While the first frenzied waves of free agency are over, the Indianapolis Colts still have a few key roster holes to fill this early offseason, particularly at defensive end, linebacker, wide receiver, and potentially safety.
We’ll take a look at the best remaining free agent options at each position:
Defensive End
With a pair of veterans departing in free agency, namely Kwity Paye (Raiders) and Samson Ebukam (Falcons), the Colts could be in the market to find a fellow veteran edge to start opposite of Laiatu Latu in 2026—having struck out in the recent Trey Hendrickson sweepstakes.
Rotational veteran backup Tyquan Lewis is also a free agent.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Indianapolis also turns to this position in Day 2 of the upcoming NFL Draft, as Indianapolis needs to continue to get faster, bendier, and more athletic at this position entirely.
-Joey Bosa (31), Buffalo Bills
-Anfernee Jennings (29), New England Patriots
-Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (27), Chicago Bears
-Haason Reddick (31), Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Linebacker
While the Colts signed veteran linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals, it’s otherwise a pretty barren cupboard at the position. Specifically, the Colts traded fellow veteran Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers, and another starter from last season, Germaine Pratt, remains a free agent—and is listed below.
Unfortunately, ascending 3rd-year linebacker Jaylon Carlies didn’t seem to fall into favor with Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo last year, even when he finally returned healthy. This figures to be a position that Indianapolis also addresses in the upcoming NFL Draft, regardless of what they do the rest of the way in free agency:
–LB Bobby Okereke (30), *New York Giants
–LB Germaine Pratt (30), Indianapolis Colts
–Jahlani Tavai (29), New England Patriots
-Jerome Baker (29), LB Cleveland Browns
Wide Receiver
The Colts retained their lead wideout from last season, Alec Pierce, but his new lucrative multi-year contract came at the expense of veteran Michael Pittman Jr. remaining on their roster. While Pittman Jr.’s receiving production had fallen off recently and didn’t warrant his high cap hit any longer, he’s a ‘football player,’ who helps his team win in ways that doesn’t always show up on a box score or with fantasy points. In particular, the Colts may try to find another possession target, who excels at blocking along the perimeter. Realistically, Jennings may be the only logical option listed below, but just for fun, I’ll list some other big names here.
-Jauan Jennings (29), San Francisco 49ers
-Stefon Diggs (32), New England Patriots
-Deebo Samuel (30), Washington Commanders
-Keenan Allen (34), Los Angeles Chargers
-Tyreek Hill (32), Miami Dolphins
-Tyler Johnson (28), New York Jets
Safety
The Colts lost starter Nick Cross to the Washington Commanders and backup Rodney Thomas to the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. While Indianapolis did replenish some lost depth with the signings of Juanyeh Thomas (Cowboys) and Jonathan Owens (Chicago Bears), they project more as backups and special teams depth right now—especially regarding the latter.
For what it’s worth, Indianapolis does seem very high on ascending 2nd-year pro, Hunter Wohler, who missed all of his rookie season due to a season-ending Lisfranc injury suffered in preseason. However, perhaps, the Colts could also look to bring in a veteran to challenge Wohler and potentially start alongide Cam Bynum at safety. After looking at the top remaining options at safety, I think the Colts will look elsewhere though.
-Ashtyn Davis (29), Miami Dolphins
-Chuck Clark (31), Pittsburgh Steelers
-Xavier Woods (31), Tennessee Titans
-Jabrill Peppers (30), Pittsburgh Steelers
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