Colts: 3 cost-effective moves Chris Ballard can still make before Week 1
By Jerry Trotta
1. Sign Richard Sherman
The Colts likely could’ve survived the Titans’ high-powered offense before they acquired Julio Jones in a blockbuster trade. Now, however, Indianapolis’ secondary will have to go to battle against the seven-time Pro Bowler and AJ Brown, who’s logged 122 receptions for 2,216 yards (17.4 YPC) and 19 touchdowns over his first two seasons.
In other words, Tennessee now has two superstar wide receivers on offense, and the Colts’ already-flawed secondary will be significantly outmatched in 2021 if they don’t add another reliable presence on the perimeter to line up opposite Xavier Rhodes.
While Rhodes can be trusted to slow Jones down to the best of his ability, Kenny Moore, their next-best cornerback, does most of his damage in the slot. That leaves the likes of Rock Ya-Sin, who was borderline unplayable down the stretch last season, the undersized TJ Carrie, and inexperienced duo Marvell Tell and Isaiah Rodgers left to match up against Brown.
Richard Sherman could solve a lot of problems for the Colts.
That’s where Richard Sherman comes into play. The five-time Pro Bowler is still braving free agency and seems poised to ink a short-term deal with a contender. Who’s to say that shouldn’t be the Colts, who have the requisite cap space ($17 million) to make a deal happen?
Though Sherman was limited to just five games last season due to injury, he was incredibly effective for the 49ers in the previous two years. That included making the Pro Bowl in 2019, when he logged 61 tackles, three interceptions and 11 passes defended, while earning an impeccable 90.1 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus.
As presently constructed, Indy’s defense is teetering on being considered a championship contender. However, that would change in a heartbeat if they added Sherman, who will likely take a discount at this stage in the offseason, to their mistake-prone secondary.
