Looking back, it's almost impossible to believe that this was the same Indianapolis Colts team that won eight of their first 10 games last season. The core guys remain, but they just haven't found their groove again.
Now, with Chris Ballard out the door and more questions than answers, the Colts have some big decisions to make. They have enough cap space to make moves to try to save the season, but they can also go through a panic sale before some of their stars leave.
Several key players will be free agents at the end of the season, and it would be hard to blame them if they wanted to leave. Considering that, let's take a look at the four most important free agents and where things stand after six weeks.
Checking in on some key 2027 Indianapolis Colts free agents after Week 6
DeForest Buckner will go out with a bang
DeForest Buckner is giving Father Time a run for his money. He's been one of the best pass-rushing interior defenders in the league this season, and he's been one of the few bright spots in Lou Anarumo's sloppy and beatable defense.
Even at his age, Buckner has proven that he can still play at an elite level. He's making $23 million a year, and while not many 33-year-old defensive tackles break the bank, he will probably make something similar to that over the next two or three years. It might not be in Indianapolis, though.
Quenton Nelson might not finish the season in Indianapolis
Speaking of players who will break the bank elsewhere, Quenton Nelson's days with the Colts might be numbered. He didn't sign an extension this offseason, and he might not want to be stuck in this situation if the Colts go through a rebuild.
Nelson is still the cream of the crop at the left guard position. He'll reset the market in due time; that's just a fact. Now, he might also be the Colts' best (and only) shot at recouping a first-round pick at the November 10 trade deadline.
Josh Downs keeps losing money by the week
With Michael Pittman Jr. gone and Alec Pierce injured, Josh Downs was supposed to lead the way for the wide receiver corps. That hasn't been the case thus far, and he's costing himself millions with every quiet game.
The Colts' third-down specialist has amassed a grand total of 24 catches for 289 yards and no touchdowns over six games. This team should try to retain him if the price makes sense, and he still has time to turn things around, though.
Grover Stewart will have to take a big pay cut
Grover Stewart has been as inconsistent as the rest of the Colts' defense. He's a physical force against the run, but he's more of a one-trick pony at this point in his career, and he's making $11.47 million this season.
That makes him a no-brainer trade candidate, though it's hard to believe someone will want to absorb whatever's left of his salary. As for his next deal, at age 33, he won't come even close to that three-year, $39 million pact he got in 2024.
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