What should be on the Colts' Christmas list this year?

The Indianapolis Colts have a lot of talent on their roster, but there's also no denying that Gus Bradley's defense is a major problem. Opponents average a whopping 379 yards against Indianapolis, and even the worst teams in the league are able to run all over the Colts' defense.

There are serious problems with depth, not to mention a severe lack of talent on the secondary that's been ignored for too long by the front office. But thankfully, the perfect Christmas gift for the Colts may have just fallen into their laps.

Bleacher Report recently shared each team's most pressing need, and unsurprisingly, for the Colts, the weaknesses are almost entirely are on defense. And they've also given several recommendations that can help make a difference right now, as the Colts move towards a playoff push as the season comes to an end.

Xavien Howard

A cornerback, Howard was released by the Miami Dolphins earlier this year, and he remains a free agent today. He's a a former first-team All-Pro and a four-time Pro Bowler who has amassed 331 tackles (258 solo), 95 passes defended, 29 interceptions, and two sacks. He allowed just two passing touchdowns last season, and had particularly good seasons between 2020 and 2022.

Chris Ballard has seemed intent on avoiding the Colts' need at cornerback, insisting that Dallis Flowers and Juju Brents are enough. Both players, however, are hardly the answer to the Colts' defensive needs; Flowers has since been waived, while Brents is on injured reserve. Ballard's decision was hardly wise, then, but it could easily be remedied by signing Howard now, who will likely be a cheap gain for them and, with his experience, could help mentor the younger players like Brents and Jaylon Jones.

However, the Colts aren't the only team potentially interested -- he's already worked out with the Cowboys this month -- so if they want him, they should snap him up while they still can.

D.J. Reed

Reed is a pending free agent currently with the New York Jets, so unlike Howard, the Colts can't sign him right now. However, they can start considering him as an option now, as his contract with the Jets will expire at the end of this season.

Yes, the Jets have not been a good team this season. Reed is the exception. He's a solid cornerback playing above average in virtually every category; in his career, he has 400 tackles (314 solo), 49 passes defended, six interceptions, and two sacks. He's dependable, he's capable, and he's still in his prime playing years. These kinds of opportunities at cornerback don't come up often, and Ballard would be insane not to take advantage.