Jan. 13, 2026, 9:41 a.m. ET
Looking ahead to the 2026 offseason, what are the biggest positions of need that the Indianapolis Colts have to address?
Presumably, at the top of the list would be quarterback. However, that likely won’t end up being the case, with it feeling like an almost certainty that Daniel Jones will return.
So, NFL.com doesn’t have quarterback among the Colts‘ biggest offseason needs. Instead, these five position groups were selected.
For a look at where things stand, salary cap and draft pick-wise for the Colts, you can find that here.
Defensive end and defensive tackle
Thanks, in part, to Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme, the Colts’ run defense held up well this season. However, this unit, particularly the defensive ends, struggled to get after the quarterback regularly.
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As GM Chris Ballard said,”more fuel” is needed up front in 2026.
Along with that, the Colts are getting older at defensive tackle, while Samson Ebukam, Tyquan Lewis, Kwity Paye, and Neville Gallimore are all free agents.
Linebacker
This was a position of need last offseason for the Colts and it’s one that over the summer and even into the season, Ballard tried to band-aid. Germaine Pratt, who started most of the season next to Zaire Franklin, is a free agent.
While not mentioning linebacker specifically, Ballard did talk about wanting to get younger and faster on defense, and that could be applied to his position.
Safety
The Colts do have Cam Bynum under contract, but Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas are set to be free agents. A starting-caliber running mate for Bynum and depth are needed here.
Offensive line
Another position group that Ballard alluded to wanting to address. Contributing to the Colts’ offensive woes over the second half of the season was the lack of a run game to lean on. “(We have to) be able to run it, when we want to run it,” Ballard said.
Braden Smith is a free agent, but Jalen Travis held his own at right tackle. The Colts’ likely starting five is already under contract, but this team could benefit from added competition and depth.