The Indianapolis Colts secondary can be considered one of the strongest positions on the team, but there is a clear hole that needs to be addressed.
Starting safety Nick Cross signed a two-year deal with the Washington Commanders, leaving a hole for the starting spot. Cross started every game the last two seasons for the team, recording 266 tackles, 10 pass deflections, 4 interceptions and 3.5 sacks.
Cam Bynum will be the only guaranteed starting safety for Indianapolis next season, leaving a gap in a strong defensive back room.
One NFL draft analyst believes the Colts could address this need in the upcoming draft, labeling one safety as a perfect fit.
SEC Defender Named Perfect Fit for Indianapolis
GettyColts could add a safety through the draft
The Indianapolis Colts do not have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft (after trading it to the NY Jets in exchange for Sauce Gardner) and will make their first selection on Day 2.
While not having the first-round pick is a huge blow for Indianapolis, first-round talent can fall down the board in the draft.
Fox Sports’ draft analyst Rob Rang names LSU safety AJ Haulcy as a “perfect” fit for the Colts with the 47th overall pick and alludes to the player as a future high-end starter for the team.
“With a league-low two picks among the first 100, GM Chris Ballard can’t afford a miss early, so nabbing one of the most instinctive players in this class would make sense,” Rang wrote for Fox Sports.
“The Colts addressed safety in free agency by adding Juanyeh Thomas and Jonathan Owens and also have 2025 seventh-round pick Hunter Wohler, but each has the feel of a depth piece rather than a future high-end starter. Haulcy is a thunderous hitter with a knack for making big plays.”
Haulcy has played for three different teams in his collegiate career, including the University of New Mexico and Houston, before playing his final season with LSU. The safety has accrued 347 total tackles, 10 interceptions and 19 pass deflections in his college tenure.
Pro Football Focus graded Haulcy as the 19th-best safety in the country with an 86.6 overall grade. The safety received an 86.6 coverage grade and 76.2 run defense grade in the 2025 season.
NFL Lance Zierlein calls Haulcy a “pro feel for reading the field. He’s a rare blend of ballhawk and enforcer who can scurry into passing lanes for takeaways or run through a receiver to break up a pass.” The safety is also projected to be a good starter in a zone-heavy scheme.
Chargers Add Retired Safety to Squad
GettyThe Colts have signed former Chargers safety Nasir Adderley in free agency
While drafting AJ Haulcy gives the Indianapolis Colts a long-term plan at the safety position, the team has brought a safety out of retirement for the 2026 season.
Indianapolis has announced they have signed Nasir Adderley, who last played for the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2022 season. Adderley has registered 232 tackles, 12 pass deflections and 3 interceptions in his four-year career.
Now back in the National Football League, Nasir Adderley is looking to give it a second go. With a starting job available, the safety could become an immediate starter upon his return.
10-Interception Prospect Labeled “Perfect” Fit for Colts