Over the weeks, we will be taking a closer look at potential free agent candidates for the Indianapolis Colts.
Let’s start with the cornerback position and the New Orleans Saints, Paulson Adebo.
Adebo was recently selected as an “underrated” free agent to watch at the cornerback position this offseason.
Unfortunately, his 2024 season ended after only seven games due to a broken femur. However, between the 2023 and 2024 seasons, which spanned 22 games, Adebo allowed a completion rate of just 58% and 13.8 yards per catch.
He’s also had really good ball production during that span with seven interceptions and 18 pass breakups, bringing a playmaking presence to the secondary. Opposing quarterbacks have a passer rating of just 68.5 as well.
The need at cornerback for the Colts is obvious. As GM Chris Ballard said, Indianapolis has to get better in the secondary. Collectively in 2024, the Colts’ pass defense ranked in the bottom third of football in completion rate, passer rating, pass deflections, and yards per pass attempt allowed.
With Adebo’s play-style, a defensive coordinator who is willing to rely more on man coverage will “surley value,” as PFF put it, having Adebo at the cornerback position. But with that play-style has come penalties. Adebo was penalized nine times in 2024 alone and some big plays allowed.
Under new Colts’ defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, as Horseshoe Huddle’s Zach Hicks noted in a recent article, we are going to see more man coverage looks from Indianapolis this season.
With Anarumo’s scheme also emphasizing versatility and relying on the ability to disguise coverages, an experienced addition at cornerback and/or safety could provide more value to the Colts than a rookie would.
Adebo is the 11th ranked cornerback on PFF’s free agency big board and the 87th ranked free agent overall. PFF is projecting that Adebo lands a three-year deal worth $40 million, including $25 million guaranteed.