Colts’ Offseason Needs Point to Front Seven - Could a Big-Name Trade Be on the Horizon?
The Indianapolis Colts head into the 2026 offseason with more questions than answers - and a roster that needs some serious attention, especially on the defensive side of the ball. With a handful of key free agents, limited draft capital, and a few glaring holes across the depth chart, general manager Chris Ballard has his work cut out for him.
But if Ballard’s recent track record tells us anything, it’s that he’s not afraid to swing big. Just last season, he made headlines by pulling off a blockbuster in-season trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner, sending out a pair of first-round picks to land one of the league’s premier defensive backs. So it’s fair to wonder: could Ballard go back to the trade well this offseason?
According to recent buzz, there are three defensive players who could be on Ballard’s radar - and all three would directly address the Colts’ most pressing need: bolstering the front seven.
Let’s break down the potential fits and what they could mean for Indy’s defense in 2026.
Why Defense Is the Priority
While the Colts do have some decisions to make on offense - Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce are both pending free agents - the bigger concern lies on defense. Yes, if Pierce walks, the team will need to find another weapon for Anthony Richardson.
And yes, Jonathan Taylor could use a reliable running mate in the backfield. But those are secondary issues compared to the state of the defense.
The secondary, which was a weak point for much of the 2025 season, is actually shaping up nicely for 2026 - assuming health and a few key decisions go the Colts’ way. With Sauce Gardner, Justin Walley, and Kenny Moore all expected back, and the possibility of Charvarius Ward postponing retirement, Indy could suddenly have one of the deepest cornerback groups in the league.
At safety, the picture is also relatively stable. If the Colts bring back Nick Cross, great. If not, they’ve got a solid fallback option in Hunter Wohlers.
But the front seven? That’s where things get murky.
The linebacker room is thin. The interior defensive line is aging.
And outside of Laiatu Latu, the edge rushers haven’t exactly struck fear into opposing quarterbacks.
So if Ballard is going to make a splash, it makes sense that it would come up front.
Dexter Lawrence: The Dream Target
Let’s start with the long shot - Dexter Lawrence.
At 6'4" and 340 pounds, Lawrence is a rare breed. He’s not just a space-eater in the middle - he’s a disruptor.
He can command double teams and still make plays, collapsing pockets and stuffing the run with equal ease. And at just 28 years old, he’s still smack in the middle of his prime.
Now, was he quite as dominant in 2025 as he was in years past? Maybe not.
But even a slightly diminished version of Lawrence is still better than most interior linemen at full strength. He’s the kind of player who instantly upgrades any defensive front.
The catch? He’s probably not going anywhere.
He’s under contract for two more seasons at over $26 million per year, and while that’s a hefty price tag, it’s one the Giants may be happy to pay to keep their defensive anchor in place. Unless something changes dramatically, this feels more like a pipe dream than a realistic trade scenario.
Patrick Queen: The Pass-Rushing Specialist
Next up is Patrick Queen - a player Colts fans know well from his time in Baltimore and now with division rival Pittsburgh.
Queen made the Pro Bowl in 2024 after signing with the Steelers, but his game has shifted since leaving the Ravens. In Pittsburgh, he’s become more of a specialist - a one-dimensional pass rusher who doesn’t bring the same all-around impact he once did.
That doesn’t mean he wouldn’t have value in Indy. The Colts could use more juice off the edge, and Queen’s speed and athleticism could help in that department.
But would Ballard give up meaningful draft capital for a player who may only fill a niche role? Probably not.
If the price is right - say, a late-round pick - it’s worth exploring. But this doesn’t feel like the kind of move that transforms the defense.
Roquan Smith: The Ideal Fit
Now we’re talking.
If there’s one player on this list who checks all the boxes for what the Colts need, it’s Roquan Smith. He’s fast, physical, and instinctive - a true three-down linebacker who can do it all. Whether it’s chasing down running backs, dropping into coverage, or blitzing off the edge, Smith brings a level of versatility and leadership that could instantly elevate Indy’s defense.
He’s also just 28, with a resume that includes multiple All-Pro selections from 2020 to 2024. Like Lawrence, he may not have been quite as dominant in 2025, but there’s no question he’s still one of the best linebackers in the game.
There’s also a potential domino effect here. Zaire Franklin, the Colts’ leading tackler, had an up-and-down year adjusting to Lou Anarumo’s scheme. While he eventually found his footing, there’s a scenario where Ballard looks at the cap implications and decides that moving on from Franklin and replacing him with a player like Smith is a net upgrade.
That’s not a given - Franklin is a respected veteran and team leader - but if Smith becomes available, Ballard has to at least pick up the phone. This is the kind of move that could reshape the identity of the Colts’ defense.
Final Thoughts
The Colts don’t have a ton of draft picks to work with this offseason, so any trade would have to be calculated. But if there’s one area that deserves aggressive investment, it’s the front seven.
The secondary looks solid. The offense, while not elite, has a young quarterback and a foundation to build on.
But the defensive front needs help - and fast.
Dexter Lawrence would be a dream addition, but likely stays put. Patrick Queen could be a cost-effective depth piece, but doesn’t solve the bigger issue.
Roquan Smith? He’s the kind of player who could change everything.
If Ballard wants to take this defense from shaky to scary, that’s the name to watch.