Indianapolis Colts leave door open to sign veteran DB in free agency

Outside of taking a pair of Day 3 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts did little to add more depth and competition to the secondary.

General manager Chris Ballard has made it clear they want to see the young players compete at training camp, which has led to a lack of additions in the secondary — for better or worse.

Though he left the door open to adding a veteran free agent, it seems the focus is on the young players at the start of camp.

“We like our young players, and I’m not saying we won’t do something. We definitely could, but I want to see these young guys get after it and compete," Ballard told reporters Wednesday.

It seems unlikely the Colts are going to make a splash signing in the form of safeties Justin Simmons or Quandre Diggs. There's also cornerback Stephon Gilmore available on the market, but a reunion seems unlikely as well.

The cornerback room features plenty of young talent that needs to be developed. JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones are the projected starters going into their second seasons with Kenny Moore II reprising his role as the nickel defender.

The safety room is the bigger concern, though. Julian Blackmon re-signed on a one-year deal and while he's shown talent, injuries have resulted in a theme of unreliability. The battle between Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas II will be a crucial one, but both players must prove they can provide consistent production.

The start of training camp might give the Colts a better idea of what moves they need to make, but odds are they roll into the season with what they have.