The Indianapolis Colts were supposed to have a kicker battle in training camp this year, just like they sort of had last year. Spencer Shrader beat out Maddux Trujillo in 2025, but he has no business beating out Blake Grupe in 2026.
Grupe was signed late last season after being foolishly released by the New Orleans Saints. In five games with Indy, the kicker made all 11 of his field goal attempts, including four beyond 50 yards, and all 10 of his extra point tries. Perfection is difficult to beat.
And that has been the task that Shrader has had in training camp, too, because Grupe hasn't yet missed a kick in practice. On Monday, the first full day of practice in pads for the Colts, the former Saints kicker made all five of his field goal attempts, including one from 57 yards. Through the first five days of camp, he has made all 11 of his tries. Shrader has only executed a bit over 50 percent.
The Indianapolis Colts should go ahead and make Blake Grupe the kicker moving forward
The Colts don't need to wait any longer. General manager Chris Ballard should do the right thing and release Shrader. That would give him the chance to compete for the position on a different team before the season begins. Holding on to him until final roster cuts are made is just rude.
He isn't going to be Indianapolis's kicker unless the team makes a vile decision. Not only has Grupe proven to be more accurate, but he also has a much stronger leg. In his career, he has made 19 of 27 kicks beyond 50 yards, while Shrader struggles to make anything at that range. He's only attempted those kicks twice and made just one.
NFL games are increasingly closer than ever, and often decided by a late field goal. Kickers in today's league not only make kicks beyond 50 yards more often and more accurately, but kicks beyond 60 yards are becoming more common.
To help make the playoffs, a team has to have a kicker who can convert long-range field goals at the ends of games. Stealing a victory or two could be the difference between making the postseason and not. The Indianapolis Colts have to make the playoffs this year to avoid likely massive changes in the front office and coaching staff.
To help save jobs, the Colts, who haven't made the playoffs since 2020, need to keep Blake Grupe. He might also have the strength of leg to steal a postseason victory or three, too.
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