The Colts netted their biggest offseason acquisition of the free agency period late last night when they came to terms with LaRon Landry.  The hard-hitting safety is coming off a Pro Bowl appearance with the Jets last season, and will be a big upgrade over Tom Zbikowski, who was often a liability in the starter role last season. 

Safe to say that LaRon Landry eats his fruits and vegetables

His reputation for laying the lumber, and a tweet pic from Pat McAfee of Landry's self-portrait, has some Colts’ fans comparing him to Bob Sanders.  As you remember, Sanders was an elite-level player when healthy – which was rare.  The 2007 NFL Defensive Player of the Year missed 62 of a possible 112 games in seven seasons as a Colt.  However, when he was on the field, Sanders was terrific against the run, and loved to make big hits. Landry has that exact same skill set.  As Paul Kuharsky stated, Landry was Scout Inc.’s highest-rated run stopper in 2012.  That bodes well for a Colts’ defense that was 31st in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (5.1) last season. 

But, the Landry signing doesn’t come without some risk.  He missed fifteen games over the course of the 2010 and 2011 seasons due to persistent Achilles problems.  While he did play a full sixteen-game season with the Jets, there is some concern that he could re-aggravate that injury at any time.

Regardless, Landry gives the Colts a pair of Pro Bowlers at the two safety positions, and should make life easier for cornerbacks Vontae  Davis, as well as new addition Greg Toler.  If all of their pieces can stay healthy (big “if” considering the Colts’ past luck), the defensive secondary should be the most talented spot on the roster in 2013.