3 available free agents that could still help the Colts' defense if they signed them before training camp
The Indianapolis Colts shocked their fan base by being significantly more active in free agency than they have been in recent memory. They added CB Charvarius Ward and S Cam Bynum during the early stages of free agency to reshape their defense. They still have some obvious holes that could be filled if they choose to […]
The Indianapolis Colts shocked their fan base by being significantly more active in free agency than they have been in recent memory.
They added CB Charvarius Ward and S Cam Bynum during the early stages of free agency to reshape their defense. They still have some obvious holes that could be filled if they choose to do so, and fortunately, there are some solid options that would be a great fit.
Defensive free agents the Colts could benefit from signing
Za'Darius Smith, Edge
First up would be a bit of luxury signing, but I think it would elevate their defense. Edge rusher Za'Darius Smith is still a free agent and is coming off a successful year with the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, where he finished with nine sacks and 17 QB hits. He would give the Colts a higher floor pass rusher that would stand out above players like Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam, who is coming off a torn Achilles. He would also be a solid veteran who has recorded three seasons with at least ten sacks in his career, from whom Laiatu Latu could learn. The Colts seem deep at edge rusher, but they definitely kicked the tires on a trade for Trey Hendrickson, so I don't think signing Smith would be out of the question.
Ja'Whaun Bentley, LB
The thinnest and weakest position group on the Colts' defense is linebacker. The room is led by All-Pro and Pro Bowl LB Zaire Franklin, but after they don't have anyone behind him who has extensive starting experience. One of the best options still available on the market is former New England Patriots LB Ja'Whaun Bentley. The Patriots drafted him in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He has started 68 games over that span, 64 of them coming since 2020. Bentley is a solid run stopper and has shown off his ability to rush the passer in recent years by recording 7.5 sacks during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. This past year, he only played in two games before a torn pec ended his season. The Patriots elected to move on from Bentley this offseason, which shocked many around the league. Him still being available probably means teams have questions about his recovery from that injury.
Stephon Gilmore, CB
The Colts are going to have multiple young players battling to be their second starting outside CB opposite of Charvarius Ward. If they wanted to raise the floor of that position with a one year veteran stopgap, Stephon Gilmore is probably their best option. Gilmore spent a year with the team in 2022, and he left a lasting impact on the roster with both his play on the field and leadership in the locker room. He is nearing the end of his career, and probably wouldn't be as productive as he was the last time he was with the Colts, but he also wouldn't have to worry about facing opposing teams' best WR, with Ward set to travel with top targets this season. Gilmore recently went out of his way to give a strong endorsement for the Colts' new ownership, so maybe he'd be open to another stint in Indianapolis to end his career.
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