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[Indianapolis Colts]

Richardson is targeted to be healthy for Colts training camp, but does that provide much comfort?

Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It is hard to shake the feeling that we are past it all.

Not even a bump in the road. That is how Anthony Richardson described his latest injury, if we can even call it that. The shoulder “soreness” or “discomfort” (use choose your preferred verbiage here) appears to be nothing more than that. Richardson went as far as stating the A/C joint flair up of the tear that cost him the majority of his rookie season was more “tripping and falling”, but he has since gotten back up and is hitting the ground running. That is certainly a positive update, and the following may feel like making a mountain out of a molehill; it must be asked however, whether this update provides a sense of calm and peace or whether it takes on more of an eye of the storm type of feel.

Currently, I have my doubts regarding Richardson, but I have been a fan since day one. I want nothing more than for him to have ultimate success with the Indianapolis Colts. Being on the quarterback carousel after so many years of stability at the position has been uncomfortable at best. The want for success is high; the fear that success will never come due to a constant string of injuries is rising. How does one move off that fear if all they see are injuries and time away from the field?

Ready for training camp or not, Richardson has already lost valuable time. He is at a point in his career where missing even a few practices falls under the category of setback. If this was Peyton Manning in year ten, it could be said that missing the entire offseason could be overcome. Unfortunately, Richardson hasn’t earned that trust. There is still a long way to go before the season begins in September. What happens in the leadup? On top of that, we can only imagine what will occur when games commence and he is taking full contact. Until he can make it through an entire season unscathed, it will be impossible for many fans to not fear the moment when the other shoe will drop and a new injury will appear.

Anthony Richardson has to use his physicality because that is his greatest gift. That comes with a greater chance at injury and thus increases the concern level that something will happen to cause him to miss time. That is the risk when drafting a physical freak of nature with raw ability at quarterback. Improve the skills that are lacking but maximum the God given talent. The Colts and Richardson have to find a way to harness that without risking injury. Is that possible? Not sure. What is sure is that I and many others won’t be comfortable for a while watching Richardson on the field. Every hit and slow rise from the turf will produce a jolt of adrenaline until enough of those hits are strung together without incident. Then and only then will fans begin to breathe a tad easier.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/6...ining-camp-but-does-that-provide-much-comfort

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts adding former All-Pro veteran safety is ESPN’s proposed ‘final offseason move’

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Respectfully, this one doesn’t make as much sense anymore...

According to ESPN’s Aaron Schatz, the Indianapolis Colts are a proposed landing spot as their final offseason move should be adding former All-Pro free agent veteran safety Justin Simmons headed into team training camp:

Indianapolis Colts

Sign safety Justin Simmons

The Colts added Camryn Bynum from Minnesota as their new free safety, and they still have Nick Cross, who had 146 tackles last season. But Indianapolis could use some depth at the position since Daniel Scott has never seen the field in the regular season through two seasons and Hunter Wohler is a seventh-round rookie. Enter Simmons, who started for Atlanta last season and was second-team All-Pro in 2023. Simmons would also give Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo the ability to play three-safety packages.

It’s not that Simmons couldn’t help a playoff hopeful team like the Colts—or even as a veteran mentor for a young defensive back room, but this feels like it’s a year too late for Indianapolis, who’s already seemingly shored up their secondary earlier this offseason.

The Colts already signed ex-Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum to a lucrative, multi-year free agent deal, while holdover Nick Cross, who’s still only 23 years old, is more comfortable closer to the line of scrimmage and had a bit of a breakout third-season.

That duo appears to safely be their starting pairing at safety.

Starting 16 games for the Falcons last season, Simmons recorded 62 tackles (36 solo), 2 tackles for loss, 7 passes defensed, and 2 interceptions. He earned a +59.9 overall grade from PFF this past season, which was just 113 of 171 qualifying safeties.

Previously with the Broncos, the 31-year-old veteran safety was a 4x NFL 2nd-Team All-Pro and 2x NFL Pro Bowler—meaning his best days could already be well behind him.

The Colts could use some proven depth at safety, as Rodney Thomas II has struggled since his rookie campaign in 2022, and fellow backup Daniel Scott has never appeared in an NFL game since being drafted in 2023—having suffered two consecutive season-ending injuries. The team did select Wisconsin safety Hunter Wohler in this year’s 7th round as a backup.

Given his age and veteran status, I’m just not sure that’s Simmons, especially given that the Colts backup safeties will be called upon to heavily participate on special teams—which doesn’t seem like a fit for the former Pro Bowler given he’s in the tail-end of his NFL career.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/6...safety-is-espns-proposed-final-offseason-move

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Three reasons to be excited about the Colts defense

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

With a new look comes new reasons to anticipate positive results.

The Indianapolis Colts defense got a makeover during the offseason. From a unit that struggled mightily in 2024, expectations are that this could be a strength in 2025. From treading water to a source of optimism, there is plenty to be excited for this year.

A New Look Secondary ​

The secondary has some new faces as Chris Ballard and his team worked to fill some of the largest holes on the roster. Camryn Bynum and Charvarius Ward were the two greatest offseason prizes for the Colts. Their impact in the secondary should be immense and limit receivers from absolutely torching the defense through the air. Their veteran presence and high ability should be more than enough to vault this unit forward.

Lou Anarumo​

Fans complained about Gus Bradley’s vanilla defense that lacked adequate pressure. Anarumo thrives on different looks. Disguising pressure and making an offense believe pressure is coming, moving out of it, and vice versa, are hallmarks of Anarumo’s defenses. A point of emphasis will be high levels of communication which will reduce the amount of blown assignments and missed tackles. Overall, expect a more disciplined unit that is highly aggressive, smart, and difficult for offenses to anticipate.

Defensive Front​

Health was the problem last year as key starters missed time. After dominating in 2023, those injuries caused a major step back. With a healthy unit being led by DeForest Buckner, expect them to get back to form. Second-year defensive end Laiatu Latu should make a leap while adding more talent with second-round pick JT Tuimoloau can’t hurt. Generating more pressure upfront will be key. This unit should be a major strength for the Colts this year.

The defense won’t be perfect, but it should be much better than last year. Adding key personnel to match what the new coordinator wants to implement will allow for more aggressive and exotic schemes which should go a long way toward success. Pair that with a strong physical front and all the pieces are there. Putting it together and producing on the field is all that’s left. Do that and 2025 is going to look much better.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/6/28/24457973/three-reasons-to-be-excited-about-the-colts-defense

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Training camp will showcase a showdown at quarterback for the Colts

Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

With the schedule released, things just got a little more real.

Dates for the 2025 Indianapolis Colts training camp have been released. There will be six free and seven primetime practices. To cap it all off, the Colts will hold a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers on August 14th. This marks an exciting moment in the offseason in which news, updates, and topics have slowed to a trickle. Yes, it is still a month away, but it means the season is approaching quickly. Fans, whether they want to or not, are going to witness a quarterback competition. Two viable and equally matched players will face off to be the leader of this franchise at the game’s most important position. That sets the stage for plenty of drama and debate.

When was the last time the Colts truly had a quarterback competition? It seems fair to say Anthony Richardson has the inside track due to his tenure with the team, but his body of work hasn’t set him up with much of an edge at all. Of course, during the Manning and Luck years there was never a debate. Throwing either player out on one leg seemed like the better option versus anyone else on the roster. Even when the Colts had a new face under center every year, there was never any doubt. Rivers, Wentz, and Ryan were always a foregone conclusion to be the season starter.

This is uncharted territory for most fans. Seeing Chris Ballard open things up is new yet welcomed. Richardson hasn’t shown the necessary glimpses to be awarded the starting role with zero resistance. Daniel Jones is seeking to revitalize his career and feels he will get a fair shake in Indy. That appears to be the case as he already racked up the majority of reps in minicamp. His plan of joining a team with an injury prone young quarterback is taking shape before our eyes. Training camp will now serve as the backdrop to the biggest quarterback competition this city has seen in decades or maybe ever. Both men will get plenty of snaps, and expect to see both quarterbacks playing with the first unit. How much will depend on how well they perform, but Shane Steichen and his staff are going to fully utilize and examine this competition from all angles. Everything is on the table, and the Colts won’t pass that opportunity up.

Unfortunately, fans still have some time to wait, but we are quickly approaching the start of Colts training camp. Anthony Richardson vs. Daniel Jones will be the main showcase of the offseason especially as the weather heats up and training camp begins. Side by side comparisons of daily numbers will be had and speculation and analysis will run wild. This competition could work out in the Colts’ favor or it could blow up in their face. We will find out which way it goes soon enough.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/6...wcase-a-showdown-at-quarterback-for-the-colts

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Projecting Nick Cross’ next contract

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Safety Nick Cross is a free agent after the 2025 season; what can we expect his next contract to look like?

Nick Cross has established himself as a solid starter on the Colts defense over the past few seasons and at 23 years old (24 in September), he will be relatively young entering his 2nd contract. He will enter the first year of his 2nd contract at 25 years old, which is very favourable for all parties.

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Comparable Contracts/Players​

Grant Delpit — 3 years, $36M with $23.5M guaranteed, signed in 2024 at 25 years old

Amani Hooker — 3 years, $30M with $19.5M guaranteed, signed in 2023 at 25 years old

Jalen Thompson — 3 years, $36M with $24.5M guaranteed, signed in 2023 at 25 years old

Talanoa Hufanga — 3 years, 39M with $20M guaranteed, signed in 2025 at 25 years old

If we adjust for inflation (using the first year of the contract as the starting year and not the date of the signing) and for a 3-year deal, the average of the contract would look like:

3 years, $39.3M with $24.5M guaranteed

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Projected Extension​

The salary cap is expected to have a couple of big jumps in the next few years, which means you can expect Nick Cross to be on the higher end of the comps. I also believe there’s a strong chance that the Colts will match his contract with that of Cam Bynum’s, who signed with the Colts for 15M per year. An exact matching of Bynum’s contract would put him above the comparable players and in the same league as Bynum, Holland and Jessie Bates.

3 years, 45M with $26M guaranteed​

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Is it worth it?​

It is probably worth it, but not a killer if the Colts decide not to re-sign him.

The Colts aren’t in any rush to sign him and should at least wait a couple of months into the season before looking into extending him. The reason behind that is to see how Cross plays in the new defense and next to Cam Bynum. If he struggles to adjust or is severely outperformed by Bynum, then the Colts could look to move on from him. If he plays like he has over the past couple of seasons, then it’s probably worth keeping him around and looking to extend him.

The deal would put him in the Tier 3 range, which is very good starter and just below Pro Bowl/borderline All Pro level, which makes sense for him. It’s also a manageable price and keeps the Colts’ backend strong for years to come, but that’s assuming he plays well in 2025.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/6/27/24455946/projecting-nick-cross-next-contract

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

3 revelations to be determined when Colts host competitive joint-practice with Packers to close training camp

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs for a first down in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts — Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. | Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Colts fans have 13 chances to watch key position battles unfold during practice, including the open competition to decide the starting quarterback for the Week 1 opener against the Miami Dolphins inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

When the Indianapolis Colts cap off training camp, the 2025 summer finale will feature a competitive joint-practice with the Green Bay Packers at Grand Park in Westfield.

The final Colts practice open to the public will be held on Aug. 14 from 3 to 5 pm, two days ahead of the preseason game in Indianapolis. This year marks the seventh training camp edition where a stampede of fans will assemble to watch the Colts workout at Grand Park. It will become the 11th season the Colts hold a joint-practice with another team, including each of the last four summers.

Colts rookies will report for camp July 21, with veteran players scheduled to officially report July 22. The first public practice kicks off the following morning at 10 a.m. as Colts fans have 13 chances to watch key position battles unfold during practice, including the open competition to decide the starting quarterback for the Week 1 opener against the Miami Dolphins inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

Camping season. ️

https://t.co/J2RcEuZUp2 pic.twitter.com/JIefIIlb4x

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) June 26, 2025​

Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones starting quarterback competition

Anthony Richardson enters his third season forced to prove his starter status. Richardson downplayed his latest setback and claimed the aggravation in his throwing shoulder, which caused him to miss minicamp, is ‘not even a bump in the road’. Since being drafted fourth overall by the Colts in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson has an NFL worst 50.6% completion rate and his 61.6 passer rating last season was the lowest among all starters. For what it’s worth, Daniel Jones posted the second-lowest passer rating among QBs who started at least 10 games in 2024.

Indianapolis signed Jones to a one-year deal during free agency with clear intentions to hold an open competition before naming a Week 1 starter. Jones received his fair share of criticism while playing his first six seasons in New York, but the veteran seeks to reclaim one of the NFL’s 32 starting QB jobs with a new franchise. Jones may not boast the athleticism, potential, or talent Richardson did as a prospect, but his career 2.1% interception rate is much more sustainable than Richardson’s league-worst 4.5% interception rate in 2024. Last season, Jones dealt with the adversity of being stripped of his NFL starter title before he was released by the Giants, who selected him sixth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Perhaps the most significant revelation regarding the Colts training camp will be the quarterback that receives the first-team reps against the Packers first-team defense in the final summer practice. It’s safe to assume the most consistent QB over the next 45 days will ultimately decide who earns those first-team reps and takes firm control of the position battle ahead of the 2025 season.

Minicamp complete. pic.twitter.com/M28gOHmsIp

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) June 12, 2025​

Indianapolis revamped pass defense versus Green Bay receiving corps

Green Bay added loads of depth in its receiver room after selecting Matthew Golden in the first round and Savion Williams in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs are proven veterans looking to bounce back after a decline in production last season. Christian Watson, Mecole Hardman and Dontayvion Wicks are also aiming to make an impact in Matt LaFluer’s offensive scheme this season.

Indianapolis felt it was necessary to upgrade the secondary this offseason and did so by signing cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Camryn Bynum to three-year deals early in free agency. The Colts also used a third-round draft pick on Justin Walley to add much-needed depth behind former pro bowl nickel Kenny Moore II. Perhaps the most intriguing session of the joint-practice will be discovering how Indy’s revamped defense fares against Jordan Love and the Packers receivers during 7-on-7 drills.

Already feeling the Indy love.

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) June 26, 2025​

Showcase featuring 2 of NFL’s top 5 RBs

Since Jonathan Taylor entered the league in 2020, the top four rushers across the last five seasons include Derrick Henry, Taylor, Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley, in that order. Taylor finished fourth among all rushers with 1,431 rushing yards to earn his second pro bowl nod last season. Colts head coach Shane Steichen often leaned on Taylor for significant stretches to wear down defenses and will not hesitate to pulverize an opponent's front line with his run-pass-option attack.

Josh Jacobs is a three-time pro bowler coming off a career-high 15 rushing touchdowns, one shy of the league-leaders. In his second game with the Packers, Jacobs racked up a season-high 151 rushing yards against the Colts. Jacobs finished fifth among all rushers with 73 first downs, while Taylor finished sixth with 71. It’s not often one practice in August can feature two of the world’s top five rushers, but both players plan to showcase what makes a star running back so valuable in 2025.

Fans can secure tickets to training camp on Ticketmaster.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/6...d-when-colts-host-joint-practice-with-packers

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Tyler Warren is the Key to Opening Doors in the Colts Offense

Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Colts need other ways to punish teams selling out to stop the run and Tyler Warren might be that answer.

The Colts selected the player that was most popularly mocked to them in this year’s NFL Draft— Tyler Warren.

It was a such an obvious move, and no surprise to the entire NFL. They got lackluster production in the pass game from that room, and it finally caught up to them. In 2023 they were able to make do. Mo Alie-Cox and Drew Ogletree proved themselves to be some of the best blocking TE’s in football. That helped them jumpstart the run game, which was one of the better in the league in 2024. But defenses get paid too, and in passing situations, they were not bothered by the TE’s routes in the pattern.

We’ve talked ad nauseam about the tight end position and why Tyler Warren is such a good fit— so I won’t do that. This will likely be less of a film-centric breakdown and more of a big-picture discussion of how the Colts can schematically evolve from their 2024 offense.

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The Colts had evolved into a 2 TE gap scheme rushing attack that focused on vertical penetration and downhill run schemes that got Anthony Richardson going north and south— where he’s at his best as a runner.

As they got into condensed formations to run the ball downhill, teams started to sell out to stop the run. Teams played with heavier boxes, and would aggressively bring pressure on run downs to get extra guys in the box whenever possible.

When linebackers are going to chase on the backside of runs or when there’s a weak link in coverage, the Colts have to be able to punish those looks and those matchups.

The core philosophy of this offensive system is attack space and numbers in both the Run and Pass game.

I thought last year they deviated from the 2023 offense that followed those principles to a tee in order to lean into Richardson’s strengths.

Random rant, but Tyler Warren is the likely to be the next evolution of everything the Colts want to do schematically.

Down the stretch they were a big 12P team (for Steichen standards) and way more gap scheme than in 2023. Teams loaded the box and sold out to stop the run— for…

— Colts Film Room (@ColtsFilmRoom) June 25, 2025​

I think with the addition of Tyler Warren and Daniel Jones— or ideally improvement from Richardson in 2025— the Colts will get back to that 2022 Eagles style of offense.

Tyler Warren is likely to be an off-ball TE in this offense, while he is certainly capable of holding up as a blocker on the ball, he is going to serve as a key cog in creating conflict for the defense. If Tyler is off the ball that means he’s a threat to motion anywhere on the football field, it also gives more opportunities to make runs look like passes and vise-versa.

That’s a lot of what the 2022 Eagles were predicated on. A heavy dose of RPO’s, QB runs, and a passing game that focused on generating explosive plays deep down the field.

The Colts were one of the best SY teams in football last year. Part of that was Steichen, but the other part was was the QB run game.

I think the next evolution will be to use the TE in these condensed formations to punish teams selling out to stop Richardson, Jones, or JT. pic.twitter.com/cJGLRG1QHW

— Colts Film Room (@ColtsFilmRoom) June 25, 2025​

Adding Tyler Warren gives them the ability to not just put linebackers in run/pass conflict schematically, but truly make them pick their poison. When 84 is leaking out into the flat on a slide route, are you going to fill your gap aggressively or are you going to stay patient and force the handoff?

The mesh point will serve as a decoy to manipulate space and numbers and get the ball in 84’s hands. That way they can run the ball with their elite RB, and then punish teams through the air— just in a manner that is more likely to result in a completion.

Last year, I think that was the natural evolution of their scheme, they just didn’t have the TE’s in the room that could truly be a force in the pass game. There were so many instances of wide open space caused by aggressive linebackers coming downhill that the Colts didn’t really attack in a way they maybe could have. I think Tyler Warren has the key to open the door up for this offense to put teams in more of a run/pass conflict pre and post snap.

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The other element is some of the base dropback passing concepts that I think can get better. Tyler Warren is not known for his precise route running, but it’s an area you would expect would improve. That being said, they don’t need Tyler Warren to run a Travis Kelce or Brock Bowers route tree. Josh Downs will assume more of that role. What they need him to do first and foremost is be a great sail runner.

Sail is a basic passing concept involving a flat route, a corner (or a variation of a corner route) and a must outside release go.

The Colts love running this concept and Shane Steichen loved it even more when he had a TE who could run the sail route well.

Sail creates a three-level vertical stretch on the defense— essentially overloading the zones. You have one person in the flat, one person clearing out a player deep, and a third that’s running the sail in the intermediate level.

You end up creating a hi-lo on the curl flat defender. When you have a TE who can run that route well the stretch becomes larger. They have to make a decision in their drops faster. Am I going to stay low and cover the easy completion in the flat or am I going to get depth and play the potential Sail?

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The Colts— in an effort to lean into the strengths of their QB— adopted a downhill gap scheme style of offense in order to move the chains. Defenses began to catch on, selling out against the run and daring the Colts to throw the ball.

Alec Pierce was their go to answer vs. this look. Max Protect Shot plays were a popular answer when they were getting second level defenders selling out against the run. While that resulted in some explosive downhill plays, they also are not the most efficient way to punish these looks.

Adding Tyler Warren who can be both a blocker and a viable receiving option will help the Colts return to the core philosophy of their system which is to attack space and numbers in the run and pass game— primarily through the use of RPO’s and Option runs.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/7...the-key-to-opening-doors-in-the-colts-offense