With Isaiah Rodgers Sr. likely receiving a significant suspension from the NFL soon, the Indianapolis Colts need to find a veteran corner to replace him.
On Monday, it was an announced that Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. was being investigated by the NFL for possible violations of the leagues’s gambling policy. Rodgers has since apologized and taken full responsibility for his actions, but the NFL hasn’t concluded it’s investigation yet or announced the punishment for Rodgers.
Rodgers will likely receive an indefinite suspension that sidelines him for at least one year. If that happens, the Colts will be without their top corner all of the 2023 season. Indy was already somewhat thin and young at cornerback, with the room mainly consisting of rookies and second-year players, but that’ll especially be the case with Rodgers suspended.
Indianapolis could either go all in on a youth movement and rely solely on its first and second year guys, or they Colts could sign a veteran cornerback. Fortunately, there are still some solid corners available this late in the offseason. Let’s take a look at three corners Indy could sign.
3. Colts can sign Eli Apple
Eli Apple may be the option that fans want the least; he’s one of the most hated players in the league. However, for as hated as he is, Apple isn’t as bad as people tend to think. He’s certainly had several bad moments, that are magnified because of the spotlight that his trash talk brings, but he’s a serviceable corner that comes to compete.
Drafted with the 10th-overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Apple has been a starter in the league for seven years. His most recent stint was with the Cincinnati Bengals. Though it was often overshadowed by his trash talk or bad performances, Apple provided solid play to a good defense on a contending team.
He could come to Indianapolis on a one-year contract and help the Colts at corner in 2023 while Isaiah Rodgers Sr. is suspended.
2. Colts can sign Marcus Peters
Marcus Peters is probably the best available corner. After two and a half seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Peters entered free agency and has yet to sign with another team. Peters did tear his ACL in 2021, but returned to the field in 2022 and played in 13 games for the Ravens.
At only 30 years old, Peters should be able to provide quality play for quite a few years, and bring his ball-hawking ability to whatever team he goes to. He has developed somewhat of a reputation for being a big-play-or-bust corner, because at times, he’ll either get an interception or give up a big play.
In his seven seasons in the league, Peters led the league in interceptions once, but has led the NFL in interception return yards five times, and interceptions returned for a touchdown four times. The Colts can certainly use his big-play ability as they get back to being a defense that forces turnovers.
A three-time Pro Bowler, and four All-Pro selections, Peters has the experience and pedigree to come and provide the Colts with solid cornerback play.
1. Colts can sign Casey Hayward
Casey Hayward will be 34 when the season starts and it will be his 12th season in the NFL. He’s also coming off a season where a shoulder injury limited him to just six games with the Atlanta Falcons. A failed physical in April is the reason Hayward was released by Atlanta. However, if he is healthy, he could be a good option for the Colts.
Not only is he an accomplished veteran that can provide stable play, but he has history with Indy’s defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. Hayward was coached by Bradley when they were both with the Chargers and the Raiders. That’s why many thought he would come to Indianapolis last offseason with Bradley. However, Hayward decided to go to his hometown team.
Now, a year later, he can be reconnected with his former coordinator. The Colts need him and there’s an opportunity for him to play. Additionally, with Indy’s cornerback room being so young, Hayward would be the perfect veteran. He has seen and done a lot in this league, and he has a great knowledge of the system.
He’d be the perfect candidate to get the young corners up to speed on Bradley’s defense and the NFL, and would also provide the Colts with a starting corner.