Feb. 21, 2026, 7:44 a.m. ET
If the Indianapolis Colts want to address the linebacker position in free agency, what might GM Chris Ballard have to spend?
Addressing the linebacker position needs to be one of the items at the top of Ballard’s offseason to-do list.
As of now, there is very little experience at this position outside of Zaire Franklin, who one NFL analyst named as a potential cut candidate.
In addition to that, a much greater coverage presence is needed here as well.
During Ballard’s end-of-season press conference, while not specifically mentioning the linebacker position, he discussed the need to get younger and faster on defense. That would seem to apply directly to this spot.
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So, to get an idea of what the linebacker market might look like for the Colts, using Pro Football Focus’ free agency big board, below are some free agent options at this position, along with some contract projections.
Contract projection for free agent linebackers in 2026Devin Lloyd: Three years, $48 millionDevin Bush: Three years, $36 millionNakobe Dean: Three years, $41 millionLeo Chenal: Two years, $12 millionBobby Wagner: One year, $8.5 millionDemario Davis: One year, $8 millionAlex Anzalone: Two years, $7.5 millionKaden Elliss: Three years, $36 millionGermaine Pratt: One year, $1.75 millionJustin Strnad: Two years, $8 million
The Colts are positioned fairly well from a salary cap perspective to again be more aggressive this offseason in free agency, which it sounds like is the approach that Ballard will take.