Indianapolis Colts, Vontae Davis ‘in early stages’ of talks
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (23) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Colts 40-11. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Indianapolis Colts No. 1 cornerback Vontae Davis is the top impending free agent at the position, and that’s saying something given the other corners that could hit the free agent waters this offseason. Brent Grimes, Aqib Talib, Alterraun Verner, and Sam Shields are all very talented players, but only Grimes played at the level Davis did last season. He’s a huge priority for the Colts to re-sign this offseason, because he’s a true No. 1 corner for a team that simply cannot afford to lose its best player in the secondary.
According to Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star, the Colts and Davis are still in the “early stages” of contract talks and nothing is “imminent” “or concrete” at this point in time. While both parties have “mutual interest” in getting a deal done, it doesn’t sound like either side will get serious until sometime after the Combine, as Holder notes that this is when market values become clearer.
Last year presented a buyer’s market for teams at the cornerback position, and this year’s free agent pool will also be talented at the position. But if DeAngelo Hall’s bloated contracted with the Washington Redskins is any indication, CBs should score more lucrative contracts this year. The case can be made that Davis will be the best of the bunch, and he’s only 25. With a solid amount of cap space and a huge need to keep a CB of Davis’s caliber, I would be surprised if the Colts and their star corner don’t come to terms on a new deal before free agency hits on the 11th of March.