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3 Ways Colts Must Respond After Stefon Diggs Trade to Texans

The Indianapolis Colts may have to take action after the trade of Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans.

Jake Arthur

Jan 9, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) catches a
Jan 9, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) catches a / Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL insider Adam Schefter reports that the Buffalo Bills are trading star receiver Stefon Diggs and a pair of Day 3 draft picks to the Houston Texans in exchange for a second-round pick in 2025.


The AFC South opponents for the Indianapolis Colts have been making moves in free agency since the start of the offseason. While the Jacksonville Jaguars picked up Gabe Davis and the Tennessee Titans acquired Calvin Ridley, the Texans trading for Diggs is arguably the most impactful move in the division up to this point.

So, after this recent move to suit up Diggs with quarterback C.J. Stroud and a revamped Texans offense, what does this mean for the Colts as they continue through free agency and approach the NFL Draft? Here are three things that could happen for Indy after the blockbuster news.

A Reliable Signing at Free Safety

Indianapolis recently re-signed Julian Blackmon to a one-year, $7.7 million deal. While this was a smart move by the Colts, it still leaves the free safety position open to get a reliable starter.

While the draft has talent available, the Colts cannot trust Rodney Thomas II as a starter. As for Nick Cross, he showed glimpses, but not enough to take the main role outright. He's also possibly more of a strong safety anyway. The solution? Sign either Justin Simmons or Quandre Diggs through free agency.

Simmons and Diggs are veterans but still have enough left to provide solid defensive coverage against receivers like Diggs. Indy had lapses against passers in the secondary in 2023 and doesn't want to replicate this again in 2024.

Also, neither Simmons nor Diggs should cost much. According to Spotrac, Simmons has a market value of $11.1 million annually. It's likely that the dollar amount for either safety will be even lower upon a signing this late in free agency.

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Need a Veteran Cornerback

Keeping Kenny Moore II was a crucial re-signing, but it leaves inexperienced and young players in the defensive back room. JuJu Brents, Dallis Flowers, and Jaylon Jones have talent and promise, but to rely on such a young group for a second straight season may be roster malpractice.

While several free-agent corners are already off the board, names like Xavien Howard, Adoree' Jackson, and Ahkello Witherspoon are still on the market and ready to play. With the AFC South rivals stocking up on offensive weaponry and Pro Bowl/All-Pro talent, the Colts need to add veteran coverage with the inevitable help they'll select in the 2024 NFL Draft.

More Defense-Heavy in the Draft?

The Colts possess the 15th overall selection in the draft, which takes place at the end of this month. With multiple positions on the team needing help, Indy could go in several directions with the first pick. But with the news of Diggs heading to Houston, should the Colts draft with defense in mind?

Draft corners like Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell, Alabama's Terrion Arnold, Clemson's Nate Wiggins, and Iowa's Cooper DeJean have been some notable names mocked to Indianapolis, but so have receivers like LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. and even Georgia playmaker Brock Bowers.

With rival offenses starting to surround the Colts with talented players, perhaps Indy goes with a cornerback in round one this time. Or, could they take a player like DeJean later in round one after trading back to acquire more picks? Last year, the Colts triple-dipped at cornerback in the draft, so don't put it past the front office to emphasize more importance on this position again at the end of April as they build the future of the defense.

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Jake Arthur

JAKE ARTHUR

Jake Arthur has covered the NFL and the Indianapolis Colts for a decade. He is a member of the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) and FantasyPros' expert panel. He has also contributed to multiple NFL Draft guides.