The Indianapolis Colts have had a decent offseason under GM Chris Ballard, but it seems their AFC South rivals, the Houston Texans, have stolen the spotlight with some bold moves. While the Colts wrapped up last season third in the division, injuries and a challenging schedule played their part. Facing off against the Texans and the Jacksonville Jaguars twice in the latter half didn't help either.
As we look toward 2026, the Colts are still in the hunt for the division crown, with Houston appearing to widen the gap. The Texans have addressed their biggest weakness: the offensive line.
Last season, a shaky line left quarterback C.J. Stroud vulnerable, but that’s set to change.
Houston's latest acquisition, three-time Pro Bowler Wyatt Teller, is a major upgrade. Whether he slots in at right guard beside former Colts standout Braden Smith, or flips to left guard, Teller is set to bolster the line significantly.
With a much-improved offensive line, Houston's already formidable defense is poised to make waves. Their aggressive free agency moves might leave Colts fans feeling a bit envious. Ballard, on the other hand, has freed up cap space by re-signing Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce, and trading away Michael Pittman and Zaire Franklin, yet hasn't made any blockbuster moves to fill pressing needs at inside linebacker and edge rusher.
The Texans didn't stop with the line; they traded for running back David Montgomery and signed safety Reed Blankenship, further enhancing their roster. Their offseason strategy signals a team eyeing a Super Bowl run, while the Colts seem focused on ending their playoff drought since 2020.