The Indianapolis Colts have several positions to address in the 2025 NFL offseason, but one stands out as the top priority. General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen face a crucial offseason, beginning with free agency in March.
In 2024, the Colts performed well in most offensive categories but struggled defensively. They ranked 23rd in rushing yards allowed per game, 26th in passing yards allowed, and 25th in sacks. To address these issues, Steichen replaced defensive coordinator Gus Bradley with Lou Anarumo, who implements a system that heavily relies on man-to-man coverage. Without top cornerback JuJu Brents for much of the season, Indianapolis struggled significantly in coverage, particularly against deep passes. The team allowed 10 completions of over 40 yards, tied for the fourth-most in the league.
Brents returned late in the regular season and is expected to take another step forward in 2025. However, with only 11 career games over two seasons, his availability remains a concern. As a result, upgrading the cornerback position should be a top priority for the Colts this offseason.
While pass-rushing depth is another area of concern, especially with Dayo Odeyingbo entering free agency, Indianapolis may already have an internal solution. First-round pick Laiatu Latu posted better stats than Odeyingbo in fewer snaps, meaning the team could prioritize his development rather than adding another edge rusher.
Instead, expect the Colts to aggressively target the best available cornerback in free agency as they look to bolster their defense for the 2025 season.
