Indianapolis Colts 2026 Offseason Breakdown: Big Decisions, Bigger Stakes
With $33.6 million in projected cap space and seven draft picks to work with, the Indianapolis Colts enter the 2026 offseason at a crossroads. After a season that started with promise and ended in disappointment, GM Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen face a critical few months that could shape the future of the franchise. Let’s dig into the key areas they’ll need to address - and the one question that could define it all.
Top Offseason Needs
1. Edge Rusher: Time to Reload the Pass Rush
The Colts’ edge room is looking thin heading into 2026. Right now, only Laiatu Latu (2024 first-rounder) and JT Tuimoloau (2025 second-rounder) are under contract - and while both are promising, they can’t carry the load alone. The rest of last year’s rotation - Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis - are all hitting free agency.
Ebukam is unlikely to return after struggling to make an impact coming off an Achilles injury. Lewis could be back on a team-friendly deal if the coaching staff sees value in his versatility, but the real pivot point here is Paye.
Paye, a former first-round pick, has been a steady presence on the edge. He hasn’t turned into the elite pass rusher some hoped for, but he’s a strong run defender and a reliable starter. His market value likely lands somewhere in the $10-15 million range annually - a number that forces the Colts to weigh consistency against the opportunity to upgrade.
Given Ballard’s well-known love for building through the trenches, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Indy re-sign Paye to a short-term deal and then invest in another edge rusher on Day 2 of what’s shaping up to be a deep defensive line class. At minimum, they’ll need to add two rotational-caliber players at the position - one of whom needs to be capable of starting from Day 1.
2. Linebacker: A Long-Standing Weakness That Needs Fixing
Linebacker has been a sore spot in Indy for a while now, and 2025 was no exception. The team brought in Germaine Pratt midseason to stabilize the position, but even that wasn’t enough to patch up the leaks.
Zaire Franklin, one of the locker room leaders, hasn’t lived up to expectations since signing his extension. The Colts could move on this offseason and free up cap space with minimal dead money. Whether or not Franklin returns, this group needs a serious injection of talent.
Jaylon Carlies, a converted safety, was supposed to be a breakout candidate but couldn’t stay healthy. With uncertainty surrounding his availability and development, the Colts will likely look to the draft - where the linebacker class is deep with talent in the middle rounds.
Free agency also offers a range of options, from high-end names like Devin Lloyd and Nakobe Dean to more budget-friendly veterans such as Alex Anzalone, Denzel Perryman, and Bobby Wagner. Historically, linebacker hasn’t been a priority position for this front office - but that mindset may need to change if the Colts want to shore up the middle of their defense.
3. Safety: Depth Needed for a Dime-Heavy Defense
Cameron Bynum was a home run signing last offseason, but the safety room still needs reinforcements. Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas II both logged significant snaps last year, and both are now free agents. With DC Lou Anarumo’s heavy use of dime packages, having three reliable safeties isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity.
Cross is likely the third-highest priority for the Colts behind quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce. If his market stays reasonable, there’s a good chance he returns. But if another team comes calling with a bigger offer, Indy may have to pivot.
Fortunately for the Colts, this draft class offers plenty of value at safety - even into the fifth round. Whether it’s re-signing Cross or finding a mid-round gem, they’ll need to make sure Anarumo has the personnel to run his scheme effectively.
The Big Question: Can Daniel Jones Get Back to Form?
Here’s the storyline that could define the Colts’ 2026 campaign: the health and return of Daniel Jones.
Before his injury, Jones had the Colts rolling at 7-1 and in the driver’s seat for the AFC’s No. 1 seed. Then came the tibia fracture.
Then the Achilles tear. And just like that, the season unraveled.
The Colts limped to a 1-8 finish, missing the playoffs as injuries piled up across the roster.
All signs point to mutual interest in a reunion - the Colts want him back, and Jones wants to stay. It makes sense.
When healthy, he was playing some of the best football of his career. And for a team that’s struggled to find stability under center, Jones offers a proven veteran presence.
But here’s the rub: Achilles injuries are tricky. Even if Jones is cleared by training camp, history shows it often takes a full year beyond “recovery” to regain pre-injury explosiveness and confidence. That’s especially true for a quarterback who relies on mobility and off-schedule playmaking.
The Colts need Jones operating at full capacity in Steichen’s offense. If he’s anything less, their ceiling drops - and so does the job security of this coaching staff and front office.
Backup Anthony Richardson Sr. remains a wild card. The No. 4 overall pick in 2023 has missed most of his first two seasons with injuries, including a freak orbital bone fracture that kept him out during Jones’ absence. He showed flashes of elite athleticism and arm talent in limited action but remains raw and inconsistent.
Richardson had a strong training camp last year but ultimately lost the QB battle to a red-hot Jones. Whether he’s still on the roster in 2026 remains to be seen, but at the very least, he could provide a safety net if Jones needs more time to get back to full speed.
Bottom line: If Jones picks up where he left off, the Colts are a legitimate contender in what’s shaping up to be a wide-open AFC. If not, it could be a long year in Indianapolis - and a pivotal one for everyone in the building.
What’s Next
With a healthy cap sheet, a solid draft position, and a handful of key decisions looming, the Colts are positioned to make real noise this offseason. But every move - from the edge rushers they target to the decision at quarterback - needs to hit. Because in 2026, the margin for error is razor thin, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.