The Indianapolis Colts are heading into a pivotal offseason, and while the spotlight will naturally fall on the big names-quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce-it's the decisions made around the margins that could ultimately determine whether this team takes the next step in 2026.
Let’s start with the obvious: Daniel Jones needs to be re-signed. He remains the only quarterback who’s consistently made Shane Steichen’s offense click since the head coach took over three years ago.
Say what you want about Jones’ injury history, but when he’s on the field, the offense has rhythm, timing, and purpose. That kind of familiarity in a complex offensive system isn’t easy to replicate, and the Colts know what they’re getting with Jones.
The key now is keeping him upright and healthy.
Then there’s Alec Pierce, and make no mistake-he’s not just a piece of the offense, he is the offense’s vertical threat. Pierce has emerged as one of the most explosive receivers in the league, and his ability to stretch the field is unmatched on the current Colts roster.
In fact, there are only a handful of teams across the NFL that can boast a receiver with his combination of speed, size, and big-play ability. That’s why he’s likely to command north of $20 million annually in free agency.
And if the Colts are serious about contending, that deal needs to come from them. You don’t let a weapon like that walk out the door.
But beyond the headliners, there’s a crucial decision looming in the secondary-specifically at the safety position. Nick Cross has been a full-time starter for the past two seasons, and while he brings value as a run defender, his coverage metrics leave a lot to be desired.
According to projections, he’s set to command a contract in the range of $24 million over four years. That’s not a back-breaking number, but it’s fair to ask: is the return on investment worth it?
Cross has flashed at times-four interceptions over two seasons is respectable-but the rest of the picture is less encouraging. He’s allowed 10 touchdowns in that span and opposing quarterbacks have completed 73 percent of their passes when targeting him.
His passer rating allowed? North of 105 in each of the last two seasons.
That’s not the kind of reliability you want on the back end of your defense, especially when you’re trying to build a playoff-caliber unit.
That’s where LSU’s A.J. Haulcy enters the conversation.
In a recent mock draft, the Colts were projected to grab Haulcy in the second round-a move that could reshape their secondary. At 6'0", 220 pounds, Haulcy brings a physical edge that jumps off the tape.
He plays with the mentality of a linebacker, attacking ball-carriers with aggression and comfort in the box. That kind of presence is a dream for a defensive coordinator like Lou Anarumo, who leans heavily on safeties to be versatile chess pieces.
What makes Haulcy especially intriguing is that he’s not just a thumper. He’s shown real feel in zone coverage, reading quarterbacks and reacting with anticipation.
That fits well with Anarumo’s scheme, which relies on disciplined zone looks-though there’s room for evolution if corners like Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward stay healthy and allow for more man coverage. Either way, Haulcy has the tools to adapt.
The contrast between Haulcy and Cross is stark. Where Cross has struggled to hold up in coverage, Haulcy projects as someone who can be a difference-maker in both phases of the game. And in today’s NFL, where safeties are increasingly asked to cover tight ends, slot receivers, and play deep in single-high looks, that versatility isn’t just a bonus-it’s a requirement.
So while the Colts’ offseason headlines will focus on keeping their offensive core intact, don’t overlook what happens at safety. A move from Cross to a player like Haulcy could be the kind of subtle shift that pays big dividends down the stretch. If Indy wants to be more than just a fringe playoff team in 2026, they’ll need to get these decisions right-not just at the top, but all the way down the roster.