A half dozen players who logged more than 700 snaps for the Indianapolis Colts in 2025 are no longer with the club. On defense alone, eight players and more than 5,500 snaps are missing from last year’s club. Can you say “rebuild?”
Of course, general managers like Chris Ballard cannot say that word. It signifies failure. “Reload?” Sure. But not “rebuild.”
With such significant turnover, you might think the 2026 offseason will feature plenty of intense battles for roster spots. You’d be right. There is a bit of a different flavor with the Colts, however.
5 Indianapolis Colts roster battles to watch this summer
Ballard has constructed a top-heavy roster. He has stars at many positions. What he does not have is depth. Therefore, those roster battles are not likely to involve starters. They will center on the players who support them.
But there will be a few battles over starting spots that bear watching. We’ll begin with a couple of those.
Linebacker – Akeem Davis-Gaither v Bryce Boettcher
Both starting linebackers from 2025 – Zaire Franklin and Germain Pratt – are gone. Ballard snagged CJ Allen in the second round of this year’s draft, and he is likely to step right into the central role occupied by Franklin over the past several seasons.
Alongside him, it will be fascinating to see if free agent Davis-Gaither or rookie Boettcher gets the majority of the snaps. Both will certainly play, but in Lou Anarumo’s defense, one is likely to emerge as the primary starter.
Davis-Gaither played well last year in Arizona, though his Pro Football Focus (subscription required) coverage grade took a noticeable dip. Reuniting with Anarumo, for whom he played in Cincinnati, could be a big help. Boettcher is a no-nonsense, downhill tackling machine, and he could pair very nicely with a sideline-to-sideline player like Allen.
Wide receiver – Nick Westbrook-Ikhene v ???
After re-signing Alec Pierce and Daniel Jones, Ballard shopped primarily for bargains during free agency. Westbrook-Ikhene, a big receiver who has shown flashes with Tennessee throughout his career, was one of his better deals.
But, at least on paper, the five-year vet, who did virtually nothing for Miami last year, is being asked to fill some pretty big shoes. Can he consistently make strong possession-type catches the way Michael Pittman did for the Colts over the last five years?
If he cannot, it looks like there is a pretty big hole on offense. Though Ballard has a lot of bodies, no one on the roster seems poised to step up should Westbrook-Ikhene falter. There is at least one plus option still available in free agency.
Deebo Samuel has been projected to the Colts by several analysts, and I agree he would be an excellent fit in Shane Steichen’s offense. Ballard needs to pull the trigger on this soon if there is any doubt about Westbrook-Ikhene. If he waits, he may miss the chance to add Samuel.
Backup running back – DJ Giddens v Seth McGowan (v Anderson Castle)
Giddens and McGowan will both probably make the roster as backups to Jonathan Taylor. But one of them should emerge as the primary relief option while the other lingers on the bench. And if the loser in this battle does not prove his worth on special teams, there’s a chance he could be supplanted on the active roster by a more versatile player.
That’s why the newly signed Castle has a shot. He offers a versatility that coaches crave, excelling both in short-yardage situations and on kick coverage. So there are two levels to this competition.
Giddens looks to respond after an invisible rookie season, while McGowan is hoping to follow in the footsteps of recent seventh-round draft picks like Kyle Monangai and Jacory Croskey-Merritt and earn significant playing time as a rookie.
Interior defensive line depth – the old v the young
In DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, the Colts have two experienced, productive defensive tackles. Both are 32 years old and Buckner, a true stalwart, was hurt last season. The team is in need of some youthful energy.
So, of course, Chris Ballard went out and signed 29-year-old Jerry Tillery and 30-year-old Derrick Nnadi, neither of whom has performed at a high level for several years now. If they turn out to be the Colts' interior line depth in 2026, that is a bad sign for the present and a terrible sign for the future.
Ideally, younger players like Adetomiwa Adebawore and Tim Smith will flat-out win jobs this offseason. If they can’t, this position will require major attention next year.
Edge rushers – Michael Clemons v the rookies
Indianapolis is down three of its top four defensive ends this year. Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis are gone (though Lewis remains unsigned and could return). Free agent Arden Key should take a lot of snaps opposite Laiatu Latu on the edge, but Anarumo will employ a rotation to keep everyone fresh.
Another free agent, Michael Clemons, figures to have the upper hand entering the summer, but he will be challenged for snaps by a couple of day-three draft picks in Caden Curry and George Gumbs, Jr. Clemons has more traditional defensive end size going for him.
The others are hybrid linebacker/ends. So I expect Clemons will win a spot for himself, which could leave the two rookies battling it out for a role as pass rush specialists. However, if both impress this summer, they could force some tough roster decisions.
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