INDIANAPOLIS — The opening week of free agency has left more questions than answers for the Colts.
Indianapolis has traded two starters (wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., middle linebacker Zaire Franklin), allowed three more to leave in free agency (right tackle Braden Smith, defensive end Kwity Paye, strong safety Nick Cross) and one more (weak-side linebacker Germaine Pratt) hasn’t been signed yet.
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The Colts only have an obvious replacement for one of those spots. Promising young tackle Jalen Travis is expected to step into Smith’s spot on the offensive line, but holes remain at every other spot, although it’s possible the replacements come from within.
“We’ve got some young players defensively that I think are … going to be good football players,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said. “We’ve got some young guys that we think can ascend.”
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Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) looks on after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) looks on after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) lead blocks for Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, against the Arizona Cardinals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Charvarius Ward #7 of the Indianapolis Colts on field during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Oct 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs with the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavien Howard (4) and safety Camryn Bynum (0) celebrate after Bynum forces a turn over against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of a game Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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Dec 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) looks to throw downfield against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 17: Grover Stewart #90 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts after a fourth down stop during the second quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 17, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) celebrates Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Tennessee Titans, 38-14.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) during warmups before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium.
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) reacts against the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL Berlin Game at Olympic Stadium on Nov. 9, 2025.
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Sep 7, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) celebrates with offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann (79) after a touchdown during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (84) pulls in a catch for a first down Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 23: Laiatu Latu #97 of the Indianapolis Colts intercepts a pass made by Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs (not pictured) in the first quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (2) makes a catch Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The play was called back on a penalty.
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 22: Jaylon Jones #40 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts during the first half of the game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (29) runs with the ball after intercepting a pass thrown by Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Raiders 40-6.
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (16) reacts after a kickoff return Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez (8) kicks the ball Monday, July 28, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts defensive end JT Tuimoloau (91) sings while warming-up Thursday, July 31, 2025, during Colts Training Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts long snapper Luke Rhodes (46) snaps Friday, July 25, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Matt Goncalves (71) prepares for stretching Thursday, July 24, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Justin Walley (27) stands on the field Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during NFL Colts mandatory mini camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
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Indianapolis Colts place kicker Spencer Shrader (3) kicks Friday, July 25, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann (79) gets a five from fellow offensive tackle Blake Freeland (73) on Friday, July 25, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore brings down Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube.
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Nov 23, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Indianapolis Colts center Tanor Bortolini (60) lines up against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 02: Jalen Travis #75 of the Indianapolis Colts takes the field during player introductions before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 07: Safety Daniel Scott #32 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts against the Baltimore Ravens in the second half during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 7, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (13) celebrates with Indianapolis Colts tight end Will Mallory (86) after scoring a touchdown Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 14: Blake Grupe #10 of the Indianapolis Colts kicks a field goal during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 14, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
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Nov 23, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Anthony Gould (6) runs against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
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Dec 22, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (85) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jaylon Carlies (57) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) and guard Josh Sills (66) walk onto the field Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, before a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers during training camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Colby Wooden (96) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Miami Dolphins safety Dante Trader Jr. (11) brings down Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens (21) during the second half of a game Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Dolphins 33-8.
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Indianapolis Colts guard Dalton Tucker (68) gets a drink of water Thursday, July 24, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts tight end Sean McKeon.
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Aug 9, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Giants center Jimmy Morrissey (67) warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
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Jan 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) throws downfield against the Houston Texans during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Johnathan Edwards (35) reacts after breaking up a pass Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Austin Ajiake (58) wraps up Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (14) on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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Aug 16, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive end Durell Nchami (74) hits Green Bay Packers quarterback Taylor Elgersma (19) as he throws during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Aug 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker John Bullock (57) looks on after a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 07: Cornerback Reuben Lowery #30 of the Baltimore Ravens in action during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 7, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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Indianapolis Colts safety Trey Washington (41) catches the ball Thursday, July 31, 2025, during Colts Training Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Aug 16, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Hunter Wohler (30) catches a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Aug 6, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; Washington Commanders safety Ben Nikkel (48) stretches at training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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Bayron Matos, from the Dominican Republic, is practicing with the Miami Dolphins as an offensive tackle.
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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Jack Wilson (76) on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, during the first day of training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts player Tim Smith (93) stretches during training Camp at Grand Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Westfield, Ind.
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Indianapolis Colts running back Ulysses Bentley IV (37) dances after scoring a touchdown Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Coleman Owen (3) rushes the ball Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
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Aug 23, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Seth Henigan (19) walks toward the sideline against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Joseph Vaughn (49) works to bring down Cincinnati Bengals running back Quali Conley (40) on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
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Dec 30, 2023; Tucson, AZ, USA; Wyoming Cowboys safety Wyett Ekeler (31) against the Toledo Rockets during the Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Tennessee Titans linebacker Arden Key (49) is congratulated after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 11: Defensive end Micheal Clemons #72 of the New York Jets warms up before the NFL game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on September 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Alec Pierce #14 of the Indianapolis Colts scores a touchdown in the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
None of the departures are all that surprising.
But the Colts still must find players to fill those spots, and potentially players who can help Indianapolis get to the next level.
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“Everybody’s got a budget; we’ve got cap,” Ballard said at the NFL scouting combine. “I don’t know if it’s necessarily a ‘run it back’ situation. We’re going to try to make the team the best we can.”
Quarterbacks (4)
Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson Sr., Riley Leonard, Seth Henigan
The Colts believe deeply that Jones can be the long-term starter the franchise needs, and Leonard’s performance in the season finale sparked optimism that he can be a legitimate No. 2 quarterback in the NFL, no small feat for a sixth-round pick.
The wild card here is Richardson. The No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson has been granted permission to seek a trade, and it seems likely that he’ll be moved at some point in the coming months, a disappointing result for a player who was drafted to be the face of the franchise.
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Running backs (3)
Jonathan Taylor, DJ Giddens, Ulysses Bentley IV
Indianapolis has plenty of space to add a player behind Taylor. Giddens sparked interest as a fifth-round pick last season, but he wasn’t able to hold onto the backup job, making way for veteran Ameer Abdullah as the season progressed. Abdullah is still a free agent, and he could return, but the Colts could also add another late-round pick or make a low-cost signing in free agency.
Wide receivers (7)
Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Ashton Dulin, Anthony Gould, Laquon Treadwell, Coleman Owen, Eli Pancol
The Colts paid Pierce like a No. 1 receiver to keep him around, and now his target share will likely rise accordingly. The team’s decision to trade Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh leaves a spot open in the starting lineup for an outside receiver. Pittman played a high-volume role, making 80 catches in 2025, but it’s possible Indianapolis wants a starter who provides more of a vertical threat.
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Tight ends (5)
Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory, Sean McKeon
The team’s decision to bring back Alie-Cox and Ogletree means the position remains essentially unchanged. With Pittman gone, Warren’s role likely increases in the passing game, creating a need to move him around the formation even more than the Colts did during his rookie season. Alie-Cox and Ogletree are primarily blockers; Mallory served as receiving insurance in case of an injury to Warren.
Offensive linemen (13)
Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Jalen Travis, Dalton Tucker, Blake Freeland, Josh Sills, Bill Murray, Jimmy Morrissey, Jack Wilson, Bayron Matos, Ladarius Henderson
The departure of longtime right tackle Braden Smith opens a spot in the starting lineup for Travis, but there is room to add depth. Veteran backup Danny Pinter remains on the market as a potential option at center behind Bortolini, and Freeland is coming off a season-ending injury, meaning the Colts have an opening at swing tackle for a potential addition.
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Defensive ends (6)
Laiatu Latu, JT Tuimoloau, Arden Key, Micheal Clemons, Durell Nchami, Viliami Fehoko Jr.
The Colts have a clear hole at one starting spot. Indianapolis tried to fill it with former Bengals star Trey Hendrickson, but the Ravens’ roster shenanigans ended up allowing Baltimore to overpay at the eleventh hour, leaving Indianapolis with imperfect options. Players remain available on the trade market — Minnesota has openly shopped veteran Jonathan Greenard — but there aren’t any players remaining in free agency who clearly change the outlook for the Indianapolis edge rush
Defensive tackles (6)
DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Colby Wooden, Derrick Nnadi, Tim Smith
The opposite of the defensive end position. Indianapolis believes Buckner will return healthy, likes the progress Adebawore made in a four-sack 2025 and added a versatile piece in Wooden in the Zaire Franklin trade to replace Neville Gallimore. With a lot of knowns already, there will likely be a battle for the fifth roster spot.
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Linebackers (5)
Austin Ajiake, Jaylon Carlies, Joseph Vaughn, John Bullock, Devin Veresuk
No position is a more critical need than linebacker. Indianapolis traded Franklin to Green Bay, and starting weak-side linebacker Germaine Pratt remains a free agent, leaving a gaping hole in the starting lineup. The Colts believe in Carlies’ potential as a chase-and-cover linebacker if he can stay healthy, but the 2024 fifth-round pick has been snakebitten in his first two years. Indianapolis wanted to get younger and faster on defense, and that means the Colts may address linebacker more than once in a deep draft class.
Cornerbacks (9)
Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward, Kenny Moore II, Justin Walley, Mekhi Blackmon, Jaylon Jones, Johnathan Edwards, Wyatt Ekeler, Rob Carter Jr.
A year’s worth of work in 2025 has made cornerback the team’s deepest position heading into 2026. Indianapolis wants to pair Gardner and Ward together to play man-to-man heavily, and their injuries in 2025 mean that Blackmon, Jones and Edwards have plenty of experience in the defense. Add in Moore, a veteran nickel, and the promising Walley, who was ticketed for a starting job in 2025 before suffering a season-ending injury, and the Colts’ depth chart at cornerback is overflowing.
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Safeties (8)
Camryn Bynum, Hunter Wohler or Juanyeh Thomas, Jonathan Owens, Reuben Lowery III, Daniel Scott, Trey Washington, Ben Nikkel
The team’s decision to let Nick Cross leave for Washington creates a hole in the starting lineup at strong safety. Wohler, a 2025 seventh-rounder, impressed in training camp as a rookie, but the Lisfranc injury that ended his season prematurely is a problem. Adding Thomas and Owens works on two levels, bringing in a young player with upside and a veteran with experience, and Lowery is a 2025 waiver claim the Colts presumably kept on the 53-man roster for a reason. Indianapolis may be comfortable holding an open competition at strong safety.
Specialists (4)
Spencer Shrader or Blake Grupe, Rigoberto Sanchez, Luke Rhodes
The return of Grupe sets up a fascinating competition in training camp. Indianapolis has reasons to like both young kickers, although Shrader is coming off an unfortunate ACL tear that opened up the starting job to a challenge from a player like Grupe, who turned in an impressive audition down the stretch.
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Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts depth chart: Defense has holes after first week of free agency