The Indianapolis Colts have already begun and continue their offseason work since the start of free agency, and with the draft not far off, they're not done revamping the team, especially on defense, where they need it most.
The additions of defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, edge rusher Arden Key, edge rusher Micheal Clemons, and linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither have helped the Colts on their defensive line the most, while Davis-Gaither has been their only linebacker pickup, and they still must bolster that position further. So far, with these additions, general manager Chris Ballard has been productive.Â
More so, it was another move that grabbed some attention and has the potential to be one of Indianapolis's best defensive offseason moves if this player can regain the form he had when he came into the league. Former Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt is that player, and his reunion with Lou Anarumo has the potential to pay great dividends for the Colts.
Cam Taylor-Britt had success under Lou Anarumo before; the Indianapolis Colts are hoping it can be repeated once again
Taylor-Britt entered the NFL in 2022 after the Bengals drafted him in the second round. Immediately, Taylor-Britt's skill, combined with his brash confidence on the field, made him a dangerous defender, but his most productive seasons came in years two and three, 2023 and 2024.
Anarumo was fired by the Bengals in 2025, which coincided with the season when Taylor-Britt fell off, compared to the seasons before, when he had seven interceptions across two seasons. Taylor-Britt has always had a strong completion percentage against him, and plays well in man coverage.
Whether it was for a poor season past, or the Bengals simply didn't see Taylor-Britt as part of their plan on defense, the cornerback and defensive coordinator are together once again, and Taylor-Britt recently indicated his respect for how Anarumo calls his defense, and how he expects to play for him once again.
"I think it's his scheme," Taylor-Britt said of playing under Anarumo. "He knows my kind of gameplay and how tough that he loves his corners. Like to come up and hit, play man-to-man, come down and just play grimy football, and I think that's kind of the way that I've succeeded."
"I bring that athleticism," Taylor-Britt continued. "I feel like I bring a different vibe from the other guys -- they're very dynamic in every way. So most definitely I feel like I can fit in and bring my physicalness and then some ball skills, man."
Taylor-Britt's starting spot with the Colts isn't a guarantee, as the Colts' cornerback room is crowded already. That said, given the nature of he and Anarumo's past relationship and familiarity, that should give Taylor-Britt an advantage.
That said, Taylor-Britt has also carried a reputation of not living up to the potential the Bengals likely saw when they drafted him. He's carried with him some controversy and has also fallen victim to being penalized on the field more often than not.Â
One thing Taylor-Britt certainly is is competitive, and Anarumo expects that out of his players in every way. Perhaps returning under his old coordinator will light a fire in Taylor-Britt, subsequently returning him to the player the Bengals had in 2023 and 2024.
In any case, the Colts needed a boost on defense, and Taylor-Britt can contribute; he just has to remain focused, something he's struggled with throughout his career.Â