Colts mistakingly made no contract offer to Pro Bowl free agent

Despite growing concerns in the secondary, the Indianapolis Colts opted against pursuing one of the biggest names on the market.

Two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons has been available on the market since March, but the Colts are going to live and die by their young safety room.

After Simmons agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons worth $7.5 million and $500,000 in incentives, it was revealed the Colts never even made an offer, according to Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star .

Considering their strong standing with the salary cap , the Colts could have easily pulled this deal off. It would have helped shore up their biggest need — one that continues to be a concern as the season approaches.

With third-year safeties Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas II battling it out for the starting free safety role, neither has truly pulled away in the competition. Though, most reports lean toward Cross winning the battle at this point.

Adding Simmons would alleviate those concerns. Sure, there would be a ramp-up period needed, but Simmons has been one of the most productive free safeties in the NFL over the last few seasons.

Relying so heavily on unproven assets could be what keeps the Colts defense from being among the best units in the league. They already lost top edge rusher Samson Ebukam to a torn Achilles , which could have an impact on the secondary if the pass rush isn't as consistent.

The Colts could have made this deal and barring a surprise breakout from one of their young safeties, they'll likely look back wishing they had.

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