Free agency has slowed down, and while the Colts have made a number of moves, this roster is still far from complete.
Some key decisions are already locked in. Daniel Jones is back. Alec Pierce has been signed long-term. The defensive line added depth. But when you take a step back and look at the full roster, there are still several clear needs that need to be addressed if this team is going to take a real step forward.
Let’s break down the remaining needs, in order of most important to least important.
1. Edge Rusher
This is still the biggest need on the roster. Coupled with the fact that this is arguably the 2nd most important position on a football team, the Colts are lacking a true complimentary pass rusher to Laiatu Latu.
The Colts did a nice job adding depth with players like Arden Key and Michael Clemons, and even Colby Wooden brings some flexibility to move around the front. But depth isn’t the issue anymore. High-end production is.
Laiatu Latu looks like a quality starting edge rusher, but he can’t be the only player offenses have to worry about. Right now, there isn’t a true second threat on the edge who can consistently win one-on-one and take pressure off him.
If the Colts want their defense to work the way it’s supposed to, they need another legitimate pass rusher. A strong interior group with Buckner and Stewart helps, but without consistent edge pressure, quarterbacks will still have too much time.
Adding a true complement to Latu — and ideally an upgrade over Kwity Paye — would change the entire dynamic of the defense.
2. Off-Ball Linebacker
This is quietly one of the bigger problems on the team.
The Colts moved on from Zaire Franklin (much to the joy of many Colts fans) and didn’t bring back Germaine Pratt. They added Akeem Davis-Gaither, which is fine as a depth or complementary piece, but it doesn’t solve the issue.
This defense has lacked a true versatile linebacker for years — someone who can run, cover, and hold up in space. Long are the days of quality well rounded linebacker play from the likes of Gary Brackett or Jerrell Freeman.
Davis-Gaither isn’t a high-end player you build around. He’s someone who needs help next to him. Right now, the Colts don’t have that player. They need an athletic linebacker who can stay on the field in passing situations and not become a liability, like Franklin was.
Until they find that, the middle of the defense will continue to be an area offenses attack.
3. Wide Receiver
Keeping Alec Pierce was important, but it didn’t solve everything.
If Michael Pittman Jr. is no longer part of the picture, there’s a clear hole in the offense. Josh Downs is best suited in the slot. Pierce fits as the vertical outside threat. Tyler Warren adds another dimension.
But there’s still a missing piece.
The Colts need another receiver who can line up outside, win in different ways, and give the offense a more complete group. Right now, they don’t have a true replacement for Pittman on the roster.
Ashton Dulin is a solid depth player and special teamer, but he’s not the answer as a primary option. The Colts need someone who can step in and be a reliable, well-rounded receiver alongside Pierce and Downs.
4. Safety
This is a spot that might have an answer to replace Nick Cross, but it’s not promising.
Nick Cross is gone, and the Colts haven’t replaced him with a true starter. Cam Bynum is a very good player, but he can’t carry the position on his own.
Right now, the group behind him — Hunter Wohler, Jonathan Owens, Juanyeh Thomas — looks more like depth and rotational pieces than a true starting solution.
That’s the issue.
You need stability on the back end, especially if your pass rush isn’t elite. Without it, coverage breaks down, and big plays follow. The Colts need someone who can step in next to Bynum and give them a reliable starting duo.
The reason this is in 4th is because with a stronger front 7, the Colts can afford to role with Bynum and either Wohler/Owens/Thomas as the other starter and not see a big drop off in play.
5. Offensive Line Depth
The starting five is solid enough.
The problem is what happens after that.
The Colts lost players like Braden Smith and Danny Pinter, and right now there isn’t much behind the starters. There’s no clear swing tackle and no versatile interior lineman who can step in if needed.
Over the course of a full season, that becomes a real issue.
Offensive line injuries are inevitable. And when they happen, the drop-off right now would be significant. If the Colts are serious having a top tier offense for the entire season, they need better depth here.
6. Running Back Depth
This is the least urgent need, but it still matters.
Jonathan Taylor is a star and the engine of the offense, but relying on him for everything isn’t ideal. The Colts could use another back who can step in and keep the offense functional without a major drop-off.
Someone who can handle third downs, catch out of the backfield, and pass protect would add real value.
It’s not about replacing Taylor. It’s about supporting him so he’s not burnt out in December and January.
When you strip it all down, the Colts have three pressing needs: edge rusher, off-ball linebacker, and wide receiver.
The problem is they only have a second and third-round pick to realistically address two of those spots. That leaves at least one major hole that needs to be filled elsewhere.
That’s where free agency comes in.
The Colts should be using the remaining part of free agency to fill at least one of those three major needs, while also adding depth along the offensive line. You can’t go into a season this important with clear weaknesses and hope everything breaks right.
This is a team in win-now mode.
And if that’s the case, they need to check every box and build a roster that doesn’t have obvious holes. Because when your margin for error is this thin, even one weakness can be the thing that holds everything back.
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