The Indianapolis Colts had something special brewing in the 2025 NFL Season, as the team began the year 7-1, and everything was working. However, things began to go south, and the season was effectively over after Daniel Jones tore his Achilles.
If nothing else, though, the Colts will indeed 'run it back' in 2026, as they don't have any other direction to take at the moment. And while Jones is recovering from a major injury, the Colts still sport the same coaching staff that helped get the team to 7-1, and still have many of the same faces.
All in all, Indy is a well-run organization and a well-built football team, but there are some key reinforcements that are needed, and if the Colts were able to sign these three players, some major headaches would disappear.
These 3 free agents could cure some big-time headaches for the Indianapolis Colts in 2025
Trey Hendrickson, DE
The Colts had just 39 sacks in the 2025 NFL Season. Laiatu Latu led the way with 8.5 sacks and 20 QB hits. Indy could use another pass-rushing presence up front, and there isn't someone that makes more sense than Trey Hendrickson, who overlapped with the Colts' defensive coordinator when both were in Cincinnati during the 2021-2024 seasons. Hendrickson made all four of his Pro Bowls during that stretch and had 57 sacks in 65 games.
The familiarity and skill set are a match made in Heaven for Hendrickson and the Colts. Indy's defense needs to be able to create more pressure on opposing QBs, as that unit was on the field far too often last year. Hendrickson is a great fit when free agency opens in March.
Devin Lloyd, LB
The Colts have had solid LB play in recent years, but nothing over the top.
Well, Devin Lloyd is coming off a second-team All-Pro season and is due for a massive payday. As for the Colts, all of Germaine Pratt, Jacob Phillips, Buddy Johnson, and Segun Olubi are free agents in 2026, so some reinforcements are needed. Not only would Lloyd be a great fit, but the Colts could get a double-dose of revenge by not only improving the position, but stealing Lloyd from the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars.
Pouring more resources into the defense is a wise idea. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo does have a history of being a top coordinator, but there comes a time where more talent is necessary.
Jamel Dean, CB
Charvarius Ward is considering retirement, and if he does decide to hang it up, the Colts may need to again make a big splash at CB. Jamel Dean has been an efficient CB his entire career.
Dean was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in 2019, and with Sauce Gardner in the picture, the Colts must have a solidified situation across from him in the de facto CB2 spot. Gardner just does not get targeted much as a top-3 CB, so opposing offenses will naturally look to the other side of the field.
And if a team does have a below-average CB across from their top player, it'll spell disaster. According to PFF, Dean allowed a passer rating of just 46.9 in coverage, which is an exceptional figure.
It's only slightly more efficient than if a QB spikes the ball every play. With GM Chris Ballard amping up the aggression during the season and trading for Sauce Gardner, the front office really has no choice but to again be aggressive.
Indy is now out of two first-round picks and began the season 7-1. The team simply has no other choice but to run it back with an improved roster, and hopefully an offseason where key needs were addressed.