The Indianapolis Colts are 7-2 and surging, but their secondary is hanging by a thread. With injuries piling up and the trade deadline looming, Shane Steichen may not wait much longer. A newly cleared free agent could be the perfect fix, and he is already drawing interest across the league.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport recently reported on X, “Chargers FA CB Asante Samuel, who had a spinal fusion procedure this offseason, was fully cleared to return to the NFL by respected Drs. David Okonkwo and Nick Theodore in a letter agent Trevon Smith presented to NFL teams. Samuel becomes a top FA and fascinating addition.” 

Reports suggest GM Chris Ballard and the head coach are exploring options. And why wouldn’t they? The Colts have two clear needs: cornerback and defensive end. According to Rapoport, Asante Samuel Jr. looks like a “fascinating” target. So, let’s talk about production.

The cornerback has racked up 176 tackles and 6 interceptions in 50 career games since entering the league as the Los Angeles Chargers’ second-round pick in 2021. Earlier this year, ESPN ranked him the No. 14 overall free agent. Some executives even believed he was the best corner in the class. That is elite praise and something Shane Steichen must surely consider.

The Colts’ offense has been electric this season. Steichen has this unit performing at a historic level. But the defense has been living on borrowed time.

Cornerback injuries continue to test the Colts’ depth. Jaylon Jones, sidelined since Week 2 with a hamstring injury, was recently activated and returned to practice. Charvarius Ward remains on injured reserve, while Kenny Moore II has worked his way back from an Achilles issue.

In the meantime, Shane Steichen has leaned on Mekhi Blackmon, Johnathan Edwards, and Cameron Mitchell to hold down the perimeter.

That’s a heavy load for any secondary, and the Colts haven’t yet faced the league’s top aerial attacks. In the NFL, that kind of luck runs out fast. With injuries stacking up and the trade deadline looming, Shane Steichen has every reason to seek reinforcements. And right now, one free agent cornerback stands out: Samuel Jr.

Samuel landed on injured reserve in 2024 and played only four games. He initially described the issue as stingers in both shoulders, but it was later diagnosed as a congenital spinal condition he’s dealt with since birth.

After undergoing successful surgery in April, he has been medically cleared and is now planning team visits. So here’s the question: if he’s healthy and available, why wouldn’t Steichen take a serious look?

Shane Steichen could utilize the surplus of receivers for a CB trade

The Colts are one of the best teams in the league right now. But to stay there, they must shore up their weaknesses, particularly at the cornerback position. So, recently, when the head coach was asked about the NFL trade deadline, he made it clear that the Colts are looking to work through their roster depth. 

“We’re working through that. Like I said, (GM Chris Ballard) and his staff are doing their due diligence on that stuff, and we’ll see how it plays out,” said Steichen. 

Meanwhile, the Colts have something valuable that other teams want – wide receivers. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer recently reported that teams have called to inquire about Indianapolis’ depth at wideout. And that could turn into trade capital for Shane Steichen. 

Michael Pittman Jr. leads the group, and Josh Downs continues to shine in the receiver slot. But Alec Pierce has become the name to watch out for in trade. He has no extension, a $4.1 million cap hit in the final year of his rookie deal, and solid production – 18 catches for 386 yards in 6 games. So, he fits the mold of a player who could bring value in return.

Moreover, if the Colts believe that they can make a deep playoff run – and honestly, it looks like they can – then a bold move at cornerback feels like the right play. The window is open.