The Indianapolis Colts cut a cornerback on Wednesday who played a significant role for them last year.
The Indianapolis Colts made an eye-opening move on Wednesday, waiving cornerback Mekhi Blackmon and signing his replacement, rookie undrafted cornerback Kenneth Harris.
Blackmon, 27, started 11 games for the Colts last year after they traded a sixth-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for him last August.
In 17 games, Blackmon's 784 defensive snaps were the most played among all Colts cornerbacks, totaling 64 tackles (two for loss), 1.0 sack, two interceptions, and seven pass breakups.
Blackmon had a rough first two preseason games this summer, being called for four defensive pass interference penalties, including two in one drive and another that took place inside the end zone on a fourth down. Pro Football Focus charted Blackmon as surrendering six catches in the seven times he was targeted, yielding 74 yards.
This week, Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was asked about the recent performances of a couple of struggling cornerbacks, including Blackmon, and Anarumo responded with how important this week would be for several players vying for roster spots.
"Unfortunately, he's had some penalties go against him in the last two games. He's had some balls caught on him," Anarumo continued when asked specifically about Blackmon. "He's a competitive, super competitive guy, which I love about him. And I'm sure he'll bounce back and have a good week."
48 hours later, Blackmon was let go.
On Monday, the New England Patriots, who signed Harris as an undrafted free agent, waived him.
Harris (6'0", 192, 24) went undrafted this year out of Oklahoma State (2023-25) after transferring from Arkansas State (2020-22). In 59 career games (29 starts), he played 2,269 snaps on defense and totaled 113 tackles (6.5 for loss), 1.0 sack, three interceptions, and 28 pass breakups.
He was also a mainstay on special teams throughout his career, playing 485 snaps in six years.
At cornerback, the Colts now have Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward Sr., Justin Walley, Cam Taylor-Britt, Johnathan Edwards, Jaylon Jones, Rob Carter Jr., Mekhi Rodgers, and Harris.
While this isn't necessarily a preseason roster cut, the Colts must chop their roster down from 90 to 53 players by 6:00 p.m. ET on Sunday.
