Feb. 10, 2026, 2:25 p.m. ET
If the Indianapolis Colts are going to address the safety position in free agency, who are the best available options?
Nick Cross is set to be a free agent this offseason, and he could be an answer to the above question. However, if Cross ends up earning more elsewhere or the Colts want to go in a different direction, then they have a starting spot next to Cam Bynum to fill.
One on the roster option for that role could be Hunter Wohler. The 2025 seventh-round pick impressed during training camp last summer and could fill that strong safety role. With that said, banking on a late Day 3 pick who missed his entire rookie season to injury comes with obvious risks.
To fill Cross’ role specifically, the Colts could use a strong safety presence, who often plays closer to the line of scrimmage. But in Lou Anarumo’s disguise-heavy and, at times, more aggressive scheme, the versatility to move around and the ability to help out in the run game are important elements at this position as well.
Salary-cap-wise, the Colts are positioned well to make a splash or two in free agency. We saw Ballard take a more aggressive approach last offseason, which paid off for the Colts, and he’s in a position to do that again.
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However, it’s worth noting that the Colts invested heavily in this position last offseason by signing Cam Bynum, so Ballard may choose to use his cap resources elsewhere this offseason.
With help from Pro Football Focus’ free agency big board, here are the top available players at safety.
12 best available free agent safeties in 2026 for ColtsBryan Cook, ChiefsKamren Curl, RamsKevin Byard, BearsJabrill Peppers, SteelersJalen Thompson, CardinalsCoby Bryant, SeahawksReed Blakenship, EaglesJaylinn Hawkins, PatriotsJaquan Brisker, BearsAr’Darius Washington, RavensAlohi Gilman, RavensNick Cross, Colts