The Indianapolis Colts' 2026 season could be a make-or-break one for many involved in the organization. Indy hasn't made the postseason since 2020, and hasn't won the AFC South title since 2014. That needs to change.
But to cause that change, a few players need to step up in big ways. Two have underperformed so far in their careers, and another just got paid a lot of money to stay with the team. Should at least two of them have highly productive seasons, the Colts could be back in the postseason.
If the team can stay healthier next season compared to last, and if the players below are good, Indy fans will be changing their vacation plans for January and maybe beyond. The playoffs are a real possibility if those below can help their friends a bit more.
Colts edge rusher Jaylahn Tuimoloau
Tuimoloau has only spent one season in the NFL, but the Colts cannot afford for him to repeat what he did last season. He didn't see 30 percent of defensive snaps and didn't have a sack. He was a second-round choice in 2025, and that high of a pick must produce much quicker.
He needs to pretend as if last season didn't happen, and have something akin to what fellow edge rusher Laiatu Latu had in his second season (which was last year). Latu had 61 total pressures and 8.5 sacks. A breakout season from Tuimoloau would not only be good for the overall defense but also help Latu see fewer double-teams as well.
Clearly, Indianapolis saw something in Tuimoloau to take him in round two. Maybe the edge rusher shocks everyone and has close to 10 sacks in 2026. He's big enough to overpower blockers and needs to refine his technique. Maybe it all comes together next season.
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson
The odd part of this is the hope that Richardson doesn't need to play. Maybe Daniel Jones returns earlier than expected and is fully recovered from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered in Week 14 last season. More likely, he misses a few games.
If that happens, Richardson could be his temporary replacement. The issue is that Indy likely needs to make the playoffs this coming season, or general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen could lose their jobs. Ironically, a player the team has given up on (Richardson) could be their savior.
AR5 has more career interceptions (13) than touchdown passes (11), and doesn't look like a long-term starter for any team. Should he be Indianapolis's starter in the first few weeks and do quite well, he might have rebuilt his career at the same time, keeping certain Colts employed.
Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce
Sure, Pierce got paid a lot of money to return to the Indianapolis Colts this offseason (as much as $114 million over four seasons), but the truth is he hasn't really had a breakout season. He got paid because of his potential for explosiveness and how good he might be in the future.
For as much as he is being paid, Pierce does need to step up his production in a huge way. He's never had more than 47 catches in a season, and has only had one 1,000-yard season (2025, when he had 1,003). In 2026 and beyond, he needs to have more than 70 catches and more than 1,300 yards.
Can he do that? The team is betting on it, though we haven't seen it yet. He needs a real breakout season for fans not to worry that the Colts overpaid for a player they had no choice but to have return.
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