The Indianapolis Colts are staring down a pivotal offseason-one that could define the Chris Ballard era. After a 2025 campaign that had postseason potential before injuries pulled the plug, this is a moment that calls for bold moves, not cautious tweaks.
The AFC South is no longer a cakewalk, and the Colts haven’t worn the division crown since 2020. If Ballard wants to change that, it starts with bringing in players who not only make plays on Sundays but bring a winning mindset to the locker room.
That’s where a few key free agents from the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks come into the picture. These aren’t just players with talent-they’re players who know what it takes to win on the biggest stage. And for a Colts roster that showed flashes in 2025 but lacked consistency and depth in key areas, these guys could be difference-makers.
Let’s break down three Seahawks free agents who should be high on Indy’s radar.
Edge Rusher: Boye Mafe
The Colts’ edge group last season was a revolving door of inconsistency. Outside of rookie Laiatu Latu, who showed serious promise, the unit struggled to generate consistent pressure. And with Tyquan Lewis, Kwity Paye, and Samson Ebukam all hitting free agency, it’s time for a full reset.
Enter Boye Mafe.
Don’t let the raw sack numbers from 2025 fool you-Mafe was a force. According to ESPN, he ranked eighth in pass-rush win rate, a stat that tells the real story of how often he beat his blocker, not just how often he got home.
That kind of disruption matters. And Mafe isn’t just a one-trick pass rusher-he holds his own against the run, making him a true three-down player.
At 27, Mafe is entering his prime, and with a projected market value of $12.2 million per year, he’s a high-upside investment at a reasonable price. For a Colts defense that needs to reestablish its identity up front, Mafe could be the cornerstone of that rebuild.
Wide Receiver / Return Specialist: Rashid Shaheed
If Alec Pierce ends up walking in free agency-especially if he commands something north of $20 million annually-the Colts will need to find a replacement who can stretch the field. Rashid Shaheed fits that mold, but he brings something extra to the table: versatility and game-breaking special teams ability.
Shaheed might not have matched Pierce’s receiving production just yet, but his skill set is dynamic. He can line up wide, in the slot, or even out of the backfield.
But where he truly shines is in the return game. After being traded midseason from the Saints to the Seahawks, Shaheed made an immediate impact-returning two punts and a kickoff for touchdowns.
That kind of explosiveness is rare, and it’s something Indy has been missing.
Projected to command around $14 million per year, Shaheed offers value not just as a receiver, but as a field-flipping weapon on special teams. If Pierce departs, Shaheed would be a smart, multifaceted addition to the offense-and a nightmare for opposing special teams coordinators.
Safety: Coby Bryant
The Colts have a decision to make at safety. Nick Cross has been a solid contributor against the run, but his struggles in coverage have been hard to ignore.
Over the past two seasons, Cross has allowed a passer rating of at least 105.7 and surrendered 10 touchdown passes. That’s not the kind of production you want from your last line of defense.
Coby Bryant, on the other hand, brings a much more complete skill set. He’s physical in the run game, disciplined in coverage, and has a knack for creating turnovers.
Over the last two seasons, Bryant has allowed just four touchdown passes and picked off seven. He’s never allowed a passer rating higher than 93.7 when targeted.
That’s the kind of consistency and ball-hawking presence Indy could use on the back end.
Yes, Bryant will cost more-his market value is estimated around $14 million annually compared to Cross’s $6 million. But this is a classic case of getting what you pay for. If the Colts are serious about tightening up their secondary and adding a playmaker who can flip momentum, Bryant is the move.
The Bottom Line
This offseason isn’t just about filling holes-it’s about adding players who elevate the culture. The Colts have a young quarterback, a promising defense, and a coaching staff that showed it can adapt. What they need now are veterans who’ve been through the fire, know how to win, and can lead by example.
Boye Mafe, Rashid Shaheed, and Coby Bryant all fit that description. They’re not just ring-chasers-they’re ring-winners. And if Chris Ballard is ready to be aggressive, these are the kinds of moves that could push Indianapolis back into the playoff conversation-and maybe even beyond.