The Colts and free agent Justin Simmons have had exploratory conversations, per sources

The Indianapolis Colts have begun training camp, and multiple players are getting their shot at running with the first-team defense at free safety.

After eight practices, no player has clearly separated himself from the pack, and the position continues to look like the team's biggest weakness.

As a result, sources tell A to Z Sports that the Colts and free agent safety Justin Simmons have had exploratory conversations as recently as late last week.

Simmons is a four-time second-team All-Pro who recorded 30 interceptions during his eight-year career with the Denver Broncos. His career high came in 2022, when he led the NFL with six interceptions, even though he only played in 12 games. While his production took a dip in 2023, he still ended the year with three interceptions, eight pass deflections, and 70 total tackles in 15 games.

If the Colts can finalize a deal with Simmons, it would be a massive get for the team, drastically improving the outlook of the team's secondary and their defense as a whole. It could also lead to Julian Blackmon taking yet another step forward as a player, due to Simmons being heads and shoulders better than any safety Blackmon has played with.

What would the Colts need to pay Justin Simmons?

We've seen a few veteran safeties sign fairly recently, with the Tennessee Titans landing Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs and Marcus Maye signing with the Miami Dolphins. All three of these deals were for only one season, and Diggs ended up with the largest salary at $3 million per year. I think whoever lands Simmons will end up paying a larger price tag.

My prediction would be a one to two-year contract that totals Simmons six to ten million dollars a year. For the Colts, I think they would be wise to offer a two-year contract that they could heavily front load. Something along the lines of a two-year deal worth $18 million, and I'd be willing to put up to $13 million in year one of the contract.

The likelihood that the Colts sign Justin Simmons

Sources tell A to Z Sports that multiple teams have been in contact with Simmons, and no deal is imminent at this time between Simmons and the Colts, but conversations have been "Very fruitful." The Colts have just under $25 million in cap space for the 2024 season. At the end of the day for a deal to happen Simmons has to pick the Colts over a number of interested teams, but this is a no brainer for Indianapolis and they should be aggressive in their pursuit to add the talented veteran safety to their their young secondary.

Related: Fans aren't overreacting: The Colts have to make a move at safety

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