It wasn’t a groundbreaking move by any metric, but the Indianapolis Colts‘ addition of TJ Carrie last offseason helped make their defense one of the strongest units in the NFL.
The 30-year-old is a hybrid cornerback, able to perform well in the slot or on the outside, and he no doubt brought some more experience to the team’s secondary alongside Xavier Rhodes.
Those two factors — versatility and experience — should be of the utmost importance for the Colts. They’re still relatively young out there with Rock Ya-Sin, Kenny Moore and Julian Blackmon, and could use a player with the ability to perform at a high level in multiple roles.
Hopefully the Buffalo Bills brought that to general manager Chris Ballard’s attention because they’re hosting Carrie for a visit, and they’ve consistently had one of the most skilled defenses in the league in recent years.
Free agent cornerback T.J. Carrie is in Buffalo visiting the #Bills today, per source. Carrie had two interceptions and eight passes defended for the #Colts last year, is viable veteran DB option for Bills after Josh Norman departure.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 13, 2021
Additionally, Carrie had one of his best years as a pro with the Colts in 2020. He appeared in 15 games, allowed a completion percentage of just 57.5%, recorded a career-high two interceptions, and defended eight passes (which was one off of his career high of nine).
It’s nothing spectacular, but Carrie’s production helps provide formidable depth for the pass defense, which is arguably the second-most important aspect of a team’s roster aside from quarterback. We’re in a passing league, and if the Colts want to get over the hump in the postseason they’re going to have to shut down guys like Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes.
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But perhaps most importantly? Carrie is rarely injured. Sometimes the best ability is availability, especially in a sport that’s as high impact as football. He’s missed just five games in seven years! That has to count for something.
As for the Bills, however, their interest in Carrie should make the Colts realize they need to re-sign him. Buffalo’s best defensive players over the last few seasons have been cornerback TreDavious White and safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. They know good defensive backs when they see them.
The Colts have done enough bargain shopping this offseason. They have $23 million in cap space and should be putting the finishing touches on this roster before the NFL Draft instead of trying to save every possible penny. Bring back TJ Carrie. Bring back Justin Houston. Add more young talent in two weeks.
Indy cannot be heading into next season thin at such an important position as cornerback, and we’d rather them not learn that the hard way.
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