At the start of NFL free agency, the Colts knew what they had to do first. Bring in men on the defensive side of the ball. After moving on from DC Gus Bradley and replacing him with Bengals defensive mastermind Lou Anarumo, it was pretty clear the Colts were looking to improve an NFL worst defense in 2024. 24th in scoring (25.1 PPG), 26th against the pass (229.4 YPG), 24th against the run (131.8 YPG), and tied for 25th in sacks (36). So, to solve such porous defense that had more holes than Swiss cheese. The Colts went in and brought defensive bodies who are predicted to simply redefine their defense.

Their latest star secondary signing, former Viking safety Camryn Bynum, couldn’t be more bullish, seeing the state of their defensive room. Hopping on The Jim Rome Show, Bynum wants the 31 franchises to know, “The sky is the limit for us, and I know we are gonna exceed all expectations,” referring to the Colts’ defense. See, there’s absolutely no doubt that the Colts’ defense after free agency looks quite exciting.

They have gone ahead and paid some big money to Bynum for a 4-year, $60M contract. He comes from Minnesota, having totaled 8 interceptions and 28 pass deflections in just 4 seasons. His versatility as the last man standing will prove to be a game-changer once the new season comes rolling. Bynum’s immaculate capability of judging the right spots on the field will hopefully keep those interceptions coming in Indy Blue.

Apart from Bynum, there’s also seven-year veteran Charvarius Ward, who signed his 3-year, $54M contract earlier in March. He is coming into Indianapolis with 10 interceptions and 70 pass deflections to his name. Ward’s mentality to keep on pushing for the best results could give Indy’s defense that edge next season. And there are also a few depth pieces the Colts have added alongside big names like Bynum and Ward. Defensive tackle Neville Gallimore and CB Corey Ballentine. 

Seeing the depth and competition in the Colts’ defense, they have undoubtedly improved their back end. Now, it’s totally up to Bynum and his new look defense to live up to the hype. While Bynum might be excited seeing the current state of his defensive room, Indy’s QB, Anthony Richardson, probably has lost his starting gig even before the new season gets underway.

Has Chris Ballard all but confirmed Anthony Richardson’s future in Indy?

See, the Colts’ former No.4 pick was already living on borrowed time after two horrible seasons in Indy. His rookie campaign ended after 4 games, while his sophomore year had more drama than dramatic QB plays. Only 1,814 passing, 8 TDs, 12 INTs and a franchise-worst 47.7% pass completion rate. Actually, Richardson’s Colts career could have ended in week 8 if the franchise had not given him another chance to prove his worth. After infamously subbing himself out mid-game against the Texans, the whole league was on Richardson’s tail.

Yes, upon pressure from fans, Richardson did get dropped, but within two weeks, he got reinstated. At the start of the offseason, Richardson probably thought he would have the whole QB room to himself after Joe Flacco left. But little did he know the Colts had a Giant waiting in the corner. Them signing Daniel Jones is more than a backup plan for the Colts. Indy’s GM Chris Ballard said a few days ago, “We thought Daniel’s skill set and Anthony’s skill set—there’s a lot of similarities.”

While Ballard didn’t outright sack Richardson as their starter for next season, NFL analyst Michael Holley got the gist. “This sounds like a very polite dismantling of Anthony Richardson as a franchise quarterback,” Holley claimed. So, only time will tell whether it’s going to be the former Big Blues QB starting in Indy Blue. Or will it be the same old Richardson drama once the 2025 season knocks on our door? Whatever happens, Indy’s QB room is going to be no less than a survival-of-the-fittest kind of drama.