The Colts came out of the draft with three rookie cornerbacks, but the position is still a concern given the trio’s inexperience.
Now, the group is thinner than ever and could pose a big problem for a defense that was among the least effective in the NFL last season.
From the defensive secondary, Stephon Gilmore, Brandon Facyson and Rodney McLeod left during the offseason. GM Chris Ballard and his staff attempted to replenish the group, but their efforts were hampered when rookie safety Daniel Scott went down with a torn ACL in OTAs Then Isaiah Rodgers, Sr. became the target of a league gambling investigation that some say could see him banned from the NFL for life.
As it stands, the group of rookies will be thrown into the spotlight immediately. After seven-year veteran Kenny Moore, practically no one in the defensive backfield has any semblance of experience.
Luckily for Indianapolis, free agency is far from over. This season, one of the deepest position groups on the open market is in the secondary. Seven-year veteran Marcus Peters is still available and could offer immediate benefits.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Peters has 32 interceptions and is a proven producer and a leader. At 30, Peters is at the tail end of his career but still is productive.
Peters could sign with Las Vegas, where he visited last month. It’s all but ruled out that he will return to Baltimore, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
According to @RapSheet, “the ship has probably sailed” on the Ravens bringing back Marcus Peters.
— Ravens Nation LIVE (@LIVERavenNation) June 16, 2023
It does not appear he will be back in Baltimore.
While the Colts don’t seem to be in the conversation yet for the corner, the brass in Indianapolis may be tempted to make Peters an offer he can’t refuse.
They certainly have the means to do so. With the fourth-most cap space of any team in the league, the Colts don’t have much wrapped up in the position outside of Moore, who counts just over $8 million toward the salary cap.
Although it appears that Peters is more likely to join the Raiders, the Colts have the means to make a compelling offer to try to steer him to Indianapolis. After a series of unfortunate setbacks, a star veteran presence is just what this young unit needs.
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