Colts Lose Key Defender, Eye Draft for Replacement

0:00On March 11th, the Indianapolis Colts are losing a key defender and free agency as safety Nick Cross agreed to a two-year deal worth up to 14, million dollars with the Washington commanders. This move came on Wednesday, March 11th, 2026, amid Washington's big push to bolster their defense. Cross had been the Colts starting strong safety for the past two seasons, capping off his best year in 2025 with 100. Many tackles, two-and-a-half sacks, and in their reception, he brought physical run support that the secondary really needed. Now that leaves a big gap next to free safety, can buy them, who's locked in after his extension last year. Fans and analysts see this as a tough loss, forcing the Colts to rethink their back-end early in the off season. Internally, second-year player Hunter Wooler could step up after missing his rookie season with injury, along with a few others vying for reps. But the real focus turns to the D-2026 draft class, where picks like those from LSU,

1:01USC, and Arizona might fit perfectly around. Their second round spot. Meanwhile, free agency still has options like Jaquan Brisker from the Bears, though the Colts front office under Chris Ballard usually leans toward. Drafting young talent over big free agent splurges.