The Indianapolis Colts might have some issues in free agency in 2026 with bringing back key players such as wide receiver Alec Pierce, but the team created a good problem by re-signing kicker Blake Grupe on Sunday. He wasn't expensive either.
Grupe was added to the team late this past season after original kicker Spencer Shrader was injured against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5, and the player who took his place, Michael Badgley, could make field goals but struggled mightily with making extra points.
Badgley was released, Grupe took over in Week 14, and he made all 11 of his field goal attempts and all of his extra points, too. Before joining Indy, he had played for the New Orleans Saints and was quite good from beyond 50 yards. He had a dip in form early in 2025, though, and New Orleans released him.
Indianapolis Colts make the smart move of re-signing kicker Blake Grupe
Re-signing Grupe for a maximum of $1.4 million is money well spent. First of all, it's not all guaranteed, so if he doesn't make the roster next season, not much is lost financially. The upside means that the kicker's penchant for making long field goals could steal a win or three for Indianapolis.
The other issue is that while Shrader is still under contract for next year, how healthy his ACL and MCL are after tearing them against the Raiders is unknown. The expectation is that he will battle Grupe for the sole kicker spot on the roster (at least, there should be only one spot for that position on the active 53-man roster), but Grupe has shown to have a stronger leg.
Shrader, for instance, was deadly accurate early in the season, converting all 12 of his field goals within 50 yards, but going only one-for-two beyond 50. Grupe went four-for-four beyond 50, though. That matters.
The expectation heading into next season is that Blake Grupe is the kicker for the Indianapolis Colts. General manager Chris Ballard made the smart and proactive move to re-sign the kicker before he hits the open market and another team offers him slightly more. It is a win for Indy.