Colts Reshape Cornerback Depth
Indianapolis Colts Release Mekhi Blackmon and Sign Kenneth Harris for Roster Depth
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Key Points
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Kenneth Harris posted a strong NFL rookie debut in Week 1 of the preseason: PFF ranked him No. 15 among rookies with an 86.1 overall grade, and in 16 coverage snaps he allowed 1 reception for 6 yards on 3 targets, plus a pass breakup (87.9 coverage grade; 42.4 passer rating when targeted).
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The Colts had seen Harris up close earlier in the preseason and were impressed enough to add him two weeks after that evaluation, following his release by the Patriots. This prior exposure helped drive the signing of Harris as Blackmon’s replacement.
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The trade that sent Mekhi Blackmon from the Vikings to the Colts came with a 2026 sixth-round pick, and Minnesota later used that same pick in a separate draft-day deal—adding context to the move’s long-term impact on roster depth.
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Blackmon’s 2025 season featured him appearing in 17 games with 11 starts, including 784 defensive snaps and 64 tackles (with 2 interceptions and 7 pass breakups) and 1.0 sack, reflecting a higher-usage role that the Colts decided to move on from after preseason struggles.
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Blackmon’s injury history includes missing 2024 with a torn ACL, making 2025 his first full healthy year, a contrast to the expectations that came with his 2023 third-round draft status and subsequent workload.
The Indianapolis Colts waived veteran cornerback Mekhi Blackmon just one year after trading for him, Heavyreported. Blackmon, a 2023 third-round pick acquired from Minnesota, started 11 games last season but struggled during the preseason, drawing penalties and allowing yards. The move clears depth and signals the team is moving in a new direction at the cornerback position.
Indianapolis replaced Blackmon by signing Kenneth Harris, an undrafted cornerback from Oklahoma State who impressed evaluators during preseason action. Yahoo Sports noted Harris was released by the Patriots but earned another opportunity with the Colts after the team saw him up close in recent games. Harris posted a strong rookie debut with an 86.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
Why Blackmon Lost His Job After One Season
Blackmon appeared in 17 games with 11 starts in 2025, recording 784 defensive snaps, 64 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 7 pass breakups. Colts Wire reported he was a key contributor but his preseason performance changed the team's thinking. Penalties and poor coverage led coaches to question whether he fit their 2025 plans. The Colts decided to move on before the regular season started.
The Costly Trade From Minnesota Backfires
Indianapolis sent a 2026 sixth-round pick to Minnesota for Blackmon before the 2025 season began. Heavy confirmed the trade deadline passed one year after the deal. Minnesota later used that same pick in another draft-day trade, meaning the Colts got limited long-term value. Blackmon's injury history also complicated matters—he missed all of 2024 with a torn ACL.
Kenneth Harris Impresses in Second NFL Opportunity
Harris spent time with the New England Patriots before the Colts signed him. Pro Football Focus ranked him No. 15 among rookie cornerbacks with an 86.1 grade in Week 1 of preseason action. In 16 coverage snaps, Harris allowed just 1 reception for 6 yards on 3 targets while adding a pass breakup. His 87.9 coverage grade showed the Colts what they were getting.
Indianapolis Restructures Its Cornerback Room Before Regular Season
The Colts' move reflects a broader effort to address depth and consistency at cornerback heading into the regular season. Colts Wire reported the waiver came before the preseason finale, giving the team time to evaluate other options. Indianapolis watched Harris closely during earlier preseason games and liked what it saw enough to make the swap official. The decision signals coaches wanted fresh speed and coverage ability at the position.
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