Jan. 26, 2026, 12:58 p.m. ET
With the 2026 NFL offseason underway for the Indianapolis Colts, we will be taking a position-by-position look at the current state of the roster.
Up next are the defensive tackles. You can find our previous previews below.
Colts‘ defensive tackles under contractDeForest BucknerGrover StewartAdetomiwa AdebaworeTim SmithExpert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.2025 season review
As they’ve done for a number of years in Indianapolis, the one-two punch of Buckner and Stewart provided stability and playmaking to the Colts’ defensive tackle position.
Among all defensive tackles, Buckner ranked 20th in PFF’s pass rush win rate metric. He ranked 16th in run stop rate. Unfortunately, Buckner’s season was cut short due to a neck injury.
Stewart continued to provide an impactful presence inside, particularly against the run. His impact isn’t always going to show up on the stat sheet, but he creates for others around him.
The depth behind those two was improved this season with the addition of Neville Gallimore in free agency and Adetomiwa Adebawore taking a step forward as a pass rusher.
Overall, the Colts’ defensive front held up well against the run this past season.
What’s the Colts’ level of need at defensive tackle this offseason?
The need here is fairly high. Buckner and Stewart are entering the final year of their current deals in 2026.
GM Chris Ballard also expressed the need to get younger and faster on defense this offseason. While not specifically mentioning defensive tackle in that sentiment, that is a position that could fall into that category.
The depth of this unit also has to be added to with Gallimore a free agent. Adebawore is in the final year of his rookie deal as well.
Although the Colts held up against the run, the collective pass rush struggled to get home consistently last season. As Ballard put it, “more fuel” is needed up front.