The Indianapolis Colts are desperately trying to re-sign quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce, but as free agency creeps closer, what appears clear is that right tackle can no longer be in the team's plans.
The issue is complex. The main problem for general manager Chris Ballard is that he doesn't have enough money to sign Smith at his projected market value. According to Spotrac, the right tackle could make as much as $13.5 million on the open market.
Currently, Indianapolis is a few million dollars over the cap as the Colts applied the transition tag on Daniel Jones, which comes close to $38 million. That number would be less should the team work out a long-term deal with the QB, but Indy would still need money to sign Alec Pierce. Both players would have priority over Smith.
Braden Smith seems destined to leave the Indianapolis Colts in free agency
Another problem for the soon-to-be 30-year-old right tackle is that the team already has his replacement on the roster. Jalen Travis will be entering just his second season in 2026, but was very good when filling in for Smith this past season when Smith was dealing with an injury.
Indy should have no motivation to give an expensive deal to an aging player when the team cannot and should not afford it. Smith has been a quality player for several seasons for Indianapolis, but all good things end eventually, and no time is better than now for that to occur.
A couple of potential landing spots for Braden Smith include the Carolina Panthers, as projected by Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano and Matt Verderame, and AFC South rivals, the Houston Texans, as guessed by ESPN's Matt Bowen.
If Smith does leave, of the two teams above, the Panthers would be a more comfortable fit for Indianapolis Colts fans. At least then, the right tackle would be out of the conference. If he landed in Houston, Indy would have to face him twice a year, and he would still be an efficient offensive lineman.
Ideally, the Colts would have enough money to bring back all the players it wanted from a team that began 7-1 until injuries, among other factors, complicated how the season played out. That would include re-signing Braden Smith, Daniel Jones, and Alec Pierce.
Unfortunately, Chris Ballard somehow painted himself into a corner that nearly requires him to sign Jones for more than he wants, likely meaning Smith and Pierce leave. Had the GM been more aggressive in signing Pierce and Jones to new deals during the season, this whole mess could have been avoided.