Every NFL team goes through some offseason attrition. In the case of the Indianapolis Colts in 2026, much of what happened was intentional. General manager Chris Ballard wanted to get younger and more athletic, and that has occurred, to a degree.
A couple of the newcomers have an advantage, too. That is because they have previously played for the Cincinnati Bengals when Lou Anarumo was employed by the franchise. As Indy did last year, the team isn't afraid to bring in players the defensive coordinator is familiar with. The hope is the new group in 2026 is more successful than those last year.
This coming season could be make-or-break for Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen. The team needs to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020, or the GM and HC could be gone. Let's hope the newer players below help the Colts get back to where they belong.
New Indianapolis Colts who could help turn the team around in the best way
Edge rusher Arden Key
Key definitely has a ceiling. After eight years in the league with never more than 6.5 sacks in a season, any new team should know what to expect from the edge rusher. That doesn't mean anything negative, though. He is solid against the run and at pressuring quarterbacks. While he isn't going to suddenly turn into a Pro Bowler, he could make teammate Laiatu Latu's job easier.
To be fair, the Colts are going to need a village to help Latu and the pass rush be a lot better than it has been. That is one reason that Indy added Key, Micheal Clemons, and other players. But Key has historically been the best of the bunch, and he will need to be in top form in 2026.
Quarterback Easton Stick
Stick is never going to be a long-term starter in the NFL, but he could turn out to be a valuable member of the Indy roster in 2026. Several things have to happen for that to happen, and most of them are bad, but maybe Stick could be a net positive.
Anthony Richardson would need to be traded, but he could bring back a mid-round draft pick, possibly. If that happens, Stick, who has started a handful of games in the NFL, could be QB3. Unfortunately, all Colts fans know the injury history of the team recently, so Stick could be forced into action. He might turn into an unsung star.
Inside linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither
Whatever happens at off-ball linebacker, the Colts should be better off in the long run. Zaire Franklin, a longtime starter, and 2025 starter Germaine Pratt simply weren't the answers in defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's scheme. Rookie CJ Allen and veteran Davis-Gaither might be.
The 2026 free agent signee at least has spent time in Anarumo's scheme, so he should know what he is doing immediately. If not else, he could help Allen and fellow rookie Bryce Boettcher acclimate to Indianapolis's defense faster. The whole situation could be a huge win for Chris Ballard.
Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt
Another player familiar with Anarumo's system, Taylor-Britt isn't expected to compete for a starting spot, but since Charvarius Ward has had recent injury concerns and Sauce Gardner missed time after being dealt to the Indianapolis Colts midway through last season, Taylor-Britt might play a far more important role than anticipated.
The cornerback is still just 26 years old and versatile enough to play outside and in the slot, if needed. He will likely see reps somehow in 2026, and he could be a great fit on the defense if and when he does.
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