The cap space is sitting there. The Indianapolis Colts still have a few needs, the most important of which may lie in the secondary. What could be a cost-effective impact move for Chris Ballard at this point in the offseason?
At this present moment, Richard Sherman is still available, and despite playing in only five games last season due to a calf injury, he remains a very capable veteran cornerback, who, at the very least, would add some fire and swag to a defense at this point in his career.
He’ll be entering his age-33 season in 2021, but was just a Pro Bowler in 2019 after a standout year with the 49ers, which featured in 61 tackles, 11 passes defended and three interceptions.
As for the Colts, they’re lacking in the secondary. They have no idea who their third cornerback will be after defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus revealed this week that it’ll be an open competition, likely between Rock Ya-Sin, Marvell Tell and Isaiah Rodgers. That’s not promising … at all.
Jimmie Ward on being a leader to the rookies: “Hopefully I’m not an a**hole…but if I’ve gotta be the a**hole, I’ll be the a**hole.” On a more serious note, Ward went on to say he learned a lot about being a leader from Richard Sherman. #49ers
— Tracy Sandler (@49ersfangirl) June 2, 2021
Should the Colts take a chance on Richard Sherman in free agency?
The Colts are always rotating players in just about every area of the roster. With such an inexperienced secondary, and one that will become extremely thin should someone suffer an injury, Sherman could be an ideal fit, especially in Eberflus’ zone-heavy scheme.
If we know anything about the former Legion of Boom captain, he has top-notch football instincts.
On top of him being able to contribute valuable reps in a pass-heavy league — remember, the Colts will have to go through the Chiefs and Bills in the postseason if it comes down to that — he could help get Ya-Sin on track after the second-year corner experienced some highs and lows in 2020.
Where will Richard Sherman play for game 1 of the 2021 NFL season? (Bovada)
— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) June 1, 2021
Seattle Seahawks +225
San Fransisco 49ers +450
New Orleans Saints +350
New York Jets +950
Las Vegas Raiders +225
Los Angeles Chargers +950
Indianapolis Colts +950
Cleveland Browns +950
His potential addition to the Colts defense could also help Indy become more solidified in the secondary. Kenny Moore is arguably the best slot corner in the NFL. Sign Sherman, use him and Xavier Rhodes on the outside, Moore on the inside, and rotate Ya-Sin/Tell/Rodgers in as needed.
None of those three have proven they’re ready for full-time duty. They still need refinement. And a veteran-heavy secondary can help with that.
Don’t forget about TJ Carrie’s presence too. He can fill in if the Colts want to move Moore to the outside depending on the matchups/package. It’s not an in-depth Xs and Os analysis, but the on-the-surface fit is there, and the Colts clearly have a need.
With over $17 million in cap space remaining and the fact we can kiss a Julio Jones trade goodbye, why not upgrade an important area of the roster that needs to be nails if the Colts are hoping to make a deep playoff run?
Sherman’s coming off a three-year, $27 million contract with the 49ers, and shouldn’t cost a ton after an injury-shortened season as he enters his mid-30s. This low-cost move that could pay high dividends might just be exactly what Ballard has been waiting for.
Colts: 3 Chris Ballard moves that will be under a microscope in 2021
Here are three offseason moves from Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard that will be under a micorscope in 2021.