Colts: 3 DBs Indy should target to replace Marvell Tell after opt-out

Here are three players the Colts should target as insurance in the secondary.

The Indianapolis Colts dodged a bullet when offensive lineman Anthony Castonzo confirmed that he will play the upcoming season. The 31-year-old stud was considering sitting out, but ultimately approved of the safety precautions implemented by the NFL.

While that was great news for the Colts, you had a feeling it was inevitable that the global pandemic would force a few key players to opt out. That hunch unfortunately proved to be realized as two defensive backs, cornerback Marvell Tell and safety Rolan Milligan, informed Indianapolis on Wednesday that they would sit out the 2020 campaign.

It’s quite apparent that the absences of both players will be felt by the Colts. However, the loss of Tell is a huge one for the secondary. After a solid rookie year in 2019, the 24-year-old was expected to challenge veteran Xavier Rhodes, who was a walking embarrassment with the Minnesota Vikings last year, for the starting job opposite emerging star Rock Ya-Sin.

Considering how late we are in the offseason — teams reported to training camp last week — the cornerback market is surprisingly in reasonable shape. With all of this in mind, let’s highlight a few free agents that Indy could target to replace Tell.

3. Javien Elliott

Let’s remember that the Colts (we presume) aren’t looking to sign a three-down cornerback to replace Tell, as he played just 24% of the defensive snaps last year. The means Javien Elliott, who’s started just 10 of 52 career games since entering the NFL in 2016, fits their profile.

The 27-year-old isn’t the most sought after free agent, but he could be a name to add to the mix in terms of playing snaps in the slot as well as the outside. He allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 77.8% of their throws when targeting him last year, but Pro Football Focus did give him a respectable 67.1 grade for his efforts, so his potential is undeniable.

Does Elliott offer blanket coverage? No, but not many cornerbacks do. What matters is that there aren’t many options available, and the Florida State product is one of the best players remaining at his position.

2. Dre Kirkpatrick

If the Colts are serious about challenging in the AFC this year — their signing of Philip Rivers was a clear indicator that is the case — they could look toward proven veterans for depth in the secondary. Former longtime Cincinnati Bengals starter Dre Kirkpatrick fills that bill.

The 30-year-old was released this offseason and has yet to be scooped up. He’s never been named to a Pro Bowl, but he’s a genuine playmaker, as evidenced by his 10 career interceptions and 65 passes defended.

At 6-foot-2, Indianapolis could ask Kirkpatrick to line up against physically imposing receivers in the red zone.

He has a total of 67 starts under his belt and might be willing to sign a short-term (team friendly) “prove it” contract in search of his first ever playoff victory. On paper, this seems like a perfect match, so the Colts should really give the eight-year vet a ring. He’s certainly put up a better profile of work than Rhodes in recent years.

1. Brandon Carr

Can somebody please explain to us why Brandon Carr is still a free agent?

He might be 34 years old and entering his 13th NFL season, but he’s showed zero signs of slowing down in recent seasons.

Not only is the former fifth-round pick solid in coverage, but he’s also legitimately one of the most durable defensive backs of all time. As impossible as it sounds, Carr hasn’t missed a start (192) in his career.

What’s just as important, however, is his play on the field.

Last season, he surrendered 36 receptions on 58 targets, or 62%. That saw Carr receive a borderline elite 67.3 grade from the ever-critical Pro Football Focus. Over the last three seasons, all of which were spent with the Baltimore Ravens, he compiled 150 tackles, 29 passes defended, six interceptions and eight quarterback hits. Nothing more needs to be said here.

We’ve already seen the Colts take chances on veteran options like Rhodes who backslid significantly in recent seasons. We’ve also seen them align themselves as a haven for vets in 2020, trying to surround Philip Rivers for one final run.

It’s time to go big, rather than go home. The secondary was already the thinnest element of this roster. With added impetus now, it’s not too late to correct this omission.