5 Free Agent Defenders Who Can Help Colts at Each Position

The Indianapolis Colts defense has areas of need that free agency can remedy.

The Indianapolis Colts defense had its fair share of highs and lows in 2023. Comprising of a couple of veterans, a lot of youth, and talent still developing, they made statements to the league, both positive and negative. 

On the good side, the team accomplished the most sacks in the Indianapolis era with 51 through a varied pass-rushing approach. They also showed that linebackers E.J. Speed and Zaire Franklin could be one of the best duos at the position in the NFL. 

On the other side, while young and talented, rookies like JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones had to shoulder more defensive responsibilities than they were initially expected to. Pair this with inefficient safety play (minus Julian Blackmon), and you get a brutal showing consistently against opposing offenses (28th in points allowed per game-24.4). 

With free agency on the mind, it's time to see who the Colts could realistically sign on the defensive side of the ball. As in the offensive piece, each position designation will receive a free agent that Chris Ballard may consider inking a contract. 

Defensive End | Dorance Armstrong

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dorance Armstrong has sack numbers that seem like a potential starter variety. However, Armstrong was more of a depth piece. Similar to Tyquan Lewis, Armstrong is a specialist at pressuring the quarterback. Where he's different than Lewis is he almost doubled the number of sacks in 2023 (7.5 to Lewis' 4.0).

If Indianapolis wants to continue adding strong talent to their already solid pass rush, Armstrong is a great piece to put on the front. Even if Indy re-signs Lewis, they should still consider adding Armstrong. Per Spotrac, he is coming off a two-year, $12,000,000 deal, which averages $6 million annually. If his next deal is similar, Indy should get it done. To have a player with 16 sacks (8.5 in 2022) over two years as a rotational piece would be a massive addition at a bargain price. 

Defensive Tackle | Shelby Harris

The Colts have a dynamic tandem in the defensive interior with DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Stewart, who still needs a contract, missed six games in 2023 due to suspension. The absence of Stewart exposed a gaping weakness in Indy's defense: stopping the run, especially up the middle.

Whether it was Taven Bryan or Eric Johnson II, Stewart showed even more value by simply being off the field. Neither Bryan nor Johnson could halt the run with much capacity. What Indy needs is reliability behind Stewart to stop the ground game. Shelby Harris makes too much sense.

Harris has nine years in the league and was a solid run defender for the Cleveland Browns in 2023. Per Pro Football Focus, Harris had a 68.5 run defense grade. Not only that, but he brings the pass rush too, posting an above-average 75.6 mark. Harris would be a bargain and had a nearly identical contract to Bryan, who underperformed (Harris: one year; $3.5 million/Bryan: one year; $3.51 million). The Colts wouldn't have to worry about missing a beat when Stewart takes a breather any longer with a Harris acquisition. 

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Linebacker | Josey Jewell

The Colts have a great starting duo in Speed and Franklin at the linebacker position. Even Ronnie Harrison Jr. and Segun Olubi showcased athleticism and sparks of consistency at times when they saw the field. But if Indy wants to add another coverage linebacker, Josey Jewell could fit that goal. 

The only knock on this pick is that Jewell may want to start wherever he signs, but he's also on the doorstep of 30 years old. Spotrac has a market value of $7.6 million annually, but it might fall below this estimation. Jewell could push Olubi and even see more consistent snaps to give Speed and Franklin assistance in coverage. Neither was better than Jewell was in 2023 at being a cover linebacker for the Denver Broncos. 

It may seem like a signing that puts pressure on Speed and Franklin, but it isn't. Jewell coming to Indy would diversify the defensive looks and give Indy another talented coverage linebacker to complement Speed and Franklin.

Cornerback | Kendall Fuller

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The glaring weakness for Indy's defense in 2023 was the young secondary. Veteran Kenny Moore II had a phenomenal season but was the lone experienced corner in Gus Bradley's scheme. While Brents showed a high ceiling and Jones outperformed seventh-round expectations, Indy still showed they needed a top-level cornerback. It may be the biggest signing of free agency for Ballard, and it should be Kendall Fuller.

It's worth noting that second-year defensive back Dallis Flowers was playing well before his season-ending Achilles injury, ending his season at four games. Even with Flowers returning, Fuller brings efficiency, experience, and results to a defense that fits him perfectly. In 2023 with the Washington Commanders, the eight-year pro had 79 tackles, two interceptions, and the highest PFF defensive (83.1) and coverage grade (82.8) on the entire roster.

Per Spotrac, his worth is around $13.6 million annually. It may sound like it stings, but Fuller is worth every penny. He's still under 30 years old and likely has a couple more years of his prime left. Why not help Moore with a young secondary that is likely still grabbing a corner of the future in the 2024 NFL draft? 

Safety | Alohi Gilman

The safety position is up in the air at the current time for the Colts. While strong safety Blackmon is coming off his best career year, he's also a free agent. Indy would be wise to retain Blackmon on the strong side while signing one of the many talented safeties available to the free side. Rodney Thomas II showed he's merely a backup, while Nick Cross displayed promise but is still a question mark. Indy would be wise to grab former Notre Dame defender Alohi Gilman before someone else does.

Gilman isn't one of the biggest names available in free agency at safety, but he's one of the most consistent and promising under the radar. While the Los Angeles Chargers would probably like to keep him, they're in a horrific cap situation where they must let go of players. This is where Ballard needs to swoop in and land Gilman.

Gilman was outstanding in coverage, posting a fantastic 89.2 grade per PFF. He's also great in run defense and secures tackles (73 in 2023.) Gilman was everywhere for the Chargers, tallying 10 passes defended, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Looking at Gilman's age, development over four years, and trajectory, it only makes sense to sign him. While he has the potential to be a star, he won't make massive money. Given that names like Justin Simmons, Quandre Diggs, and Xavier McKinney populate the market, Indy could sign Gilman to something reasonable and bolster the free safety position. This addition also puts a potential breakout player on the defense that needs coverage help. 

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