Among the many changes Indianapolis Coltsgeneral manager Chris Ballard must make this offseason, being more aggressive in free agency is one of them.
Ballard has long been of the impression that overspending in free agency can derail a franchise. It got to the point last offseason that he signed just two outside free agents during the main free agency period — something he later admitted was the wrong move.
With Lou Anarumo coming in to replace Gus Bradley as defensive coordinator, finding the right players who fit his scheme will be vital.
Arguably the biggest need in that regard is finding a rangy, high-IQ safety to hold down the defensive backfield.
The top option on that list of players is Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland, a player that James Boyd of The Athletic believes the Colts should go after.
“The Dolphins’ 2021 second-round pick has emerged as a playmaker throughout his first four seasons, evidenced by his 25 pass breakups, five interceptions, five forced fumbles and five sacks,” Boyd wrote. “It’s worth repeating that whenever new Anaurmo’s defenses thrived in Cincinnati, it coincided with the team having a versatile and high-IQ safety on the backend. Holland fits the bill after playing under Brian Flores, Vic Fangio and Anthony Weaver in Miami, all of whom are well-respected DCs.”
The 24-year-old is currently projected to land a four-year, $60.2 million contract in free agency, per Spotrac. Ballard has always hesitated to bring in any player on that kind of contract, but it’s a move he may need to make.
The Colts have lacked serious top-end talent and leadership in the secondary over the course of recent seasons, and there’s a chance they’ll lose the oft-injured Julian Blackmon to free agency.
Holland would bring the type of leadership pedigree and production the Colts desperately need in the secondary if they are going to end their four-year playoff drought.
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