Colts Urged to Target Starting CB in NFL Free Agency

Jonathan Taylor's contract dispute and trade request stole the headlines for much of the offseason with the Indianapolis Colts. Then in Week 1, his absence, along with an injury to Zack Moss decimated the running back depth for the Colts.

Yet, the Bleacher Report NFL staff still didn't call running back the team's top weakness after a Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Bleacher Report dubious honor for Indianapolis' biggest weakness went to cornerback.

For that reason, the BR NFL staff identified cornerback Cam Dantzler as a veteran the team should target in free agency.

"The Colts lost a lot of talent at the cornerback position this offseason but didn't do much to replace it," the Bleacher Report NFL staff wrote. "It's tough to find players who could help out there at this point, but Dantzler is worth a shot.

"The 25-year-old had a strong 2021 campaign before struggling in 2022. At 6'2", 190 pounds, he has the length and size the Colts seem to favor at the position."

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Dantzler has started 26 games since being a third-round pick for the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. Last season, he started nine contests, posting 50 combined tackles, including 3 tackles for loss and 5 pass defenses.

In 35 total games with the Vikings, he had 17 pass defenses and 3 interceptions. But Dantzler remains a free agent.

He spent a brief time with three different organizations this offseason after the Vikings released him on March 10. The Washington Commanders claimed him off waivers but cut him on May 30.

In June, Danztler signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. He only lasted about seven weeks, though, as the Bills released him with an injury designation.

He also spent about a week with the Houston Texans, who cut him before the final roster cutdown day.

Trades, free agency and suspensions led to the Colts losing Stephon Gilmore, Brandon Facyson and Isaiah Rodgers this past offseason. Those three players were among the top four cornerbacks in terms of snaps for Indianapolis during 2022.

Dallas Flowers and Darrell Baker have replaced those cornerbacks in the starting lineup for the Colts. As a secondary unit, Indianapolis allowed 7.5 yards per pass and 7.0 net yards per attempt in Week 1.

The Colts were ranked in the bottom 10 in both categories on opening weekend.

It's important not to overreact to Week 1. But secondary depth was expected to be an issue for Indianapolis this season, and the unit was less than spectacular against the Jaguars.

It would make sense for general manager Chris Ballard to look at his options outside the organization to shore up cornerback.

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