“Another possible starting safety option falls through, and this time it’s to a rival team in the AFC South division.”
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Tennessee Titans have signed former Seattle Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs to a one-year, $3 million contract, with the possibility of earning up to an additional $2 million in incentives. This move potentially leaves the Indianapolis Colts with one fewer experienced veteran option in the free-agent market.
Diggs, who turns 31 this year, was a three-time Pro Bowler (2020-2022) with the Seahawks and was originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 6th round of the 2015 NFL Draft. In the 2023 season, he tallied 95 tackles (63 solo), a tackle for loss, an interception, and 5 passes defensed across all 17 games as a starter.
The #Titans are giving veteran safety Quandre Diggs a 1-year deal worth $3M base with $1M more in reachable incentives based on play-time and $1M more in performance-based incentives.
Max value: $5M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 4, 2024
Given Diggs’ skill level, the Colts’ ongoing need for a starting safety to pair with Julian Blackmon, and the cost of Diggs’ deal, it’s surprising that the Colts didn’t sign him. Instead, he ended up with an AFC South rival.
This isn’t the first time the Titans have made notable upgrades while the Colts have stood pat. Earlier this offseason, the Titans acquired former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, though the Colts’ level of interest in Sneed was unclear. The Titans have made significant improvements at cornerback and safety, which remain areas of concern for the Colts’ secondary.
The Colts recently drafted cornerback Micah Abraham from Marshall in the 6th round, but their safety group largely remains the same, aside from losing 2nd-year safety Daniel Scott to a season-ending injury in minicamp.
The Colts’ free safety position has been uncertain, with contenders including Nick Cross, Ronnie Harrison Jr., and Rodney Thomas II. None have secured the starting role alongside Blackmon, leading to Blackmon himself taking reps at free safety.
Although Diggs had a subpar season last year, ranking 87th among safeties with a +55.1 overall grade according to PFF, and was outperformed by Rodney Thomas II, the Colts missed an opportunity to add veteran depth at a reasonable price. They have similarly failed to address other positions, such as left tackle, right guard, and wide receiver, which has negatively impacted their seasons.
There is still a chance for the Colts to sign former Denver Broncos All-Pro Justin Simmons, who remains available. However, the timing of such a signing is uncertain, as teams often finalize their safety situations midway through training camp.
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