There are a handful of categories related to the Indianapolis Colts that tell the story of what needs to happen for next season to be successful. Daniel Jones has to play well and not fall backward.
Rookies on defense have to step up despite never having tasted NFL football before. Shane Steichen has to figure out a way to win games despite being at several disadvantages. Then there are the team MVPs.
Every team has a select batch of players who have to be their respective team's MVPs that season, and according to Bill Barnwell, the Colts have three: tight end Tyler Warren, cornerback Sauce Gardner, and edge rusher Laiatu Latu. Barnwell picked these three Colts as the team's most valuable players next season.
Productive 2026 seasons could make these 3 Indianapolis Colts players 2027 MVPs
Interestingly, Jones did not make the cut, considering that the Colts' chances of finding any measure of success next season rest heavily on their quarterback's shoulders. Regardless, Barnwell chose his Colts MVPs for the 2026 season, but what about the 2027 season? Who should qualify to make Barnwell's list a year from now?
Alec Pierce, WR
Alec Pierce, like Jones, also had reasons to be named to Barnwell's list because he is the Colts' No. 1 wideout, and a high level of production from him will go a long way. Perhaps it had something to do with Pierce's lack of a solid track record, and the 2026 season is more of an audition.
That makes sense, considering many are waiting for him to make good on the four-year deal he just received. If Pierce balls out, he becomes a 2027 candidate for Colts MVP honors.
Quenton Nelson, G
Another surprising player not making Barnwell's list was Quenton Nelson, a player the Colts rely on more than others. Nelson is the cornerstone of the Colts' offensive line and a true leader on the team across the board.
The perennial Pro Bowl left guard is arguably the most dominant in the NFL, and deservedly so. Nelson is elite at his position, and there's no question he's an MVP on the Colts every year.
CJ Allen, LB
It would be hard to find a rookie on any NFL team's MVP list, never mind Barnwell's, but the hype and expectations surrounding Colts' rookie CJ Allen are real, and there's no reason to believe that Allen won't meet them, if not exceed them.
If he pulls off a spectacular rookie year, not only will he prove the Colts made the right call by drafting him as their first pick, but he's a candidate to be a team MVP way past this season, and into the following several.
Add us as a preferred source on Google