The Indianapolis Colts have some clear decisions when free agency begins in March. The team needs to re-sign quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce. But some secondary decisions might be the difference between the team making the playoffs in 2026 or not.
Jones needs to be brought back because he is so far the only QB to have made head coach Shane Steichen's system work in three years. The team knows what Danny Dimes can do, and just has to hope he can stay healthy.
As for Pierce, he is the most explosive receiver in the NFL, and Indy has no one close to him. Few teams do, and that is why he will likely make $20 million or more a season in free agency. That should be with Indy.
Indianapolis Colts could replace safety Nick Cross with LSU's A.J. Haulcy
But safety Nick Cross? He is a relatively inexpensive option, as Spotrac has him projected with a market value of $24 million total over four years in free agency. Indianapolis can afford that, but should they? Cross became a full-time starter two seasons ago and has been good against the run, but his coverage skills are inconsistent.
A recent mock draft by FanSided's Cody Williams might have the easy answer to replace Cross. In the second round, Indianapolis would choose LSU's A.J. Haulcy, who likely would become a Week 1 starter on the backend of the defense next to Cam Bynum. Haulcy is 6' and 220 pounds, and plays with the ferocity of a linebacker.
He should be elite against the run immediately. He attacks opposing ball-carriers and plays in the box with ease. He is also good in zone coverage, which defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has used frequently. That approach might change if cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward can stay healthy and the team plays more man, but Haulcy has shown adaptability to work in any scheme.
Cross, however, has proven to have his deficiencies. While being solid against the run and having four interceptions in the last two seasons, he has also allowed 10 touchdowns and allowed 73 percent of his pass targets to be completed. His passer rating allowed in each of the last two years is at least a putrid 105.7.
Cross has offered no evidence that he will ever be very good in pass coverage. As a safety, he can't simply stop the run and allow touchdowns over the top of him. Meanwhile, A.J. Haulcy could be sitting in the draft waiting for the Indianapolis Colts to choose him in the second round.