The first two seasons for cornerback JuJu Brents didn’t start the best for the young player.
Brents played nine games in his rookie season with the Indianapolis Colts due to multiple injuries and a knee injury that forced the cornerback to end his second season early after two games.
In ESPN’s roster rankings, analyst Aaron Schatz named Brents as a non-starter to know for the Colts heading into the 2025-26 season. Here’s what he said:
“Cornerback JuJu Brents. A 2023 second-round pick out of Kansas State, Brents hasn’t stayed healthy. He had a reasonable performance in half a season as a rookie, then made it into only two games last season. He’s a big (6-3) outside cornerback with long arms and press coverage ability, so he should get some playing time opposite Ward.”
ESPN projects Brents won’t be one of the starting cornerbacks for the Colts next season, with the position taken by a former Pro Bowler and 100-tackle season cornerbacks.
Staying Healthy
GettyColts cornerback JuJu Brents
JuJu Brents has only played in 11 games throughout his NFL career so far.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Brents said. “It’s been some, as everybody knows, some trial tribulations for me, but just blessed to be back. Back out there with the guys, to be able to compete at the highest level, make some plays.”
The Colts brought in Lou Anarumo for their defensive coordinator role after parting ways with Gus Bradley.
Brents praised Anarumo’s defense when asked by reporters how his playstyle complements his new DC.
“Not to put too much out there, but it just allows you to get out there and get in guys’ face,” the cornerback said. “That’s what I do. I love to play man coverage, but also being able to switch it up. Give the offenses different looks. But I think for me, I think it is going to fit to my tools, my tool sets that I have. Just being able to get in guys’ face, be aggressive, and hands-on.”
Playing Time
GettyIndianapolis Colts cornerback JuJu Brents
The Indianapolis Colts signed cornerback Charvarius Ward to a three-year, $54 million deal in the offseason to give the team their starting CB.
ESPN projects Kenny Moore II and Jaylon Jones to be the other two starting cornerbacks next season. Indy also drafted CB Justin Walley in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft from Minnesota.
Brents had a long road to recovery after two injury-plagued seasons in the NFL. Now, he has an uphill battle to get playing time upon his return in the packed cornerback room.
A strong training camp from the third-year pro could see JuJu get playing time and a possible starting role with the Colts.
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