Vontae Davis re-signs with Colts
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
I expected this move to happen before free agency started, but the Indianapolis Colts have come to terms with star cornerback Vontae Davis, per a “team source” close to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Before the legal tampering period started, it looked like the Colts would be able to re-sign Davis with relative ease, but rumors surfaced yesterday that the Colts wouldn’t be able to keep him around. That isn’t the case, however, and I’m sure the Colts paid premium price for the CB who is ranked as my top FA corner. Not everyone has him on top, but it’s clear that Davis is a shutdown-caliber player, and he’s in the prime of his career.
The Colts would have had a massive need at corner if Vontae Davis walked, so it was imperative for them to keep him around. Greg Toler is their other starting corner, and last offseason’s veteran signing didn’t quite pan out in his first year in Indy. Fans are frustrated with Toler’s proneness to injury, and there are several fans who believe the team should release him. That doesn’t look likely at this stage, but it’s possible that the Colts could look for an upgrade across from Davis whether or not they decided to cut Toler. I mean, they have the cap space to go for it.
Free safety is also a need for the Colts with Antoine Bethea departing to the San Francisco 49ers as Donte Whitner’s replacement, with Whitner replacing T.J. Ward in Cleveland. The Colts aren’t done making moves in the secondary, so Davis and Arthur Jones won’t be their only big defensive signings this March (or this week, really).