Colts can steal one of the NFL's most underrated free agents at a position of need for 2025 and it's a move they need to make

The Indianapolis Colts' decision to hire Lou Anarumo as their new defensive coordinator is a drastic change from the system they ran under Gus Bradley. The most significant shift is in the secondary due to Anarumo being more creative with his coverage calls. As a result, the team's need at the corner seems even larger entering […]

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
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Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen looks up before the start of the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
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The Indianapolis Colts' decision to hire Lou Anarumo as their new defensive coordinator is a drastic change from the system they ran under Gus Bradley. The most significant shift is in the secondary due to Anarumo being more creative with his coverage calls. As a result, the team's need at the corner seems even larger entering the 2025 season.

The need for speed and the ability to play man at a higher rate makes this offseason seem different from years past. Adding veterans in the secondary seems to be a high priority. Luckily for them, there's an underrated player in this class at the position who they could land on a value. 


The Colts should target Saints free agent CB Paulson Adebo when free agency kicks off in March

Sep 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo (29) intercepts a ball intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Brooks (not pictured) during the first half at AT&T Stadium.
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"Paulson Adebo has been one of the most unique players at his position in recent years. At his peak, he's played at a Pro Bowl level. At other times, he's been a liability due to penalties. There seemed to be very little in between for the cornerback. A great characteristic is that he had a knack for somehow coming up with an interception in clutch moments.

The cornerback played only seven games in 2024, but that's a freaky injury, more than a lingering issue, and the contract projection makes him an intriguing option."

A to Z Sports' best values for NFL free agency 

The Saints drafted Paulson Adebo out of Stanford in the 3rd round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact for the Saints, starting all 17 games in 2021 and recording three interceptions and eight pass deflections. After an off year in 2022, he had the best year of his career in 2023, with a career-high four interceptions and 18 pass deflections. And he was on pace to shatter those numbers in 2024 before he suffered an injury after just seven games to end his season prematurely. Adebo recorded three interceptions and 10 pass deflections through just seven games. 

Adebo has a gift for making plays on the ball, which would be a very welcomed skill in the Colts' secondary. He has solid speed at the position; back during his draft process, he ran a 4.45 40-yard dash and ran a 6.69 three-cone. If the Colts signed him, he would immediately be the team's top outside corner, and I think the door would still be open for the team to target a corner early in the 2025 NFL Draft. This would completely overhaul their outside corner room and help Anarumo's defense get off to a fast start in 2025.