The Indianapolis Colts are shocking the NFL with their hot start. With their statement win against the Chargers cementing themselves as a true contender, the Colts are forging ahead. Although the Colts are 6-1, there are still holes in their roster that must be addressed in the offseason.
In the Week 7 matchup against the Chargers, the Colts' weakness was exposed for a second week in a row. Their lack of cornerback depth was a near demise towards the end of the game. Chris Ballard has built a trenches-first team, and thankfully, DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart saved the day against an ailing Los Angeles offensive line.
Despite the win, if the Chargers had had another quarter, the game may have turned out differently. Ballard put forth a lot of effort in building a secondary in free agency last year, and those players have turned out to be key pieces. Charvarius Ward, in particular, is a key piece of the Colts' secondary. While out, the Colts' secondary has struggled in the previous two weeks.
The secondary isn't the only hole on the Colts' roster
The lack of pass rush depth opposite Laiatu Latu is beginning to be a serious problem. Thankfully, the Colts' offense is playing historically well and is keeping the pressure on opposing offenses to keep up, forcing them to become one dimensional. (The market values below are projected by Spotrac.)
Trey Hendrickson
- Projected deal: Two years with a maximum of $50 million
There are a few impending free agents that could improve the Colts roster in 2026. With $70 million in cap space, Chris Ballard must find ways to make the most of it. Trey Hendrickson is likely to be the top defensive free agent this off season.
After signing a one-year deal, the Bengals are likely to move on from the 31-year old elite pass rusher. That being said, with Alec Pierce likely to get a big deal, it could mean passing on Hendrickson.
Joey Bosa
- Projected deal: Two years and a maximum of $28 million
Another option on the defensive line could be Joey Bosa is the Bills move on from his deal. According to Spotrac, the Bills signed him to a two-year deal with all the guarantees up front allowing for an easy out in 2026.
While he doesn't have the sack numbers of Hendrickson, his QB pressures are high per game, averaging 5 per matchup over his career. Even better, his market value will be roughly half of Hendrickson's.
Matt Milano
- Projected deal: Two years and $18 million
Another Bills player unlikely to be resigned is Matt Milano. Milano fits well into the Colts' defensive scheme and is capable of blitzing and is very effeicent in pass coverage, something the Colts need. The market value is also there around $6.5 million per year making him a cheaper option to pair with Zaire Franklin.
Amik Robinson
- Projected deal: Three years and a maximum of $21 million
The last free agent in 2026 the Colts' can target is Amik Robertson on the Detroit Lions. Robertson started his career in Las Vegas where he struggled. However, once on the Lions, Robertson has been one of the best coverage corners and is extremely underrated. Robertson also comes with a small price tag with a market value around $5 million per year.