The Indianapolis Colts enter this offseason with a need to add depth to several areas on the defense, but the thinnest position on that side of the ball remains the safety group.
With three contributors from the position set to hit free agency, the Colts likely enter the coming months looking to add some depth from outisde the organization. Fortunately, there is a pretty deep free-agent class this offseason.
Should they go that route, here are five safeties for the Colts to consider signing in free agency:
Landon Collins | New York Giants | Age: 25
My top safety for the Colts this offseason is Collins. I might be a little biased having watched him since he entered the league in 2015, but his skill set, character and mentality are a perfect fit for what the Colts are trying to achieve both on and off the field.
An All-Pro in 2016, Collins can line up anywhere on the field. He has the athleticism to work as a deep-half safety but also the size and playmaking ability to thrive near the line of scrimmage as a box safety. The colts shouldn’t rely on Collins in man coverage, but he has shown the ability to succeed at times.
Collins might get franchise tagged by the Giants, but if he doesn’t the Colts shouldn’t hesitate to give him a big, long-term deal.
Adrian Amos | Chicago Bears | Age: 25
Another young player that could fit the Colts greatly in the backend of the secondary, Amos can play both safety spots and with Hooker manning the deep free safety position, the Colts can use Amos in plenty of ways.
Amos is considered one of the top cover safeties in the game and despite his skill set, he likely wouldn’t break the bank. Though it remains to be seen what type of market the safeties will be dealing with in free agency.
The Colts defense thrives on speed, versatility and play-making ability. Amos has all of that in spades and would be a great fit in Indy.
Tre Boston | Arizona Cardinals | Age: 26
A safety the Colts showed a bit of interest in last year, Boston could serve as a solid rotational piece and regular contributor in the defensive backfield. He likely won’t go in the first wave of free agents, which makes him a solid target for the Colts.
Boston had three interceptions during the 2018 season, which should appeal to Ballard. Boston might not be used in the box nearly as much as the other safeties on the market, but he would do well in the Colts’ zone-heavy scheme.
It remains to be seen how much Boston would go for, but it is unlikely he will be at the top of the list in terms of contracts among safeties.
Tryann Mathieu | Houston Texans | Age: 26
Despite his size, the Honey Badger plays more like a strong safety than he does a free safety. Yet, he provides his defense with the skill set to thrive in either role.
His production might not be where it was a few years ago, but Mathieu is still a versatile playmaker that could work as a deep-half safety or line up in the slot in man coverage on tight ends. He also recorded 3.0 sacks during the 2018 season, and we know how much Matt Eberflus likes that nickel blitz.
Mathieu’s market should be interesting. He made $7 million with the Texans in 2018, but it remains to be seen how much the Colts value him.
Ha Ha Clinton Dix | Washington Redskins | Age: 26
After being traded mid-season from the Green Bay Packers to the Washington Redskins, Clinton-Dix continued to be a reliable and productive starter in the NFC East. He finished with the 2018 season with three interceptions.
The former first-round pick has had a productive career and could work well alongside Hooker in the Colts’ zone-heavy scheme that features many two-high looks. Clinton-Dix would provide the Colts with reliability and experience while also having a resume of production for his career.
There are some better options than Clinton-Dix on the market, but the Colts could use him as a solid piece in a rotation in the backend of their secondary.
