WESTFIELD, Ind. – At some point, a decision will be made. Must be made.
What to do at free safety?
The Indianapolis Colts insist they aren’t there, yet.
Training camp is winding down at Grand Park Sports Campus. Three practices remain: a one-hour session on Friday followed by joint practices on Wednesday and Thursday evening with the Arizona Cardinals.
At that point, clarity must be achieved. We would argue the fact the Colts still are evaluating their personnel options – Nick Cross, Rodney Thomas II, Ronnie Harrison Jr., even Julian Blackmon, their no-question starting strong safety – is a clear indication there’s a lingering problem.
Listen to defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. Normally, coordinators are adept at sidestepping persistent issues, or at least disguising their severity with the Sept. 8 season opener against Houston looming.
At what point do you try to stabilize free safety?
“As soon as someone consistently steps up,’’ he said. “I will say this, the last about seven, eight days we’ve seen . . . that position elevate. That’s what we were kind of hoping, create a lot of competition there and then just see the cream comes to the top.’’
Cross probably has taken the most reps at free safety with the 1s. But Bradley has mixed in Thomas and Harrison, and even made certain to get Blackmon some reps, just in case.
“But I don’t think we’re any time close right now,’’ Bradley said.
Did we mention the Colts open the season on Sept. 8? Against C.J. Stroud and the Texans? Stroud exploited Indy’s vulnerability at free safety in the 2023 season finale at Lucas Oil Stadium and left Indy with the AFC South championship.
The 23-19 loss started with Stroud’s 75-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins on Houston’s first offensive snap. Collins was split wide left and beat cornerback JuJu Brents off the line. But there was absolutely no deep help from Cross, who was making just his second start of the season at free safety.
Bradley was asked what Cross needed to do to secure the starting spot heading into this season.
“With all of them, we’re asking them to be playmakers back there and then consistent play,’’ he said. “The other 10 guys have got to look back there and trust that they’re going to be where they’re supposed to be, when they’re supposed to be there and when they are, they make plays.’’
While Blackmon has been one of the consistent defensive standouts – add rookie Laiatu Latu to that list – Cross has had good moments and not-so-good moments.
One practice, he dove in front of tight end Kylen Granson for an interception in the end zone. In another, he tackled or at least made contact with wideout Josh Downs resulting in Downs suffering a high sprain to his left ankle that jeopardizes his availability for the opener.
“We’ve gotta be smart,’’ coach Shane Steichen said after the Downs’ injury.
Ed Dobbs, the Colts’ assistant general manager, conceded the free safety dilemma might linger until at least the next few preseason games.
The Colts open the preseason Sunday against Denver at Lucas Oil Stadium.
“I think we’ve got to get to the games because we’re just trying to find the best combination to get all the best people out there at the same time,’’ Dodds said Wednesday.
“Julian’s obviously made plays, Nick’s done some good things, Rodney has and so has Ronnie. It’s figuring not just the best combination of two guys, but which guy at free and which at strong . . . there’s just different things stressed out of either one of those positions. We’ve just got to keep watching them.’’
Right now, free safety is the weak link on an otherwise solid roster. Considering the position and responsibilities, it’s a weakness that could threaten the Colts’ pursuit of their first division title since 2014 or first playoff berth since 2020.
General manager Chris Ballard didn’t rule out adding a veteran when he met with the media as camp opened in late July.
But that clearly wasn’t his preference, and no move has been made despite the inability of anyone on the roster to secure the position.
“We like our young players,’’ Ballard said. “And I’m not saying we won’t do something. We definitely could, but I want to see these young guys get after it and compete.’’
While the Colts continue to search for the answer internally, the veteran free-agent market thins.
Earlier this week, three-time Pro Bowler Quandre Diggs signed a one-year, $3 million contract with AFC South rival Tennessee. In July, the Titans signed Jamal Adams to a one-year $1.125 million deal.
Justin Simmons reportedly visited with the New Orleans Saints this week, although no contract resulted.
The price to add an experienced safety will be relatively minimal. The time for fat contracts has passed.
Standing pat and looking for answers in September, October and beyond is foolhardy.
Where’s Mike Adams when you need him?
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.