The Indianapolis Colts have 28 total players who are free agents going into the 2026 NFL season. This includes Quarterback Daniel Jones, Receiver Alec Pierce and Offensive Tackle Braden Smith. The decisions made on free agency alone will heavily impact this season.

The Colts will not be able to keep everyone and should not want to. There are a lot of talented rookies on this team; however, there is only so much money available, so sacrifices need to be made. It is better to invest in free agents and release some of the higher-paid players, given the caliber of its free agents.

The defense needs work.

The defense for the Colts ended the 2025 season ranked No.23 in total defense and No.30 in passing defense, according to Fox Sports. It was ranked No. 20 in scoring defense and No. 7 in rushing defense, so there are clear areas for improvement.

Linebacker Zaire Franklin and Safety Nick Cross led the defense, and both totaled around 120 tackles on the season. Franklin re-signed in 2024, guaranteeing his presence until 2027. Cross is now a free agent and at risk of being traded.

It is easy to tell one spot the Colts should focus on: passing defense. To improve the passing defense, that means resigning Cross.

Cross has been with the team since he was drafted in 2022 and is 24 years old. He is young and productive. If the Colts keep Cross and Camryn Bynum, who led the team in interceptions, the Colts will have a young yet experienced backfield to lead the defense.

The Colts need to invest in pressuring and protecting against the pass. Linebacker Germain Pratt, who totaled over 100 tackles on the season, is entering free agency. Pratt was a key player, but he is getting older. Kwity Paye is an edge rusher and experienced at 27 years old. If the Colts are forced to choose, they should keep Paye over Pratt. As a first-round pick, Paye has more room to grow and plays a more necessary position for the team.

A lot of room to grow on offense.

The Colts’ offense has a lot of talent and potential. Jones led the team to a 9-2 start before injuries forced him out of the season. With him in free agency, the Colts will need to lock down a contract sooner rather than later. Once a quarterback is secured, the Colts will be able to build the offense around his specific needs.

With Anthony Richardson sitting out most of the 2025 season, the Colts have no reason to keep him. While Richardson has not requested a trade yet, the Colts have expressed commitment to Jones and have a backup in Riley Leonard. If the Colts do trade Richardson, that will free salary space to keep another player.

The top receiver on the team this past season, Pierce, is another key free agent. According to ESPN, Pierce is No.6 overall among current free agents. If the Colts have the money, they should invest. Pierce was a leader on offense while still being a rookie and has the potential to be one of the best in the league.

In addition to Pierce, an investment in Smith will be essential. Smith is a veteran and will be able to lead any new players that are drafted or added. He is one of the top-rated players in his position and is ranked No.10 overall, according to ESPN rankings.

The Colts have a lot of huge decisions to make this offseason. Most of the main contributors on the team are at risk of being traded. There is more potential in free agents than in the higher-paid players, and the Colts need to be willing to invest in new players while sacrificing some of the old.