With how the Colts restructured DeForest Buckner’s contract extension, the team gained roughly $14 million in cap space for the 2024 season. Could this mean another free agent signing is on the way?
In short, with the help of two void years at the end of Buckner’s deal, along with pushing some cap charges that were going to take place in 2024 into those future years, the Colts were able to lower his cap hit from the $22 million range down to $8.3 million, giving them a total of $28.4 million in available cap space, according to Over the Cap.
Two of the bigger positional needs that the Colts have to fill stil remain in the secondary at cornerback and safety. Big plays were too often an issue in 2023, while the secondary as a unit ranked in the bottom-third of the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed and pass breakups.
At safety, the Colts could use an upgrade, or at a minimum competition, at the free safety role, where presumably, Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas will be competing for the starting spot. At cornerback, finding an upgrade on the boundary opposite of JuJu Brents should be a priority.
PFF recently put out their best available remaining free agents list, many of which at the top either play safety or cornerback. The ability to further solidify either of these positions will give the Colts added flexibility in the draft, where trying to address these needs is a borderline must.
Here is a closer look and a quick breakdown of who those players are and their potential impact with the Colts.