The Indianapolis Colts were named a “potential landing spot” for top free agent safety Talanoa Hufanga by Pro Football Focus.
The need at the safety position is obvious for the Colts. For one, at a minimum, depth is needed with only Nick Cross, Rodney Thomas, and Marcel Dabo currently under contract for the 2025 season.
But in addition to that, improved play is a must as well. In several key pass defense categories, like completion rate, pass deflections, and yards per pass attempt allowed, the Colts ranked in the bottom of 10 of the NFL.
“We’ve got to get better,” said GM Chris Ballard about the cornerback and safety positions.
Injuries have unfortunately been apart of Hufanga’s previous two seasons. In 2024, he appeared in only seven games, which included an IR stint due to a wrist injury. And in 2023, he played in only 10 games.
Throughout his career, Hufanga has proven to be a sound run defender and a reliable tackler. In coverage, he’s limited opponents to 10.1 yards per catch and totaled seven interceptions between the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Most of Hufanga’s snaps have come at free safety, which would allow Cross to primarily stay at strong safety where he played in 2024. Although Hufanga has plenty of experience playing in the box as well.
Hufanga was named a first team All-Pro in 2022.
“In Cincinnati, Anarumo ran a variety of coverages — a nearly identical rate of open and closed coverages — to varying degrees of success,” wrote PFF. “Hufanga is familiar with a variety of coverage looks, having played heavy rates of single-high and two-high looks.”
The Colts currently have over $28 million in available cap space, which ranks 18th in the NFL–although they have the ability to create more room if needed. Hufanga’s projected contract by PFF is a two-year deal worth $12.5 million.
If Chris Ballard does intend to increase the competition on the roster this offseason, then that means being more willing to explore free agent options.