Among the biggest positional needs that the Indianapolis Colts have to address this offseason is at safety.
The need for the Colts at this position is two-fold. For one, they just need more depth with only Nick Cross, Rodney Thomas, and Marcel Dabo under contract for the 2025 season.
But in addition to that, improved play is very much needed as well, which GM Chris Ballard pointed out during his season-ending press conference–again.
“We’ve got to get better,” said general manager Chris Ballard about the Colts’ secondary as a whole during his end of season press conference.
While we did see Nick Cross take a step forward as the team’s strong safety in 2024, the overall production from the secondary just wasn’t there for the Colts. Indianapolis would rank in the bottom third of the NFL in completion rate, yards per pass attempt, passer rating, and pass deflections.
Lou Anarumo’s disguise-heavy defensive scheme can hopefully lead to improved play on the back end, but Ballard needs to infuse competition and added talent on to the roster as well this offseason.
From a salary cap perspective, the Colts have just over $28 million in available space. This likely won’t be enough to get through an entire offseason, but they do have the ability to create more room.
With help from Pro Football Focus’ free agent rankings, here are the top available options at safety:
Jevon Holland, Dolphins
Playing alongside of Cross, Holland could fill the free safety role. Throughout his career, he’s been a reliable tackler and run defender, and has had solid ball production with six interceptions and 13 pass breakups in his first three NFL seasons from 2021-2023.
PFF’s projected contract: 4 years, $98 million
Talanoa Hufanga, 49ers
Injuries have limited Hufanga to just 17 games over the last two seasons. Over his career, Hufanga has been stout against the run and has limited pass catchers to only 10.1 yards per reception. He would total seven interceptions between the 2022 and 2023 seasons as well.
PFF’s projected contract: 2 years, $25 million
Camryn Bynum, Vikings
Bynum could slide right into that deep safety role with the Colts. During his first four seasons in Minnesota, Bynum has produced eight interceptions and 14 pass breakups. He’s also routinely graded out as a very good run defender and tackler as well. Opposing quarterbacks have a below-average passer rating when targeting him.
PFF’s projected contract: 3 years – $42.75 million