Since Xavier Rhodes has likely played his last snap with the Indianapolis Colts, the team must replace him in free agency.
When Xavier Rhodes joined the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, he exceeded expectations. Rhodes was able to avoid injury and offer Indy quality cornerback play.
This led to Indianapolis offering Rhodes another one-year deal for this past season. Unfortunately, the sequel wasn’t as good as the original.
Before the start of Rhodes’ second year with the Colts, he sustained a calf injury that limited his performance for the first half of the season. He eventually was able to get back to a productive level but finished the season with an injured hamstring.
Rhodes, who turns 32 this summer, will now enter free agency. Considering the injuries, his age, and declining play, Indy will likely let Rhodes walk in free agency.
However, Indianapolis will have the chance to upgrade at the corner position in the free agency market. Here are 3 elite corners the Colts can sign to replace Xavier Rhodes.
Colts can sign Stephon Gilmore
Stephon Gilmore will also be 32 at the start of next season, and he had his own injury, a torn quad, in 2020. However, he’s been able to maintain a quality level of play with his circumstances.
In 2019, Gilmore was awarded the Defensive Player of the Year. Since that point, he tore his quad, was traded from the New England Patriots to the Carolina Panthers, and will now enter free agency.
When Gilmore returned from his injury with the Panthers, he was on a snap count, but he still flashed his lockdown skillset, recording an interception in his first two games of the season.
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Gilmore wasn’t quite as consistently elite as he once was and that could be because he was working back up to speed or he may just be on the decline. However, he still is an above-average corner that can help Indianapolis.
The issue may come down to negotiations. Gilmore may want to try and secure one last sizable contract and the Colts have to be wary of possibly overpaying based on what Gilmore once was.
If Indianapolis can get Gilmore on a reasonable deal, it definitely should and he’d help provide support in defending the passing.
Colts can sign Carlton Davis
Carlton Davis is currently hoping to repeat as Super Bowl Champions with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but after this season, he will be a free agent.
Davis, 25, is finishing the last year of his rookie contract. His performance in his first four seasons has him in line for a big contract.
While it would make sense to stay in Tampa considering the team’s success, Davis may not be able to get the contract he deserves considering the Bucs’ loaded roster.
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They have a lot of talent and they won’t always be able to pay them all. So if Davis is the one who won’t be able to get his contract demands, he will enter the market, unless Tampa Bay franchise tags him.
If the Buccaneers don’t tag him, and he’s willing to explore the market, the Colts are in a position to responsibly sign Davis to a contract that he merits.
Signing Davis to a multi-year contract would be a good investment. He’s young and proven, so a good contract would secure Davis to Indianapolis for the prime of his career.
Colts can sign JC Jackson
If there is one player that will for sure break the bank this offseason in free agency, it’s cornerback, JC Jackson, of the New England Patriots.
In Jackson’s four years in the NFL, he has developed into one of the league’s best corners and has tremendous ball skills, intercepting 25 passes in his young career.
Jackson was undrafted in 2018 and signed a three-year deal with New England for $1.72 million. Last offseason, he was tendered as a restricted free agent and played this season for just $3.384 million.
He’s been one of, if not the best, bargain in football. But now, it’s time for him to get his money.
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Jackson could get his bag in New England, but if his goal is to sign the biggest contract, he could start a bidding war. That’s something Indianapolis is well equipped for.
The Colts are projected to have the eighth-most cap space this offseason, with just over $45 million. The question for Indy will be how high of a priority is landing an elite cornerback.
With other needs at left tackle, receiver, and possibly quarterback, will Indianapolis want to spend big money on a corner? Only time will tell, but if the Colts do, the corners are there.
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