The biggest question for the Indianapolis Colts, as it has been in the previous seasons, was the situation at quarterback.
But after taking a gamble on Daniel Jones, who had to compete for the starting job against Anthony Richardson, the answer has been answered.
Before going down with two leg injuries, Jones led Indy to one of the best records in the league after 8 weeks and was on track to play his best professional season.
Indianapolis and Jones are currently in contract negotiations to extend the QB beyond just another year.
With the quarterback situation getting sorted, the Colts can focus on other areas of the team.
Acquiring Second-Team All-Pro
Joe Sargent/GettyThe Colts linebacker room could bolster their defense with a trade pitch
The Indianapolis Colts made some big signings in the 2025 free agency, signing safety Camryn Bynum and cornerback Charvarius Ward.
In the past season, the Colts acquired Sauce Gardner at the trade deadline in exchange for two first-round picks and a player.
Indianapolis defense allowed an average of 24.2 points per game, which is in the upper half of the most points allowed per game.
Still needing help on the defense, Bleacher Report‘s Corey Ballentine would like to see the Colts trade for Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen.
“The Colts have a lot of big-ticket items to figure out this offseason. What they’ll do with Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce are the biggest questions heading into this portion of the offseason,” Ballentine wrote. “But the one position that could probably be drastically improved with a trade is off-ball linebacker.”
“The Colts need more athleticism and production in the middle of their defense and Patrick Queen has on-the-job experience providing that. Queen’s stay in Pittsburgh hasn’t gone as expected… his run in Baltimore, which ended with a second-team All-Pro nod, shows that he could once again be an asset if paired with the right running mate. Perhaps pairing him with Zaire Franklin might be the move that reignites both of their careers and levels up the Colts defense.”
Despite not having the season up to his standards, Queen still recorded 120 tackles.
The linebacker had a 44 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, one of the lowest out of 88 qualifying linebackers and had a passer rating of 114.9 when targeted.
A change of scenery out of Pittsburgh could put the linebacker back on track to how his career was going and become a premier LB in the league again.
Ballentine projects that for the Colts to land Queen, it would take the team’s third-round selection (78th overall pick) in the upcoming draft.
Taking Patrick Queen’s Contract
GettyPittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen tackles Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa
If the Indianapolis Colts were to acquire Patrick Queen, it would also mean taking on the final year of his contract, worth $17 million.
Indy has about $35 million to work with in the offseason and limited draft sources, while trying to bring back Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce.
If the Colts wanted to get a keeper option, they could focus on retaining Germaine Pratt, who logged over 10 tackles in 12 games.
Pratt is the older option, but he and Zaire Franklin looked good as a duo in the middle of the field, logging over 200 tackles together.