The Miami Dolphins officially announce a four-year, $90 million pact. A three-year contract has officially been agreed to by the Indianapolis Colts and All-Pro Bowler, a former All-Pro cornerback, though

The Colts still have a need in the defensive backfield. What options remain in Free Agency to fill it?

2 weeks into the 2024 NFL Free Agency, and the Colts still have an estimated $22.4—$23 million in cap space remaining. With the biggest domino in the Defensive Back market falling in the recent L’Jarius Sneed trade, there could be moves in the horizon for NFL teams looking for help in the secondary.

But who is remaining? Let’s dive into a list of potential Colts free agent Defensive Back targets:

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Justin Simmons | S

The Belle of the Safety ball, Justin Simmons is the top remaining Defensive Back in Free Agency. The 30 year old Safety has enjoyed an 8 year career entirely with the Denver Broncos so far, being a 2nd team All Pro Safety in 4 of the last 5. However after the Broncos decided to move on from Russell Wilson and take the largest dead cap hit in NFL History, Simmons became a cap casualty.

The star Safety thrives predominantly as a Free Safety, but has also accumulated over 2000 snaps in the box and over 1000 in the slot. Versatility is certainly his strong suit. Playing in a very smart and instinctual manner, Simmons is very adept at reading QBs and flying to the football. Since 2019 he leads all Safeties in Passes Defended (51) and INTs (23). Combine his coverage abilities at multiple alignments and schemes with reliable yet hard hitting tackling in his sturdy run defense? There’s a lot to love about Simmons’ game

 

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NFL Network’s Nick Shook even listed the Colts as the best fit for Justin Simmons. For a franchise looking to add a playmaker, leader, and mentor in the back end of the Defense, it’s hard not to see the fit. He still looks like a top 10 Safety in the NFL in 2023, and in 2022 he had a very strong case as the best with 6 INTs in just 12 games. Even as he enters his age 31 season, there still looks to be very good football ahead for Simmons in the next few years.

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Quandre Diggs, S

Diggs is another Safety target that could interest the Colts. The 2020-2022 Pro Bowler has the 8th most Passes Defended among Safeties and the 3rd most INTs since 2020. While 2023 saw a regression in Diggs, the 31 year old Safety was arguably one of the most consistent Safeties in the previous 4 seasons. Predominantly a Free Safety, Diggs patrols the back of the Defense well.

A vocal and outspoken player, Diggs is unafraid to hold teammates and his teams accountable while at the same time mentoring younger players. His playmaking abilities and veteran leadership were noted as being very helpful for Seattle’s corners Devon Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen’s rookie seasons the last 2 years.

There are reports of mutual interest between Diggs and the Colts, and Diggs has interacted positively with Colts players such as Zaire Franklin recently. Could he be the most likely candidate to join the Colts?

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Tashaun Gipson, S

Gipson is the Oldest potential target on this list at the age of 33 but don’t let that fool you, he still looks like a very good rangy Safety at his age. Playing predominantly as a Free Safety (though moving to the box and slot at times as well), Gipson ranked 23rd/102 Safeties in 2023 in coverage. With Gus Bradley liking to use a 3 Safety rotation, Gipson could have an opportunity to have a similar snap count and role as he did for the vaunted 49ers defense the last two years to help keep him fresh.