The Indianapolis Colts left plenty on the field after ending the season with seven straight losses. After their 8-2 start, the 8-9 finish feels like a fever dream. One thing remains a constant in the NFL: Indianapolis is universally praised for the roster it has and the potential it can achieve. But well wishes don't produce results.
The current owners of the team made the decision to retain Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen for the 2026 season, much to the frustration of the Colts fan base. But looking back, Ballard did everything he could to salvage the season, even trading a high draft pick for a star player in mid-season - something Ballard rarely does.
The Colts are heading into the offseason missing their next two first-round picks. Meaning, improvement must come from free agency or retaining high-performing players on the team. Here are the players Indy must target during free agency.
Five players the Indianapolis Colts need to chase in free agency
Daniel Jones - Quarterback
The top priority this offseason should be retaining Daniel Jones. The resurgence in Indianapolis for his career needs to be studied in a lab. Jones was playing at an MVP level, so well, in fact, the Colts didn't punt or turn the ball over for nearly three full games.
Jones signed a one-year prove-it deal with Indianapolis, and he proved his worth. However, the price tag will go from $14 million to $40+ this offseason.
Braden Smith - Right Tackle
The cornerstone of the Colts is the trenches. Along with all-pro left guard Quentin Nelson, the pair have anchored the offensive line since the departure of Anthony Costanzo.
Smith played 13 games this year, one more than the 12 he played last year, but remains the best right tackle on the market. Should Indy seek to let Smith hit the market and create a bidding war, Indianapolis will likely be forced to move on from him.
Alec Pierce - Wide Receiver
The Colts' offense was one of the best in NFL history for nearly the first half of the season. Alec Pierce is a big reason. Indianapolis's offense is set up to spread the ball around, so the likelihood of a 130 catch season is very low, but the big plays matter the most.
Pierce led the league in yards per catch and consistently made big plays in crucial moments. The biggest question is whether Indy can afford all their best players while filling out the 53-man roster for 2027?" Pierce will have a high price tag, but he's proven he can be effective in this offense.
D.J. Reader - Defensive Lineman
Switching gears to external free agents, the Colts look to improve their depth with this signing. The market value of Reader is just over $3 million and could be a good addition to the defensive line rotation.
The team struggled in run defense and pass rushes, but chose to improve their secondary with the trade for Sauce Gardner before the deadline. Reader is an inexpensive veteran who could come in and make plays when needed.
David Njoku - Tight End
Hear me out. With the outbreak of Tyler Warren, the Colts could look to moveon from Mo-Alie Cox, and if I'm being honest, I would welcome this move. Njoku has shown he can shine even on a dumpster fire of a team in Cleveland.
A very athletic tight-end who can also effectively block, Indy could use another weapon on the field. Paired with Warren, the team could use two big-bodied tight-ends who are mismatches for opposing defenses.