The Indianapolis Colts' defense needs to step up in 2026. Lou Anarumo's defense gave up 364.4 total yards per game (23rd in the league), 24.2 points (tied for 20th), and the second-most passing yards per game (247.9).
That's why the fans are right to be worried after watching the front office do little to address those concerns with big-name signings. However, general manager Chris Ballard still has an opportunity to right his wrong in the third week of free agency.
The Colts have a big need at linebacker, and a future Hall of Famer happens to be available at a reasonable price. As such, they need to make sure that Bobby Wagner puts pen to paper before someone else grabs him.
Bobby Wagner is a no-brainer addition to the Indianapolis Colts
Now that Zaire Franklin is no longer in the picture, the Colts have little to no experience at linebacker. Jaylon Carlies has played 244 career snaps, 242 of which came two years ago, and he's their most experienced player at the position right now.
Granted, putting all hopes on a 35-year-old may not be the wisest decision, but Bobby Wagner is no ordinary 35-year-old. The former Seattle Seahawks star was the lone bright spot in Dan Quinn's defense in the nation's capital last season, suiting up for and starting all 17 games and logging 162 tackles, the fourth-most in his 14-year career.
He also had eight tackles for loss, nine QB hits, four passes defensed, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) gave him a 78.6 grade, the ninth-highest among 88 eligible linebackers. Notably, he was even better against the run (90.3, 5th) and as a pass rusher (92.4, 2nd).
Wagner is showing no signs of slowing down. He played 1,132 total snaps last season, the most among linebackers, logging 52 run stops and proving that he's still as relevant as he was when he was one of the Legion of Boom's pillars back in 2014.
According to Spotrac, Wagner's new contract is projected to be for one year and just $7.7 million. That's a bargain deal for one of the most productive high-volume tacklers in the game, especially given the shortage of potential options at the position. He'd also provide some much-needed veteran leadership.
The Colts don't have a first-round pick and may struggle to fill the LB room. They may face some steep competition to sign the future Hall of Famer, but he can probably still give them two years of elite linebacker play.