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Colts: 3 top free agents Indy should sign with monster 2021 cap space

By Jerry Trotta

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 24: Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay and general manager Chris Ballard watch pregame warmups before a preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 24: Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay and general manager Chris Ballard watch pregame warmups before a preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Broncos safety Justin Simmons (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

2. Justin Simmons

Whether we agree with the decision doesn’t matter, but the Colts opted against picking up the fifth-year option on safety Malik Hooker’s rookie contract this offseason. Despite being one of the most proficient ball hawks the NFL has to offer, the former No. 15 overall pick has yet to earn Indianapolis’ trust. That might have something to do with the fact that he’s yet to play a full season in his three years as a pro, but his 27 appearances over the last two campaigns isn’t.  egregiously low.

Long story short, the Colts will almost certainly be in the market for a safety next offseason and their salary cap situation suggests they’ll be able to afford perhaps the best player available at the position in Justin Simmons, who signed his franchise tag tender after failing to reach a long-term extension with the Denver Broncos prior to the July 15 deadline.

The 26-year-old stud is in the prime of his career and has established himself as the best coverage safety in the league. In 2019, he logged 93 tackles,17 passes defended and four interceptions.

Not only did Pro Football Focus rank Simmons as the most valuable defender last year, but he received the highest coverage grade (90.5) and highest overall grade (90.4) among all defensive backs. Do we really need to continue?

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