3 Colts defenders who could end their Indy careers in final month

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavier Rhodes (27) gets love from Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) after breaking up a Tom Brady pass.
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavier Rhodes (27) gets love from Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) after breaking up a Tom Brady pass. /
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Indianapolis Colts
Sep 26, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavier Rhodes (27). Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports /

1. CB Xavier Rhodes

Rhodes is an impending free agent, and he hasn’t used his contract year as a springboard that could help his chances of staying around. Rhodes has been more inconsistent this year, and his trademark physicality at the line of scrimmage appears to be wilting away with age.

Julian Blackmon will be back from his injury next year, Rock Ya-Sin has shown enough to warrant another year in white and blue, and Khari Willis will likely be back. If the youth movement continues, Rhodes could get squeezed out of a job.

Will the Colts retain Xavier Rhodes?

The Colts could break with Rhodes due to the fact that the 2022 NFL Draft is supremely deep at the defensive back position. Even without a first-round choice due to the Wentz trade, Indianapolis should be in a position to add an impact defensive back that could replace Rhodes at a very efficient price.

Kenny Moore has been around for a while, but this 2022 secondary may end up being one of the youngest in the league. Given Rhodes’ experience, he could make a compelling case for retention in 2022. However, if DeAndre Hopkins or Hunter Renfrow burn him up, it could be very tough for him to work his way back into the lineup.