The Indianapolis Colts might just find their perfect match in free agent offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor. ESPN's Bill Barnwell recently sized up the top nine unsigned free agents, and when it came to Taylor, the Colts emerged as a standout fit.
Standing tall at 6-foot-8, Jalen Travis made a notable impression with four starts at the end of last season. While he's a promising candidate for the right tackle spot, Taylor offers a seasoned alternative, especially in a year where the Colts are eyeing nothing less than a playoff berth-a goal that could bring significant changes if unmet.
With long-time right tackle Braden Smith now in Houston, Travis is poised to step up. Last season, he allowed just one sack and 12 pressures over 175 pass-blocking snaps, earning solid run-blocking grades from Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Taylor's journey began as a second-round pick by Jacksonville in the 2019 NFL Draft. After four seasons with the Jaguars, he spent the last three in Kansas City, where he ranked 13th among offensive tackles in PFF's pass-blocking efficiency.
So, what's keeping Taylor on the market?
Penalties have been a sticking point. Despite ranking 15th, 17th, and seventh in pass block win rate during his Kansas City tenure, an elbow injury sidelined him for the final five games of the 2025 season. At 29, while not a left tackle option, his track record suggests he's worthy of a substantial third contract.
Travis, with just 316 career offensive snaps, remains somewhat of an unknown in a full-time role. Bringing Taylor into the fold would bolster the Colts' depth at tackle, allowing Travis to provide support off the bench.
The Colts have navigated similar waters before. Last year, they moved on from veteran free agents Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, opting for second-year players Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves at center and right guard. They might be ready to take a similar leap with Travis, despite his limited experience.