After constantly being criticized for playing it too safe in free agency and failing to address a poor secondary, Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard was finally willing to splash the cash in an attempt to make former Minnesota Vikings safety Cam Bynum one of the cornerstones of Lou Anarumo's defense.
The Colts have struck out in the draft under the Ballard regime when it comes to drafting defensive backs, leaving the front office with no choice but to back up the Brinks truck in free agency. Bynum could be a very rich man after agreeing to put on that white and blue helmet.
Bynum agreed to a four-year contract worth $60 million with Indianapolis. With Julian Blackmon likely to depart in free agency, the Colts have not only landed a replacement, but they may have upgraded in a fairly significant fashion if Bynum lives up to the hype.
Colts to sign Cam Bynum to four-year contract
Bynum has started every game for the last three seasons in Minnesota, becoming the heartbeat of an aggressive Brian Flores-led defense. In that time, Bynum has made over 300 tackles, tallied 28 pass breakups, and picked off seven passes as he established himself as a high-end safety.
Bynum will be immediately inserted as a starter alongside Nick Cross in the secondary. Anarumo, who made his name as a defensive backs coach, should be able to help Bynum carry over the success he had in Minnesota and keep piling up the interceptions once he arrives in Indianapolis.
With the selection of Laiatu Latu giving the Colts a very respectable defensive line and linebacker Zaire Franklin starting to come into his own as a linebacker, Bynum could be the missing X-factor this defense needed to take the leap from good to great if Anarumo works his magic.
Anthony Richardson will ultimately determine just how much success this team will have, but adding Bynum will give this defense the teeth they need to succeed no matter who is under center.