JUST IN: The Colts finally fill out roster before 2024 training…
With a starting defensive backfield comprised of not-exactly-household-names, Julian Blackmon, Nick Cross, and Jaylon Jones, it doesn’t take exhaustive research to determine what the Indianapolis Colts need before the 2024 training camp begins.
One perfect move to fill out the roster would be adding free-agent cornerback Patrick Peterson.
The 33-year-old veteran would be a nice fit for a team with a glaring need.
The Colts prioritized offense during the NFL draft. After grabbing edge rusher
out of UCLA, Indianapolis spent much of its capital on that side of the ball. That likely means the Colts likely have confidence in the players they have in house in the secondary.
But this just pushes the conversation more toward Peterson. The Colts don’t need a defensive savior, but they need veteran help. Enter Peterson into the picture.
First, head coach Shane Steichen told coltswire.com he likes what he sees from his second group.
I think all those guys, obviously, we drafted two young guys, but I think with Jaylon Jones, (Flowers), and , they’re long, rangy guys that are physical when they get up and press. They got good vision.
“I love those guys. It’s a good room. A good competition there. It’s going to be a good competition, obviously, in minicamp and OTAs, but going into training camp is going to be big for all those guys.
But there’s inexperience and youth in that group. That’s where Peterson fits. He’s an eight-time Pro Bowl selection with 36 career interceptions. He added two of those picks last year, showing he still has on-field skills.
One reason Peterson hasn’t signed is he hasn’t reached the Pro Bowl in six years. Peterson told nfl.com he can still play.
I do feel like I still have a lot left in the tank and can provide, not only leadership, but playmaking ability to whatever team desires to have me on their roster,” Peterson said. “At this point and stage in my career, going through the free-agent process, I’m just taking it a day at a time.”
