Colts could sign Pro Bowl free agent to fortify biggest need

When it comes to the Indianapolis Colts roster, there aren't many starting roles readily available.

However, there's one free agent available on the market who would easily fortify the team's biggest need going into training camp.

As he bides his time in free agency, Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons is exactly what the Colts need to quell any concerns about the secondary.

Coming off his second Pro Bowl nod in 2023, Simmons is available not because of a lack of talent. The Denver Broncos needed to save some money against the salary cap this offseason, which meant Simmons was a casualty as a result.

Since the start of the 2020 season, no player has had more interceptions than Simmons (19). That includes both safeties and cornerbacks. His 36 passes defensed during that span rank second among NFL safeties behind only Jessie Bates III (38).

The 30-year-old may not be in the prime of his career, but he's still playing at an extremely high level as a back-end defender.

Both the present and the future of the Colts safety position have question marks. They re-signed Julian Blackmon to a one-year deal this offseason as the strong safety. He's never made it through a full season while showing some promise as a key piece.

The Colts have a competition between a pair of third-year defenders at free safety between Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas II. The former is currently the favorite to win the job, but he's yet to prove he can put it together for an entire campaign.

Simmons would give the Colts an immediate high-end option in Gus Bradley's defense while allowing Cross and Thomas to further develop their games as depth pieces.

Money also isn't an issue for the Colts. They are in a strong standing with the salary cap, holding roughly $25.9 million going into training camp.

The Colts may feel comfortable with the youth movement in the secondary, but Simmons could be a perfect match to help bring the defense over the top in 2024.