The Indianapolis Colts are continuing to add depth to their defense after making several major signings this week. While the one that made the biggest splash was, arguably, the signing of quarterback Daniel Jones, it was also made clear that bolstering their embattled defense is a major priority for the Colts. The latest signing confirms that, as Indianapolis has moved to add even more depth at secondary.
ESPN's Stephen Holder reported that the Colts have signed cornerback Corey Ballentine from the Green Bay Packers.
News: The Colts have signed free-agent cornerback Corey Ballentine to a contract. Ballentine is a six-year veteran and has been a backup in Green Bay the past three seasons. Adds some critical depth to the Colts’ secondary. That’s now 3 defensive-back signings this week for Indy.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 14, 2025
Ballentine graduated from Division II Washburn, and was selected by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He bounced around with a few different teams until landing in Green Bay in 2022, initially signing to the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster later that season, and spent his time with the Packers going back and forth between the active roster and the practice squad. He was predicted to be cut, as his salary didn't quite match the production he was able to give, which was mainly on special teams.
The Colts already made two major signings strengthening the secondary, first with safety Cam Bynum, and then with cornerback Charvarius Ward. Alongside Bynum and Ward, the Colts still have Kenny Moore II, Jaylon Jones, JuJu Brents, and Samuel Womack on the secondary, indicating that Ballentine's signing is mostly to add depth.
Ballentine appeared in six games for the Packers in 2023, with seven passes defended, one interception, and 43 tackles; in 2024, he appeared in 15 games, but was less productive, notching up just six tackles and one forced fumble. If Ballentine does make the active roster for the Colts, it seems that the most likely place for him as a starter would be on special teams, while serving as a back-up for Ward, something Holder said Ballentine was specifically interested in.
"Ballentine wants to compete for a role in kickoff return as well, which is something he's done in the past," he tweeted. "Overall, the takeaway here is he provides *experienced* depth at a difficult position."