The Indianapolis Colts, who have faced criticism for their quiet offseason approach to cornerback depth, are now grappling with a significant setback. JuJu Brents, a second-year cornerback who had been slotted for a starting role, is set to be sidelined for the rest of the season due to a knee injury. This development, reported by NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, raises critical questions about the Colts’ secondary and their strategy moving forward.
Brents, drafted in the second round of last year’s draft, was anticipated to be a cornerstone of the Colts’ defense. However, his season-ending injury underscores the team’s vulnerability at cornerback. Despite his promising potential, Brents has struggled with injuries throughout his short career. Last season, he missed eight games and dealt with a broken nose in preseason. The latest setback follows offseason ankle surgery, further compounding his challenges.
With Brents out, the Colts must reassess their options. During the offseason, the team’s strategy focused heavily on retaining existing talent rather than bolstering the cornerback position. Kenny Moore, a reliable slot corner, was re-signed, but outside spots remained unaddressed. The Colts had hoped Brents would anchor one of those positions, leaving the team with a gap to fill.
In the wake of Brents’ injury, Jaylon Jones, a 2023 seventh-round pick, emerged as a starter in Week 1. The Colts also brought in Samuel Womack from the 49ers, while Dallis Flowers, who started four games last year before an Achilles injury, was a healthy scratch in Week 1. Chris Lammons, another option, saw limited action with 22 defensive snaps.
The Colts’ decision to part ways with Darrell Baker, who started six games last season, and the subsequent waiver claim of Womack, indicates their ongoing search for stability at cornerback. However, with only four healthy corners on the active roster—Jones, Womack, Flowers, and Lammons—the team might need to explore additional reinforcements.
Chris Ballard, the Colts’ general manager, has championed a homegrown approach to roster building. Despite this, the decision not to address the cornerback position in the draft, especially after releasing Isaiah Rodgers following a gambling suspension, seemed questionable. The team’s previous willingness to sign veteran Stephon Gilmore hinted at an openness to external solutions, yet with Gilmore now with the Vikings, options like Patrick Peterson and Xavien Howard remain intriguing but unaddressed.
Howard, despite facing a civil lawsuit this offseason, remains a free agent and could offer a significant upgrade. While the Colts have shown reluctance to pursue him, the current crisis might force a reconsideration. Pro Football Focus rated Brents 66th among cornerbacks last season, highlighting the potential gap in performance that the Colts must now address.
As Brents’ rookie contract extends through 2026, his long-term potential is not in question. However, with immediate needs pressing, the Colts’ next moves will be critical in determining how they handle the cornerback position for the remainder of the season.
