Colts' Strong Safety Position Up for Grabs

Unexpected candidate emerges as frontrunner for starting role

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a Colts defensive player making a tackle, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes representing the dynamic action of the play.The Colts' search for a new starting strong safety promises to be a key storyline as the team prepares for the upcoming season.Indianapolis Today

The Indianapolis Colts have a vacancy at the strong safety position after Nick Cross departed for the Washington Commanders in free agency. While the team has more pressing needs at defensive end and linebacker, the strong safety spot is still an area of focus as several players vie for the starting role.

Why it matters

The Colts' secondary was a weak point last season, and the loss of Cross leaves a hole that needs to be filled. Solidifying the safety position could help shore up the defense and improve the team's chances of making a playoff push in the upcoming season.

The details

The Colts have several players competing for the starting strong safety job, including some unexpected names. The team is looking to find the right fit to complement the rest of the secondary and shore up a position of need.

  • Nick Cross left the Colts for the Washington Commanders in free agency this offseason.

The players

Nick Cross

A former Colts safety who signed with the Washington Commanders in free agency this offseason.

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The takeaway

The Colts have an important position to fill on their defense, and the competition for the starting strong safety role will be an interesting storyline to follow as the team prepares for the upcoming season.