Following the sudden retirement of Khari Willis, the Indianapolis Colts may want to again focus on the depth of the safety unit.
On Wednesday, the NFL world was shocked to learn that the starting safety for the Indianapolis Colts, Khari Willis, was retiring from the NFL. Willis announced this decision on his personal Instagram account.
The 2019 fourth-round pick began starting as a safety for the Colts as a rookie. He remained a starter the next two seasons, playing a total of 39 games for Indianapolis, starting 33.
After compiling four interceptions, 3.5 sacks, and 219 tackles, Willis has called it a career after three seasons, at just 26 years old. In a statement on Instagram, Willis says this decision was made so that he can pursue his calling of ministry.
That leaves Indianapolis with an extra spot in the safety room. Fortunately, some well-timed moves made this offseason have the Colts in pretty good shape following the news.
On the safety front, Colts are fairly well-equipped to handle this — though Willis was a really solid player, and his loss will be felt. Julian Blackmon is ahead of schedule after his Achilles tear. Added vets Rodney McLeod + Armani Watts in FA, then traded up to draft Nick Cross
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) June 15, 2022
Colts have Nick Cross to replace Khari Willis
No move is proving to be better than Indianapolis trading back into the third round to draft safety Nick Cross. Cross is an athletic playmaker out of Maryland that many thought would push Willis during this upcoming season.
Since Willis only had one season remaining, it was expected that Cross would take over next year. However, Cross will now be the starter and the Colts will have to focus on depth.
With Julian Blackmon returning, Indy also has Rodney McLeod and Armani Watts who were picked up during the offseason. However, they may want to add just one more safety to make sure that there is enough depth at the two positions with Willis gone.
Here are two current free agents that Indianapolis can sign for safety depth.