the seventh round. However, ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz believes the roster could still use help at safety due to its current makeup.
As a result, in his list of final offseason moves for each franchise, he urged the Colts to pursue Justin Simmons while breaking down Indianapolis’ depth chart:
“The Colts added Camryn Bynum from Minnesota as their new free safety, and they still have Nick Cross, who had 146 tackles last season. But Indianapolis could use some depth at the position since Daniel Scott has never seen the field in the regular season through two seasons, and Hunter Wohler is a seventh-round rookie.”
Schatz’s preferred choice is Simmons, who spent last season with the Atlanta Falcons and can still contribute at 31 years old. A two-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro selection, Simmons made three consecutive All-Pro teams before last season.
If he can regain that form, Simmons could be a bargain for Indianapolis as they try to return to the playoffs.
According to Schatz, Simmons’ signing would also benefit the coaching staff. “Simmons would also give Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo the ability to play three-safety packages.”
While the jury is still out on Richardson, the rest of the roster has steadily improved for the Colts. Simmons could be the next excellent addition to a team slowly brimming with talent and poised to become a perennial playoff contender.