The Indianapolis Colts have made some pretty massive moves this offseason, but could we see one more?
In an offseason that landed DeForest Buckner and Phillip Rivers, the Indianapolis Colts still have a position that needs to be filled.
The Colts elected to save nearly $7 million by releasing starter Pierre Desir, who just signed with the New York Jets.
There are options the Colts could view in free agency or the draft to replace the position, but what about making a splash?
Veteran cornerback Xavier Rhodes is available and could be a perfect target for the Colts.
Who Is Xavier Rhodes?
Rhodes is going to be 30 years old in June and is a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
A former first-round pick (25th overall) in 2013, Rhodes spent his entire career with the Minnesota Vikings up to this point.
Rhodes made the First-Team All-Pro list in 2017.
He also holds the Vikings’ record for the longest interception return (100 yards) in 2016.
FUMBLE! Xavier Rhodes forces the fumble and Harrison Smith recovers#Vikings pic.twitter.com/0PbozjyB7R
— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) January 11, 2020
Reason To Sign #1: He Was Just A Star
The 2019 season might have been a “down year,” but only because of the high standard set earlier and was still named to the Pro Bowl.
Rhodes was named to the Pro Bowl in 2016, 2017, and 2019.
Last season, Rhodes finished with a career-high 63 tackles, but just six passes defended and zero interceptions.
Gonna miss these tackles from Xavier Rhodes #Vikings pic.twitter.com/5ed6R6rfwE
— HaiValentine (@HaiJwhealen) March 21, 2020
There is a reason for concern given that 2018 and 2019 are back-to-back years of finishing without double-digits in passes defended.
In 2016 and 2017, Rhodes finished with 11 and 10 passes defended, including five interceptions in 2016.
The stats don’t lie and a change of scenery could be a good thing.
Reason To Sign #2: Not A High Cost
By cutting Rhodes, the Vikings saved nearly $8 million and took a $4.8 million hit of dead money.
By signing Rhodes, the Colts could get high production at a low cost.
Despite his career-high in tackles, the advanced analytics claim that Rhodes was one of the worst on the field.
120 CBs were on the field for 300+ snaps this season
6 had a lower PFF grade than Pro Bowler Xavier Rhodes pic.twitter.com/TgK0tszWN5
— PFF (@PFF) January 21, 2020
With that being said, the goose egg in the interceptions column does not help his case either.
However, that means the Colts do not have to break the bank to sign Rhodes.
His lack of production in the last couple of seasons had driven the price tag down.
General manager Chris Ballard could easily sign Rhodes on a one-year, “prove it” deal.
Final Answer
Rhodes is well worth the price.
The Colts need a cornerback and this is a best-case scenario for the team.
As of now, the top two cornerbacks on the depth chart are Kenny Moore II, Rock Ya-Sin, Marvel Tell III, and Quincy Wilson.
Any of those names sound eye-popping?
Given Rhodes’ low cost and his high potential, making this deal could work out for all parties involved.
NEXT: 3 Things To Know About New Colts Quarterback Philip Rivers