As the Indianapolis Colts look toward another offseason, improving the secondary will be one of the biggest objectives.
General manager Chris Ballard said so in his end-of-season press conference, naming the secondary as one of the team’s biggest needs going into the offseason.
One option the Colts have been previously linked to is San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga, who is slated to be a free agent this offseason.
The Colts, given their need in the secondary, were predicted to be a fit for Hufanga, according to Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report.
“The Colts secondary was a major issue at times this season. It would still be good to see them acquire a true No. 1 corner, but they at least have a few promising young pieces at the position. The same can’t be sad at safety where Nick Cross gave up a 111.7 passer rating when targeted,” Ballentine wrote. “Talanoa Hufanga only played in seven games this season due to injury, but he could hit the market as a 26-year-old free agent with experience on a good defense in San Francisco. Signing him could eliminate safety as a need in the draft while dramatically improving the secondary.”
A Pro Bowl and All-Pro First Team selection in 2022, Hufanga has struggled to stay on the field since then.
The 26-year-old safety has appeared in 17 games (all starts) over the last two seasons combined, recording three interceptions, 90 tackles (59 solo), three tackles for loss and three passes defensed. He’s also allowed a 72.8 passer rating on 32 targets during that span, according to Pro Football Reference.
Pro Football Focus projects Hufanga will sign a two-year, $25 million contract in free agency.
With Julian Blackmon set for free agency, the Colts may need to find another option in the defensive backfield so Hufanga could be a name to watch.