The Indianapolis Colts take pride in their ability to dominate in the trenches. Despite a late-season string of injuries, Pro Football Focus (subscription required) still ranked them as the second-best offensive line in the league in 2025.
Replacing Will Fries and Ryan Kelly was a tall order, but general manager Chris Ballard struck gold with Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves. That said, he won't want to go through the same challenge this offseason.
Considering that, they must figure out a way to keep Braden Smith in town, even with some steep competition for his services. According to Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame, the Carolina Panthers are a logical fit for the Colts' impending free agent.
The Carolina Panthers could steal Indianapolis Colts' Braden Smith
"At 29, Smith is still one of the most desirable free agents should he get to the market, with a combination of talent and excellent tape. While Smith has never been a Pro Bowler, he’s consistently one of the better right tackles in the league and should get a healthy multi-year deal," he explained.
Spotrac projects Smith's market value at three years and $40.6 million, an annual average value of $13.5 million. According to Over The Cap, the Colts have $32.2 million in available cap space, so money shouldn't be an issue there. In fact, they can easily outbid the Panthers if they truly want to keep him around.
Smith has yet to leap the perennial Pro Bowler he looked like coming out of Auburn, and he's missed some time since entering the league. That said, he gave up just one sack in 766 offensive snaps last season.
His 58.0 run-blocking grade ranked 64th among 89 eligible tackles, per Pro Football Focus, but his yearly grades show that was a fluke. That was the lowest run-blocking grade of his career, with his grades going as low as 70.3 as a rookie-- which was still outstanding -- and as high as 90.1 in 2023.
Premium offensive tackles don't grow in trees. The Colts know firsthand what it's like to have a revolving door at quarterback and how that can take a huge toll on their aspirations, so they should spare no expenses making sure that Daniel Jones -- or whoever is behind center next season -- is out of harm's way.
The Panthers aren't the only team looking to get stronger in the trenches. He's projected to be the third-highest paid tackle in free agency and the highest-grossing right tackle in the league. The Colts may have to overpay to keep him in town, but they can't risk him jumping ship.