Colts Linked to Rival DB in NFL Free Agency
The Indianapolis Colts could lose safety Julian Blackmon in free agency. However, the possibility that the Colts replace Blackmon with a rival's defensive back is apparently on the table.
On March 1, ESPN's Aaron Schatz named New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger the most important free agent signing for Indianapolis this offseason.
"Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley loves a hard-hitting strong safety, from Kam Chancellor in Seattle to Derwin James Jr. with the Chargers," Schatz wrote. "That's a position where the Colts can upgrade, especially with Julian Blackmon a free agent.
"Dugger is a skilled, forceful player who fits the run well; his average run tackle came after a gain of just 4.5 yards, one of the lowest figures of any NFL safety last season. He can also cover tight ends if needed. He would help a Colts defense that ranked 20th in DVOA last season, including 24th against the run."
It's important to note that Schatz wrote his article using a couple different rules. For the article, he picked only one free agent per team and just one team per free agent.
So, Dugger isn't necessarily the most important free agent option for the Colts. He is the most important option Indianapolis has that isn't more important, according to Schatz, for any other team.
Dugger began his NFL career as a second-round pick for the Patriots in 2020. He started seven games as a rookie and then became a regular starter at safety during 2021.
In 61 games, Dugger has posted 343 combined tackles, including 17 tackles for loss and 9 quarterback hits. He also has recorded 20 pass defenses, 9 interceptions and 2.5 sacks.
Of his 61 games, he started 52 of them. Dugger returned 2 of his interceptions for touchdowns during the 2022 season.
Entering free agency, the Colts have six safeties under contract, but only two of them played any defensive snaps in 2023. Furthermore, one of those two safeties, Nick Cross, only lined up for roughly 25% of the team's defensive snaps.
With the need for more secondary depth and salary cap space, it would be surprising if the Colts don't address safety in some capacity this offseason. According to Spotrac, the Colts have $73.9 million in cap space.
That's ranked fifth-most in the NFL as of March 1.
