The Colts are refusing to sign one of the best defensive backs available in free agency.
The Indianapolis Colts had some obvious shortcomings even though they turned things around in 2023, winning nine games and missing the postseason by just a few plays. The main flaw was Indianapolis’s incapacity to thwart the pass. The Colts frequently gave up a lot of yards because of their young secondary and soft coverage scheme.
One of Indianapolis’ top priorities is to fix that. The next step for Indianapolis is to select the appropriate players to start on the field now that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley has been retained. Regretfully, Julian Blackmon and Kenny Moore II, the two most reliable players and veterans in the secondary, are about to become free agents. The Colts need to get them back inside the building if they want the secondary to get better.
While that will undoubtedly be the main focus, Indianapolis may also add a few more excellent veterans to aid in this group’s turnaround. In a recent article for CBS Sports, Cody Benjamin predicted where some of the best free agents in the playoffs would end up. According to the article, safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson of the Detroit Lions is expected to sign with the Colts.
Colts designated as Chauncey Gardner-Johnson’s landing spot
Although Gardner-Johnson has shown to be a fantastic fit for Detroit, Benjamin referred to the seasoned safety as “a mercenary” who is “likely to test the market.” Playing in back-to-back NFC Championship games this season with the Lions and last year with the Philadelphia Eagles, Gardner-Johnson is also regarded as a difference maker.
Would his time in Philadelphia with Shane Steichen bring him to Indianapolis? He’s definitely someone the Colts could use, but he might not be their first choice. It makes sense that Indianapolis would attempt to re-sign Julian Blackmon and Kenny Moore II initially. Nick Cross, a young safety on the Indianapolis roster, is also highly valued by the team. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson will land somewhere else if the Colts can keep their players in the building.
