This is a pivotal year for the Indianapolis Colts. After the disappointing collapse of 2025, there was a lot of call for the removal of both general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen. Neither was let go, but it seems obvious that another failure in 2026 could force a change at the top end of Colts’ leadership.
Will there be any type of emotional hangover from the Steel Hawg drop that was the 2025 season? Can Steichen motivate the troops to come out fast again? Will Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce be physically ready to assume major roles on offense? Will the new defense come together quickly and effectively?
Obviously, there are plenty of major questions to be answered. With massive roster changes afoot, no one can really predict how it will play out. But we can guess. We all like to guess.
Indianapolis Colts offense – better, worse or the same in 2026
Shane Steichen begins the 2026 season with two long-time offensive starters now in other cities. Michael Pittman, one of the franchise’s top five receivers in many categories, is in Pittsburgh. Braden Smith took his 107 career appearances at right tackle over the past eight seasons to Colts’ rival Houston.
That’s more than 1,500 snaps gone from last year’s offense. With both Jones and Pierce coming off injuries, that’s a pretty big change. (Not as big as the one on defense, mind you, but that’s a topic for another day.)
So how will the Colts’ offense shape up compared to last year.
Offensive line
Jalen Travis steps into Smith’s right tackle role. He looked good in brief exposure last year, and he clearly has impressive physical gifts. But it is too early to be overly confident. I think there’s a chance that, in time, Travis could prove to be an even better player than Smith, but I would not rule out some growing pains this year.
The rest of the line should get better, based entirely on experience. Quenton Nelson has returned to his elite form and should continue to contribute to a formidable left side with Bernhard Raimann. Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves should both be better with experience.
Moving Travis into a starting spot could weaken depth, though the arrival of rookie Jalen Farmer could help offset that concern. All in all, allowing for Travis’ potential slow start, this looks to be a wash.
Verdict: no change
Tight ends
Tyler Warren looked like the best rookie tight end in the league in the first half of 2025. He slowed down along with the rest of the team in the second half, and fellow rookies Colston Loveland and Harold Fanin, Jr. caught up with him by the end.
Like the Colts’ young linemen, Warren should improve as he gains experience, and Indianapolis returns veteran blockers Mo Alie-Cox and Drew Ogletree. Developmental projects like Will Mallory or Carson Towt could provide a pleasant surprise, though it remains a long shot at this point.
Verdict: Slightly improved
Wide receivers
Let’s assume Alec Pierce’s health is not an issue. There is a chance that Pittman’s departure could open things up for him, along with Josh Downs and Tyler Warren. Sort of an addition-by-subtraction deal.
But that is an extremely rose-colored lens through which to see the Colts' wide receiver room. A more realistic view reveals that the team does not have an obvious replacement for Pittman.
Free agent Nick Westbrook-Ikhine probably gets the first shot, with rookie Deion Burks and veteran special teams ace Ashton Dulin getting into the mix as well. I’m afraid they are going to miss Pittman’s reliability.
Verdict: Clearly worse
Running backs
Jonathan Taylor was as good a running back as the NFL had in the first half of 2025. He wore down late, in part due to Chris Ballard’s inability to find anyone who could spell him. Hopes are high for Seth McGowan this year. But he was a seventh-round draft pick for a reason. I’m hopeful too, but not especially confident.
Taylor shows no signs of slowing down, but regression will come at some point. Probably not this year, though, and perhaps McGowan will indeed be the real deal. That’s not enough for me to declare an upgrade, but at least the opposite is not true either.
Verdict: No change
Quarterback
As we are doing with Alec Pierce, we’ll assume a complete recovery by Jones in time for opening day. That leaves us balancing whatever natural growth he may undergo playing under Steichen and Jim Bob Cooter for a second season, with his tendency to follow good years with bad ones.
The backup position is also a shambles, but TBH, that’s basically what it was in 2025, so it’s not really a downgrade. Trading Anthony Richardson and making Riley Leonard the unquestioned backup would help lend some stability.
I only have modest confidence in Jones, but it’s enough to prevent me from predicting disaster. I even think there is room for growth. Therefore…
Verdict: Slightly improved
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