The Indianapolis Colts are bringing in veteran help at corner, signing Xavier Rhodes to a one year deal.
Just days after the Indianapolis Colts released corner Pierre Desir, general manager Chris Ballard brings in veteran help to replace him. Former Vikings corner Xavier Rhodes is headed to Indy on a one year deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Minnesota drafted Rhodes in the first round of the 2013 draft at pick number 25. Rhodes was selected to three Pro Bowls in his seven seasons with the Vikings, and was a first team All Pro back in 2017. He accumulated 10 interceptions and 73 passes defensed in his time there, as well as three forced fumbles and a pick six. Rhodes played in 104 games in that period, starting in 97 of them.
At his peak, Rhodes was a force to be reckoned with. He often followed number one receivers all game long. Rhodes was dynamite in press coverage, and had great mirror skills in coverage. He locked down some of the top receivers in the league when matched up with them.
It wasn’t the same for him in 2019, though. He dealt with some injuries, but allowed a passer rating of 131 in coverage and had 83 percent of passes completed against him, per Pro Football Focus. Since he carried such a high cap heading into the 2020 season, he ended up getting released by the Vikings.
Perhaps a change of scenery will work out for Rhodes. The Colts certainly need help in the secondary, and taking a chance with Rhodes is a low-risk option. The reward could be substantial if he can find his game from a few years back. It worked out with Justin Houston last season, so maybe Rhodes can do the same. Time will tell to see if this signing will work out, but a one year prove-it deal isn’t a big deal.