Corner becomes sudden need for Colts after Pierre Desir released

The Indianapolis Colts just released corner Pierre Desir, and it creates a sudden need that could be addressed early in the draft.

Some surprising news came from the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, as the team announced it would be releasing corner Pierre Desir. Desir played in 12 games in 2019, logging 50 tackles, 11 passes defensed, and three interceptions. The move creates about $6.85 million in cap space.

The release of Desir is most surprising because of what the depth chart looks like behind him now. Kenny Moore is (obviously) slotted in as a starter, but now there is only developing talent behind Moore. Second year corner Rock Ya-Sin, out of Temple, could now be in line to snag the starting role opposite Moore. After that, we see Quincy Wilson, who hasn’t lived up to his billing as a second round pick, and Marvel Tell out of USC.

It’s hard to believe this move is just about clearing cap space. The Colts aren’t currently in the market for any of the top free agents remaining. Both Jadeveon Clowney and Yannick Ngakoue are still available, but the former is likely choosing between Tennessee and Seattle, and the latter would need to be acquired via trade.

The more likely reason is that this team is looking to get younger at positions, meaning that a move up for a quarterback is still in play. General manager Chris Ballard has the Colts in a unique situation where they are able to contend now and in the future. Ballard has two second round picks to work with if a quarterback he likes ends up falling on draft day.

Whatever the plan may be, this move creates a need at the corner position. The good news is that, with where their needs are situated, the Colts could address both the corner and wide receiver needs in the second round. When dissecting the corner class, there are plenty of intriguing players who will be available on day two. Noah Igbinoghene, A.J. Terrell, and Damon Arnette immediately come to mind. Don’t forget about prospects later in the draft, like A.J. Green, Dane Jackson, and Reggie Robinson II.

Any of those names could be in play for Ballard, depending on where he has them valued. Expect the cornerback position to be addressed in the near future to help shore up this secondary, and potentially early in the 2020 NFL Draft.