The Indianapolis Colts head into training camp in 2026 with what they hope is a better-balanced team. In 2025, Indy started exceedingly well, mostly relying on a historically efficient offense for victories. The defense was mostly meh.
The irony this year is that, with improved health, the defense could be very good and definitely faster. The team traded linebacker Zaire Franklin and didn't re-sign safety Nick Cross or edge rusher Kwity Paye. Two rookies might take the place of Franklin and Cross. The first-year players will make mistakes, but could also prove the athleticism the team has missed.
The offense, however, might not be quite as good. That is because the team needed to trade wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason to help clear some cap space to be able to re-sign fellow wideout Alec Pierce and quarterback Daniel Jones. Pittman is now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the team had no true built-in replacement.
Indianapolis Colts could still be in the market for a free agent wide receiver
A replacement could be found soon, though, and not from someone already on the roster. Instead, while speaking with the media on Tuesday, general manager Chris Ballard left the door open for the team to sign a veteran free agent, and Indy has several options.
One would be Keenan Allen, who worked with current Colts head coach Shane Steichen when both were with the Los Angeles Chargers. Allen is now 34 years old, so he isn't going to post 1,500-yard seasons. He does fit Indianapolis's offense and knows Steichen's scheme, and he's a natural replacement for Pittman.
Both receivers are more possession wideouts than explosive. Indianapolis has Pierce, of course, arguably the most explosive receiver in the NFL. What Indy needs is a player who can help keep moving the chains. Allen can still do that even in his mid-30s.
Ballard also addressed the possibility of adding former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The general manager specifically said that the receiver's recent legal issues did not result in a judgment of guilt during a legal proceeding, even though he might have been judged harshly in the court of public opinion.
The GM isn't going to state clearly that the team has been in negotiations to sign the receiver, but no GM of any team would say that. The possibility exists that the Indianapolis Colts have been in contact with Stefon Diggs, at least.
Deebo Samuel is another free agent who might be an interesting fit in Steichen's offense. The former San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders player is now 30 years old, but he can be used in a variety of alignments, including lining up as a running back. He is an unusual player, though, and maybe not a true replacement for Pittman.
Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen might still be hoping that someone like Ashton Dulin will step up to claim the WR3 spot, but Ballard said the team would review the group early in training camp. Adding another wide receiver is still in play.
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