News Colts Team Notes

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts salary cap update after the start of Free Agency

Clark Wade/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Colts have been active in Free Agency, so how much cap space do the have left and how much can they realistically spend?

The Indianapolis Colts were more active in free agency this offseason, signing some big defensive backs and one quarterback as well as tidying up some things with some of their own guys. The Colts started out free agency in a healthy position, but a good amount of money has left the building, so how much is left and how much more can the team realistically spend?

The team went into Free Agency with approximately 41M in cap space. The team made the following moves with the associated cap hits for 2025:

• Cam Bynum - 7.01M
• Charvarius Ward - 9.2M
• Daniel Jones - 14M
• Ashton Dulin - 2.78M
• Danny Pinter - 1.67M
• Khalil Herbert - 2M (projected, no details have been released)
• Neville Gallimore - 2M (projected, no details have been released)

After accounting for all those moves, that leaves the Colts with around 9.5M in cap space.

---

Braden Smith situation​

Before Free Agency, the Colts restructured/reworked the Braden Smith contract, which freed up some cap space. While the details of that restructured have not been released, I believe the Colts restructured his base salary and roster bonus into a sigining bonus and then added a void year to spread out the cap hit. The signing bonus is prorated evenly over the length of the contract, and this is how teams are able to save money when they restructure as it lowers the cap hit for the current year and spreads it over the remaining years of the contract. Because Braden Smith only has one year left on his deal, there is nothing the Colts can do to his contract that would add space, unless Smith took a pay cut, which makes the adding void years scenario the most likely. A void year is a “dummy” year that are used to spread out money (specifically a signing bonus) beyond the length of the contract.

If he took a pay cut, then it’s pretty simple, whatever amount he took off his contract is the amount the Colts save. If the Colts restructured his base salary and roster bonus into a signing bonus and added a void year, then the projected savings should be in the range of $8.75M.

This can be calculated by taking his $14.75M and subtracted $1.25M (the veteran minimum base salary) and then add $2M from the roster bonus. From there you’ll get $15.5M, which is the new amount added to the signing bonus. That means that his base salary would be $1.25M and his new signing bonus figure would be $18.5M ($15.5M plus existing $3M). If you add a void year, that only the new portion of the $18.5M (which is $15.5M) is spread over this season and next season, so that means $11M ($3M original signing bonus + $6.75M new signing bonus + $1.25M base) would be on the books for this year and $6.75M for next year. His original 2025 cap hit is $19.75M and after the changes the new 2025 cap hit would be $11M, which means the cap savings would be $8.75M.

If the Colts wanted to add two void years to the end of his contract, the cap savings would be $11M for 2025. If they wanted to add 3 void years, the cap savings would be $12.1M Personally, I believe that adding two years of void is the best way to go as it would not only save the team more money in the short term, but spread the hit over two additional seasons. I opted for 2 seasons instead of 3 or more as the cap savings is reduced after every added season and you don’t want the dead money lingering for longer than it has to be.

Contract details courtesy of Over the Cap​

So if the Colts opted for the most efficient method that isn’t a pay cut, the most they could realistically save is $12M on the Braden Smith contract.

If we add $12M to the $9.5M in projected current cap space, that leaves the Colts with approximately $21M in room. They will need to leave around $6M in cap space for their draft picks and they will leave to need around $3M for their in-season transactions. In typical seasons, you would usually encourage your cap department to look to keep an additional $5-$10M saved for contract extensions, like the one Bernhard Raimann and Nick Cross will likely receive, with the contracts starting in 2026. However, based on the back-loading of contracts, it’s very clear that Chris Ballard is all in on making the playoffs in 2025 to save his job so I’m not sure he cares about the long-term health of the salary cap.

With that being said, I project that the Colts can spend approximately $12M more on 2025 free agents. Ballard structured the contracts of Charvarius Ward and Cam Bynum where the 2025 cap hits are significantly lower than the annual average value of their deals, with Bynum’s 2025 cap hit being 46% of the AAV and Ward’s 2025 cap hit being 45% of the AAV. If Ballard were to get aggressive again, and structure a contract in that same manner, it means he can afford a free agent that is worth $26M AAV.

That still keeps the Colts out of the Trey Hendrickson sweepstakes unless he were to accept decrease in his rumoured asking price, and the rumoured 1st round pick trade price further hurts the chances of the Colts trading for him. It does, however, allow the Colts to go out and target pretty much any of the remaining free agents on the board, such as Teven Jenkins, Dante Fowler Jr, Cooper Kupp, Mekhi Becton, Dennis Gardeck, Brandon Scherff or Eric Kendricks.

It also means the Colts can go after players like Quay Walker, Kyle Pitts, Trey Pipkins, Damone Clark or even Jaire Alexander via trade, all of whom can easily be afforded with the projected cap space they have.

In my opinion, unless a tremendous offer were to come about, I would prefer him to keep that extra money instead of trying to squeeze every dollar of it. It could severely hurt the Colts in the long run and leave them in a situation where they have to cut or trade good players, like we’ve seen with the Bills, Chargers and Saints in recent years. I rather they keep the money and use part of the extra money on the Raimann and Cross extensions, which should cost the team around $25M in cap space in 2026 (based on my projections and of similar players). Nevertheless, if the Colts were smart and got the most out of the Smith cap savings, it leaves them with a decent amount of cap space at this moment.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...ary-cap-update-after-the-start-of-free-agency

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts new CB1 Charvarius Ward: “I’m better than the man in front of me.”

Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Ward’s opening press conference as a member of the Indianapolis Colts shed a light on his mentality as a team’s top cornerback.

The Indianapolis Colts have lacked a true lockdown cornerback to combat the ever rising influx of wide receiver talent across the NFL — until now.

Former second-team All-Pro CB Charvarius Ward heads to Indianapolis with a fresh start in mind, a chip on his shoulder, and a hunger to remain one of the league’s best at his position.

Earlier today, Ward took to the podium for his first press conference as a member of the Colts’ defensive backfield. During said availability, he talked about his mindset as a team’s top cornerback, his eagerness to return to the gridiron, and envisioned himself alongside his defensive back brethren under new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.

Ward had always been an underappreciated player during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, but it wasn’t until he arrived in San Francisco where he’d be regarded leaguewide as one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks. When asked what he believes makes him a great corner, he responded with confidence that his versatility speaks for itself.

“I can press, I can tackle, I can play off, I can travel with the best receivers — I feel like I can do it all as a corner. My game is versatile, I feel like I’m a CB1. A great cornerback,” said Ward.

As if there was any doubt, the statistics certainly back up Ward’s claims. In six seasons as a starter, Ward has forced a completion percentage of 53.8%, has totaled 10 interceptions and 67 passes broken up (a league-leading 23 in 2023), and has a career missed tackle rate (5.6%) — the best rate of any player since 2018 per Next Gen Stats.

When asked if a certain type of confidence is required to be a team’s number one corner, Ward agreed.

“I feel like you have to have confidence in yourself and believe in yourself as a corner. If you line up against any wide receiver in the league and you’ve got doubt that you’ll be beaten, you most likely will be beaten. I line up with the mentality of not caring if I get beat or not. I go out there with every play, thinking I’m the best, thinking I’m better than the man in front of me. That’s my mentality every time I line up.”

Almost a delusional sense of confidence, if you will. Ward recognized the mental constraints that a lack of confidence has in playing cornerback and vowed to bring it his all on any given down.

When it comes to playing under Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s scheme, Ward shared that the new man in charge has big plans for him. Ward also explained his belief that his versatility in the backend allows him to do things that most cornerbacks can’t do.

“I think I’m versatile and can play in any scheme. He said I’m going to travel with the opposing best receiver. He’s gonna let me press, let me do my thing — be physical, be aggressive, be me. Be that guy that they paid me to be.”

Schematically, traveling with the opponent’s best receiver game in and game out is a massive change from recent Colts defenses. Partly due to a lack of talent to employ such a tactic, the Colts have traditionally kept their outside corners to one side of the field (i.e., Jaylon Jones played RCB in 2023 whereas Samuel Womack and Co. played LCB).

Ward had been just that for the 49ers during his first two years in San Francisco, but took a step back responsibility-wise during a down year last season. Nowadays, Charvarius Ward will return to that role in Indy as a traveling cover corner.

The Colts’ other big-time defensive back signing, former Vikings safety Camryn Bynum, should fill in seamlessly behind the fellow newcomer. When asked about Bynum’s talents and whether or not they’ve chatted yet, Ward provided his take(s) on the player while also explaining the amount of excitement he has to play beneath a player like Bynum.

“I don’t know him personally but I know he’s a ballhawk and a pretty good dancer. I look forward to being his teammate. He seems like a real fun guy. He’s got a lot of talent. He’s a ballhawk and he’s always in the right spot at the right time. He had a lot of interceptions over the past couple of years. We played them last year in Minnesota and he had two interceptions against us. Definitely looking forward to being his teammate.”

As excited as Ward is to get going with his new team, he also recognized his hardships as a player and person throughout the last calendar year. Ward strives to be the best, but he understands that to be the best, you have to operate like the best.

“Last year I went through a lot. I just felt mentally drained. Physically I was on the football field but mentally I felt retired. My mind wasn’t on the game because I went through a lot last year. After the season I just got the hunger back. I started missing the game. I was excited for the next opportunity. I’m thankful to the Colts. I’m just ready to go out and show that I’m one of the best corners in the game.

I was expecting to come in and be a back-to-back All-Pro. Obviously that didn’t happen, a lot of bad things happened last year. I’m just hungry and ready to prove myself. I’ve got that chip on my shoulder again.”

It’s a scary sight that a top talent like Ward has found the chip on his shoulder that he grew up with, but it came with a horrible price. In late October of 2024, Ward lost his 1-year-old daughter, Amani Joy, after she battled heart problems throughout her young life. A tragedy unlike any other, nobody would’ve batted an eye if Ward had chosen to retire altogether.

Remarkably, Ward continues to chase his dream. Instead of dodging questions that pertain to his awful tragedy, Ward opened up to the local media and explained what it was like from his perspective as someone working through such devastation.

“I had to get out of San Francisco, honestly. There was a lot of PTSD out there. Really it was painful to be out there. Mentally every day it was draining. It took a lot out of me to go back to San Francisco. The only reason I went back is because I thought we were going to turn it around. We didn’t, but I thought we had a chance to make the playoffs and I wanted to be there for my brothers.”

I had to get out of there man. It was hard every day. Mentally, I was in Texas with my family. Physically, I was in Santa Clara with the 49ers. You’ve gotta be where your feet are and I wasn’t where my feet were last season… I definitely needed a fresh start. Like I said, I’m excited, thankful, happy, blessed — all the good things to be here.”

I, for one, am incredibly thrilled to hear that Charvarius Ward is in a better place nowadays. I could not fathom living through such a tragedy and hope that this fresh start in Indianapolis is a fruitful one, both mentally and career-wise, for Ward and his family.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...us-ward-im-better-than-the-man-in-front-of-me

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts new lockdown corner Charvarius Ward will shadow opposing team’s best wideout

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

The Colts have a new lockdown cornerback in town, who will help take away the opposing team’s best wideout.

According to the man himself, new Indianapolis Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward, who freshly inked a 3-year, $60M million deal, will shadow the opposing team’s best wideout at times next year, per his defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo (via ESPN’s Stephen Holder):

New Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward looking sharp. Says defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo told him he’ll let him travel with opponents’ top receivers this season. pic.twitter.com/GQlnWRCwJ3

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 13, 2025​

Ward reportedly traveled with oppposing NFL WR1s during his first two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, but not last year.

Still processing a personal family tragedy in 2024, with the recent death of his infant daughter, Ward understandably endured a tough year for his normally high standards in coverage, but the Colts and him are both hoping he can regain his prior 2023 NFL All-Pro form on the football field—with a much needed change of scenery in Indianapolis:

2024 was a tough season for Charvarius Ward. But if you go back to 2023 and before, when he has been a dominant press/match cornerback, you can see the appeal for Lou Anarumo and the @Colts. pic.twitter.com/8zxnN1oPp4

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) March 11, 2025​

Of course, with the additions of free agent safety Cam Bynum, as well as holdovers such as former Pro Bowl slot Kenny More II, the Colts have the secondary talent to let him ‘travel’:

Part of the reason the Colts are making the scheme choice to let Ward travel is because Kenny Moore has experience as an outside corner in Base.

If the Stud WR lines up in the slot (where your nickel plays) well you have to kick that nickel outside.

Just trying to give a… pic.twitter.com/CjbuhMPhhA

— Colts Film Room (@ColtsFilmRoom) March 13, 2025​

For Colts fans, Ward will be a welcome addition as a true CB1, which Indianapolis hasn’t had since veteran Stephon Gilmore was traded before the 2023 season—although I would argue that it hasn’t had an actual NFL All-Pro corner in his prime since the late great Vontae Davis.

Ward’s much anticipated arrival should make the whole Indy secondary better because the rest of the outside corners get bumped a peg down, while the pass rush gets more time.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...-ward-will-shadow-opposing-teams-best-wideout

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts announce signing of CB Corey Ballentine for additional depth

Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images

The Colts continue to revamp their secondary this offseason—making a shrewd backup cornerback and special teams signing.

On Friday, the Indianapolis Colts announced the signing of former Green Bay Packers cornerback Corey Ballentine:

Welcome home, Corey! pic.twitter.com/L2gbzYmW9g

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) March 14, 2025​

The former 2019 6th round pick of the New York Giants has also spent time with the New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, and Green Bay Packers organizations—having spent the last three seasons calling historic Lambeau Field home.

Ballentine appeared in 15 games (1 start) for the Packers last year, recording 6 tackles and a forced fumble—as he played in 51% of the team’s total special teams snaps.

He reportedly is seeking to compete for the Colts kick returner role next season.

Ballentine provides a special teams gunner and a backup cornerback lower on the depth chart—as Indianapolis looks to deepen the competition of each positional group.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...g-of-cb-corey-ballentine-for-additional-depth

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Report: Eagles sign Colts free agent TE Kylen Granson to one-year deal

Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Colts have a free agent tight end signed by the reigning Super Bowl Champions.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the reigning Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles have signed Indianapolis Colts free agent tight end Kylen Granson to a one-year deal:

Eagles agreed to terms with TE Kylen Granson on a one-year deal. pic.twitter.com/DaOkNBXMbq

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2025​

Originally a 2021 4th round pick of the Colts, the 26-year-old tight end finishes his Indianapolis tenure with 86 receptions for 958 total receiving yards (11.1 ypr. avg.) and a touchdown reception during 62 career games (17 starts).

As the Colts look to revamp their tight end room with more dynamic playmakers, Granson appeared unlikely to be re-signed, and arguably was the ‘poster boy’ of an Indy position that collectively failed to generate consistent receiving position last season.

He’ll get a much needed change of scenery with the Eagles, who are open to trade talks regarding starting tight end Dallas Goedert, presumably due to salary cap constraints.

The Colts also have veteran tight end Mo Alie-Cox as a free agent, whose Indianapolis future is unclear—and may elect to join more of a realistic playoff contender next season.

However, the Colts have been heavily connected to prized Penn State tight end Tyler Warren through the mainstream NFL media, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Indianapolis targets the position early on in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...-free-agent-te-kylen-granson-to-one-year-deal

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

With his job on the line, Ballard’s philosophy with the Colts has changed

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

It took seeing the end of the line, but the general manager is finally waking up.

Chris Ballard has made a flurry of moves during free agency. It is a type of Ballard that Indianapolis Colts fans have never seen before. It is a Ballard that fans have been clamoring for the better part of a decade. He has spoken about being wrong before and needing to change his approach to team building. Words are cheap, however, and we have seen him fall right back into his old ways as soon as the press conference ends. This year is different. Why now has Ballard finally agreed to explore free agency and upgrade crucial holes in the roster?

The answer to that is easy. His back is against the wall. I imagine based on internal conversations with Jim Irsay he understands the leash is shorter than ever and this could very well be his last year if results aren’t had. While it is a positive to see the Colts finally engage in free agency and make significant splashes, it is also highly discouraging that this is what it took. Ballard was unable to look inside himself and understand that significant changes were needed. He needed the external threat.

If the direction would have come internally, who knows what choices would have been made. Perhaps the exact same deals would have commenced. While there is no major issue with the players he has brought in so far in 2025, doing it with his back against the wall could have it’s issues. The players, contracts, money, etc. could all be less than ideal as feeling one has to do something drastic clouds the mind. With that said, outside of the amount of money Daniel Jones received, most fans seem to be content with the moves. It finally provides a reason to applaud Ballard for his efforts. If it works out for the best and the Colts finally win the AFC South, fans will rejoice. The only lingering doubt might be, why wasn’t the change made sooner?

Free agency isn’t novel or foreign, but Chris Ballard has seemingly had an aversion to it beyond the most basic moves. Rewarding your own players is great, but it doesn’t always move the needle enough to create a contender. If Ballard changes his ways, there are less issues with him sticking around. Ideally, these signings will work out and the Colts will make the playoffs. Winning cures a lot. If Ballard finds success and continues with this new philosophy, we might be seeing him for many more years to come.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...allards-philosophy-with-the-colts-has-changed

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts announce re-signing of placekicker Spencer Shrader

Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Colts are bringing in a familiar face for a second kicking leg this offseason. Can he impress yet again?

On Thursday, the Indianapolis Colts announced the re-signing of free agent placekicker Spencer Shrader, who spent all of 2024’s training camp and even played a game for the Horseshoe last regular season.

We have signed free agent K Spencer Shrader.

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) March 13, 2025​

The former 2024 undrafted rookie from Notre Dame was 5 for 5 from field goal range during his debut pro campaign—including a long of 45 yards, and was a perfect 9 for 9 on extra point attempts.

As a a rookie, Shrader appeared in 4 total games with the Colts (1), New York Jets (1), and Kansas City Chiefs (2) this past season. His first season ended with the Chiefs placing him on injured reserve in early December of last year.

It’s normal for an NFL team to bring in an extra kicking leg for training camp and preseason. However, the Colts normally go for an undrafted rookie free agent kicker for their 2nd leg.

From that standpoint, this is at least somewhat unusual, but given their prior familiarity with Shrader, maybe it’s not at all. Perhaps they don’t like this class of rookie kickers either.

There shouldn’t be a kicking controversy in Indianapolis, as starting veteran Matt Gay was 31 for 37 last year (83.8%)—with a long of 56 yards, and a pristine 33 for 33 from XP-land.

Even if the Colts would cut him, they’d still have to eat $4M of dead money of his $6.75M 2025 cap hit, so there’s not much to gain there. It is some camp competition though.

It’s more surprising to me that Shrader wasn’t able to land in more of a wide open offseason kicking competition as at least a legitimate challenger to the current incumbent.

That doesn’t realistically appear to be in Indianapolis with the former Pro Bowler Gay, who remains one of the game’s highest paid kickers. Maybe an injury could happen though.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...nce-re-signing-of-placekicker-spencer-shrader

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Report: Colts RT Braden Smith contract restructure saves nearly $10M in cap space

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

Braden Smith’s contract restructure saves the Colts a nice chunk of change.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard revealed at the NFL Scouting Combine during his media availability that longtime Colts tackle Braden Smith was on the mend from his end-of-season personal matter that caused him to miss the team’s last five games. Not only that, but he wants to get back on the field.

It was a tough situation for both parties to be in. Smith is a mainstay starter as the right side of the line’s bookend tackle, and his Pro Bowl-caliber of play was always evident when he was on the field. The issue lies in the middle of said sentiment though — Smith has struggled to remain on the field, whether the reasons be an injury or a personal matter.

Smith has only finished one full season over the past four years and this served as the driving force behind why the Colts essentially gave him an ultimatum to kick off free agency: he either restructures his contract to more accurately reflect his value at this point in time or the Colts cut ties with their longtime starting tackle — the Colts were never going to trot an unreliable (in terms of availability) tackle out onto the field with a $19.75M cap hit.

A revised contract would end up settling the score, but until now, fans and media alike were unsure of just how much the Colts would be saving from the restructure in question.

#Colts RT Braden Smith's revised contract per Over the Cap: $10.4M cap hit.

The contract restructure saves the Colts $9.35M in cap space. pic.twitter.com/oKPF3hGpS1

— Noah Compton (@nerlens_) March 13, 2025​

Per Over the Cap, Braden Smith’s revised deal puts him at a $10.4M cap hit for the 2025 season, the last year of his deal.

This move saves the Colts $9.35M in cap space and puts the team’s total salary cap at $21.17M as we move into the next phase of free agency. When you consider the projected draft class cap hit of $5.5M, the Colts have ~$15.67M of cap space left for the remainder of the offseason — though this number doesn’t account for the unreported contract numbers of recently signed free agents DT Neville Gallimore and RB Khalil Herbert.

When you consider his durability concerns, Braden Smith’s restructured deal went from being an uncomfortable overpay to a worthwhile bargain. His previous $19.75M cap hit went from slotting in as the 8th-highest cap hit amongst all right tackles leaguewide, to being the 16th-highest paid cap hit for a right tackle in the 2025 season.

Even though it remains a mystery whether or not we’ll get a healthy Braden Smith for what could be Chris Ballard and Co.’s final season in Indianapolis, the revised cap hit provides financial flexibility elsewhere while also creating more value at the position.

Chris Ballard said during his media availability at the NFL Combine that Colts’ capologist Mike Bluem would have his work cut out for him this offseason, and so far so true — one restructured contract and two massive, backloaded outside free agents contracts later.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...act-restructure-saves-nearly-10m-in-cap-space

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Report: Colts sign Rams free agent DT Neville Gallimore to one-year deal

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

The Colts have begun adding depth across the interior defensive line.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Indianapolis Colts have agreed to a one-year deal with Los Angeles Rams free agent defensive tackle Neville Gallimore:

Source: Free-agent DT Neville Gallimore reached agreement tonight on a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts. pic.twitter.com/QqsyVV46gU

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2025​

A former 3rd round pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the 6’2”, 315 lb Gallimore spent his rookie contract years (2020-23) with the Dallas Cowboys before spending this past season out west with the Rams.

Gallimore had an unproductive regular season this past year but kicked it into gear once the playoffs came. In fourteen games played and just four games started during the regular season, Gallimore totaled just 19 tackles and 1 QB hit to go with zero sacks or tackles for loss.

As alluded to, Gallimore showed up the most on the biggest stage during the Rams' playoff run. In just two games, Gallimore totaled the following stat line: 6 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 QB hits, 2 TFLs, and 1 safety.

After letting backup defensive tackles Taven Bryan and Raekwon Davis go this offseason, the Colts desperately needed interior depth, and this acquisition provides just that.

In particular, Gallimore’s addition shores up the nose tackle side of needs as he’ll be backing up Grover Stewart in the Raekwon Davis role. Gallimore provides more juice as a pass rusher than Davis did, but this Colts defense could benefit from a smaller and quicker 3-tech to fill the void that Bryan is leaving.

That is, of course, unless Indy views third-year DT Adetomiwa Adebawore as ready to take the next step in becoming a reliable backup. If so, Adebawore would fit rather seamlessly into that Taven Bryan role, though being slotted in isn’t enough, he has to prove himself worthy of the promotion with a strong offseason.

The Colts still need bodies on the defensive line, more specifically at defensive tackle, but this is a solid start. I would expect the Colts to continue adding across the defensive front throughout the offseason — whether that be through free agency or the NFL Draft.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...e-agent-dt-neville-gallimore-to-one-year-deal

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Daniel Jones chose to sign with Colts for best chance to win ‘open competition’ at QB

A general overall view as New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball on the NFL shield logo at midfield in the first half against the Carolina Panthers the 2024 NFL Munich Game at Allianz Arena. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“I think he’s certainly a talented young player and I think the competition aspect of it brings out the best in everybody,” Jones said. “I think we are both interested in helping this team win games and whatever we can do to help that happen.”

Once the Indianapolis Colts open training camp at Grand Park in Westfield, Ind., the race between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, both aiming to claim the vacant starting quarterback position, will unfold throughout summer headlines.

Jones signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Colts. potentially worth up to $17.7 million with incentives based on playing time. Jones had other suitors, but acknowledged he viewed Indianapolis as the best fit and chance to compete. There’s only 32 starting NFL QB jobs and the 27-year-old believes he can outperform Richardson and regain another shot to earn his living.

“It’s an opportunity to come in and compete,” Jones told reporters at his introductory press conference. “I’m looking forward to that. I think I’ve had a lot of fun, a lot of respect for Anthony (Richardson), watching him. I think he’s certainly a talented young player and I think the competition aspect of it brings out the best in everybody. I think we are both interested in helping this team win games and whatever we can do to help that happen.”

#Colts quarterback Daniel Jones on the opportunity to compete:

"I have a lot of respect for Anthony (Richardson) watching him. I think he's certainly a talented young player and I think the competition aspect of it brings out the best in everybody." pic.twitter.com/UCq4hV7aGz

— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) March 13, 2025​

Jones spent most of his first six seasons with the New York Giants, who swung for the fences on a project with the sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He’s thrown 70 career passing touchdowns and rushed for an additional 15 scores against 73 turnover. Jones holds a 24-44-1 record as a starter and was released in November by the Giants, who lost 13 of his last 16 starts. He signed with the Vikings at the end of the season and dressed as the emergency third QB for the NFC Wild Card game, but did not play in any games.

Jones had a chance to return to Minnesota, but saw a temporary fit with the Vikings opposed to the best long-term opportunity in Indianapolis. If Jones is a candidate to become Indy’s future solution, he has the experience to command an offense that disguises its playbook with play action concepts. He’s a capable runner and can thrive in Steichen’s run-pass-option scheme.

Last season, 32% of Richardson’s drop backs were in play action, which were third-most among NFL starters behind Lions Jared Goff (37%) and Chargers’ Justin Herbert (33.4%). It would be delusional to suggest Jones won’t see the field in 2025, but until Jones is sporting a red practice jersey and playing first-team reps, the stampede blue community won’t be convinced he was chosen to lead the Colts into the 2025 NFL season.

Colts GM Chris Ballard publicly stated there would be an “open competition” for starting QB inside the Indiana Convention Center at the NFL Scouting Combine. In eight seasons, Ballard has signed six different quarterbacks who started at least one game, traded for three other of Indy’s previous starters, drafted two rookie QBs, then inked Jones this free agency period. It’s safe to say he’s been no stranger to bringing in another signal caller to have a shot to claim the reigns.

Indianapolis Colts starting QBs since 2015
2015: Matt Hasselbeck
2017: Jacoby Brissett
2018: Andrew Luck
2020: Phillip Rivers
2021: Carson Wentz
2022: Matt Ryan
2023: Anthony Richardson, Gardner Minshew
2024: Anthony Richardson, Joe Flacco
2025: Anthony Richardson OR Daniel Jones

— ️TBG (@TBGofficial_) March 18, 2025​

Richardson can view this declaration as the window closing on his tenure with the franchise that took a chance on him or a revelation to make clear whose franchise it is. It will begin as more of a challenge than a competition for Indianapolis’ fourth overall pick from the 2023 NFL Draft. The result of this battle may reveal if the Colts feel some buyer’s remorse with selecting Richardson to become the next franchise QB at 21-years-old.

Across his first two seasons, Richardson has thrown eight touchdowns and rushed for 10 additional scores against 17 turnovers in 17 games. The biggest concern is inaccuracy and durability as Richardson posted the worst completion percentage (47.7%) and the worst passer rating (61.6) among all qualified NFL QBs last season. The 22-year-old has missed 17 of a possible 34 games while recovering from injuries.

Will Jones become the ninth different Week 1 starter for the Colts since 2015? Perhaps the one-year deal is insurance, but once Jones steps inside the building, he plans to showcase how he can help the Colts end a four-year playoff drought in 2025.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...colts-for-best-chance-to-win-open-competition

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

This might be the year the Colts trade up in the first round of the draft

Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images

We could see something unusual this year.

Chris Ballard has a style, and he doesn’t deviate from it very often. Let me rephrase that; Chis Ballard used to have a style. That seems to have changed completely in 2025 considering how he has approached the offseason so far and his free agent acquisitions. He and the Indianapolis Colts went from sideline watchers to first day grabbers signing upgrades for the defensive backfield. That type of swift action caught many off guard as Ballard has promised change before but has gone back on those promises almost as immediately as they are made. Free agency was different this year. Could the draft see more of the same?

Ballard has made trades in the draft. In fact he loves to make them. Normally, he is stockpiling fifth round picks, but he is known to occasionally trade up to go and get a player he really likes such as Jonathan Taylor. One thing he has never done, however, is trade up in the first round. He has traded back, but never up. Could this be the year he finally makes that move?

There were rumors the Colts were trying to do that very thing last year for Brock Bowers. What someone like Bowers could have done for this team has to make fans daydream. He alone out produced the entire tight end unit essentially at a rate of 4:1. That is sad for the Colts tight ends in 2024, but it also says a lot about the quality of player Bowers is. Could someone like Tyler Warren be that player in 2025? The man out of Penn State is slated to go in the top ten in several mock drafts. That is high for a tight end, but if they are a playmaker that can change your team, does it matter how high you draft someone? The Colts should be interested in his services. The question is, if they can find a trade partner, what would it take?

CBS Sports actually has Warren falling to 14th and the Colts scooping him up. That is obviously the ideal situation. Others have him going as early as eighth to the Panthers. To move up six or seven spots to jump the Panthers would come at a price, but once again, if Warren changes this offense and gives Anthony Richardson a high level producer, will we care what Ballard sacrificed five years down the line? No player is guaranteed to work out, but after making moves in free agency, tight end becomes the most glaring hole on the roster. Someone like Warren could instantly fix that.

Yes, it takes two to tango. Ballard has to find a willing trade partner who will make a reasonable deal. If he can, I could actually see him pulling the trigger this year. Everything is on the line, and he knows it. That doesn’t mean he will be needlessly reckless but a heightened sense of urgency could produce an aggressive move. Fortune favors the bold. Maybe this year, it will favor the Colts.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...olts-trade-up-in-the-first-round-of-the-draft

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Mel Kiper Jr. projects Colts to select another top tight end in latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images

The Colts land one of the 2025 NFL Draft’s best tight ends in this year’s class during this latest mock from a longtime draft guru.

According to longtime ESPN NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr., the Indianapolis Colts will select a top Big Ten tight end in this year’s NFL Draft with the 14th overall pick—only it’ll be Michigan’s Colston Loveland instead:

14. Indianapolis Colts

Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

I liked the Colts’ signings of Charvarius Ward and Camryn Bynum, so I’m less worried about the secondary than I was a few weeks ago. But I’m still very concerned about Indy’s pass-catching options. This is a make-or-break season for quarterback Anthony Richardson — especially now that Daniel Jones is in the fold as competition — and the wide receiver and tight end rooms are light.

The Colts could take a wideout such as Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka or Texas’ Matthew Golden. But Loveland is ranked higher on my board than all three and could immediately become Indy’s No. 1 tight end. I see him hauling in some Richardson deep balls down the seam.

The Colts select Loveland as the draft’s second top tight end off the board, as the New York Jets poach Penn State’s Tyler Warren within the top 10 picks at the 7th overall selection.

Regarding Loveland:

“The listed 6’5,” 245 pound junior tight end for the Wolverines caught 56 receptions for 582 total receiving yards and 5 touchdown receptions during 10 starts this past season—earning 2nd-Team All-American and All-Big Ten honors (behind Penn State’s Tyler Warren) respectively.

He was a CFP National Champion and First-Team All-Big Ten for the Wolverines back in 2023.”

Snagging Loveland near midway through the first round is a solid consolation prize for the still very tight end needy Colts. While he’s not the same asset as a blocker as Warren, he offers more receiving versatility and is built more in the prototypical ‘move’ tight end role.

He would be a nice chess piece for Colts head coach Shane Steichen to scheme offensively, posing mismatches all over the field in a wide array of unique looks.

He’d also provide projected third-year starter Anthony Richardson a sure-handed receiving target who can separate across the middle of the field and down the seam for big plays.

Having shored up the defensive secondary already with some key free agent signings, Loveland’s big addition to the Colts offense would fill a major need going forward.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...r-top-tight-end-in-latest-2025-nfl-mock-draft

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

ESPN lists Colts as ‘ideal landing spot’ for unsigned Cardinals free agent LB Kyzir White

Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images

Could the Colts make another defensive free agency splash to add another starter—only this time, at the 2nd level?

According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell (subscription), the Indianapolis Colts are among the ‘ideal landing spots’ for still unsigned Arizona Cardinals free agent linebacker Kyzir White:

Kyzir White, LB

2024 team: Cardinals

Why he’s still a free agent: Once a safety, White can be a tweener in some NFL defenses, which might see him as more of a weakside linebacker than the middle linebacker role he played in Arizona over the past two seasons. Teams prioritized paying three-down linebackers Nick Bolton and Robert Spillane early in free agency, but even while White has been an every-down linebacker, he might not have a ton of teams seeing him as that sort of player in their own defenses.

Why teams should be interested: He’s fun! White makes a ton of tackles; his 11.9% tackle share last season ranked 16th in the league, an impressive figure given that Budda Baker ranked third by the same metric. White’s missed tackle rate was reasonable (5.5%), and he had 2.5 sacks and eight knockdowns as a blitzer.

White has been a favorite of coach Jonathan Gannon, as he followed the former Eagles defensive coordinator to Arizona in 2023. A reunion with the Cardinals would probably make the most sense for all parties involved, especially given that his market hasn’t really developed to the point where he would be out of the mix for Arizona. The Cardinals brought in Akeem Davis-Gaither from the Bengals on a two-year, $10 million deal, but that shouldn’t necessarily close the door on White in Arizona. If it does, a team with a creative defensive coordinator should find a useful role for him.

Ideal landing spots: Cowboys, Colts, Texans

Originally a 2018 4th round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers (whose Bolts’ tenure coincided with then Chargers offensive coordinator [now Colts head coach] Shane Steichen), the 6’4,” 205 pound linebacker had later pro stops with the Philadelphia Eagles (2022—once again reuniting with Steichen as the former Philly OC), before playing for the Cardinals the past two seasons.

He’s coming off of a 2024 season for head coach Jonathan Gannon’s defense, a former Colts defensive backs coach (2018-20), in which he recorded 137 tackles (60 solo), an interception, 3 passes defensed, 2.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery during all 17 starts.

Per PFF, White received just a +48.8 overall grade last season, which was ranked 156th among 189 total qualifying linebackers.

To Barnwell’s point, the Colts have a starting linebacker opening next to reigning NFL 2nd-Team All-Pro Zaire Franklin—as fellow starter E.J. Speed is also a free agent. The Colts could turn to 2nd-year pro Jaylon Carlies as a potential option, who played well as a sub-package linebacker in coverage when called upon during his rookie debut (10 games, 6 starts).

The Colts could also turn to the early NFL Draft to fill the linebacker hole with a cheaper and more cost controllable option than White, or even Speed for that matter.

White is an interesting thought for some of the standout stats Barnwell cited, but the PFF overall grade paints a more negative picture—and the Colts may be better off pursuing younger and more cost efficient alternatives when it’s all said and done.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...-unsigned-cardinals-free-agent-lb-kyzir-white

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Early thoughts on Colts’ first wave of free-agency

Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Finally some activity on this front, levels of activity the Colts had not seen since the Grigson days, for better or worse.

More than a week removed from the start of the new league year, the famous “first wave” of the free-agency period is now in the books. The Colts, for the first time in a while, have been among the most active teams thus far, leaving us with a decent amount of moves to digest before we enter the second wave of free-agency and start preparing for the NFL Draft.

Signings​

Colts’ free-agent signings, via spotrac.com

The Colts entered this off-season with some very glaring needs, and the question was whether general manager Chris Ballard would change his approach regarding team-building after missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. Well those questions were answered quickly, with the team shoring up the backfield, signing cornerback Charvarius Ward, who is expected to shadow opposing teams’ #1 receiver, something the team was lacking ever since the late Vontae Davis left the team, along with former Vikings’ safety Cam Bynum, who will probably start right away. Those were the two biggest signings made by the team, and I really like both of them. Cornerback was an underrated need, as even with the emergence of former 7th round pick Jaylon Jones as a viable option at the position, there was still a need for a true shutdown corner. Cam Bynum not only gives the Colts a nice player to pair with Nick Cross in the backfield, but also a great locker room guy with playoff experience.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Colts signed former Giants’ quarterback (and Vikings’ safety) Daniel Jones. I am a bit divided on this move, as the one-year deal worth 14 million is a bit complicated for me to understand. Is this move made to provide true competition for Anthony Richardson? That is a lot of money for a backup, and given the fact that if AR fails then Ballard and Steichen are probably gone anyways, I don’t really understand why they would spend some much needed cap space on a guy that will only play if the most important player for this franchise fails.

Khalil Herbert, Neville Gallimore, and Corey Ballantine are depth signings and I would not expect them to see much playing time at all next year. The only intriguing option right there is Herbert, as the Colts’ running back room is desperately thin after Jonathan Taylor, but I expect the Colts to make some more moves at the running back position.

Relinquished​

Colts’ free-agents relinquished, via spotrac.con

Some former Colts’ players got big paydays elsewhere, with the first one being right guard Will Fries. I loved Fries’ emergence this past season and a half, and was heartbroken when he broke his leg. Before that he had played the entirety of the 2023 season, locking up his starting spot, and looked much better on the early part of last year. I wanted the Colts to keep him around, but being completely honest that price tag seems like a ton for a player with just 800ish snaps of solid, yet unspectacular, play, and coming off a serious injury.

Edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo was signed by the Chicago Bears, given a hefty 16M a year contract for three seasons. Hurricane Dayo was a nice player to have, and he was finally finding some consistency to his game. His versatility was also a nice factor being able to play both inside or on the edge. Still, he is not a player that the Colts’ defense will find hard to replace, and while he improved he still disappeared for an alarming stretch of games before exploding with a dominant game here and there. If he manages to turn up those big appearances then the Colts will look like fools for letting him go, but at more than 15M a year it was too expensive of a gamble to take.

Longtime Colts’ center Ryan Kelly also left the team, signing with the Vikings. Kelly was struggling to remain on the field, and the Colts seemed to have found the long term answer at the position in Tanor Bartolini, so it made no sense to keep him around. He was an amazing player and locker room presence, and I wish him all the best in the future.

Stuard and Granson were depth pieces last year, and should not be hard to replace either in the draft or in the second wave of free-agency. Raekwon Davis, Julian Blackmon, E.J. Speed, Mark Glowinski, Sam Ehlinger, and Mo Alie-Cox are among the notable players that are still unsigned.

---

Overall the team is in a better position than it was before, and it seems to have solved two important positions of need without having to sacrifice much long term flexibility. Ballard is really good at finding players that have slipped through the cracks, and there are evident holes at the tight end, defensive end, and linebacker position, so expect some movement there prior to the draft..

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3/20/24389582/early-thoughts-on-colts-first-wave-of-free-agency

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts still end up with coveted TE Tyler Warren in Daniel Jeremiah’s Mock Draft 3.0

Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images

D.J., play that song! Colts come away with a slam dunk selection in this latest mainstream 2025 NFL Mock Draft.

According to NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, the Indianapolis Colts come away happy with the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting prized Penn State tight end Tyler Warren in his latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft 3.0:

14. Indianapolis Colts

Tyler Warren

Penn State · TE · Senior

Whether it’s Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones starting for the Colts next season, the team needs to help its quarterback with some easy completions. Warren can provide them, and he’ll also be an asset in the run game for Jonathan Taylor.

While I have some doubts that Warren actually slides near midway through the first round to the Colts at #14, similar to the consensus top tight end Brock Bowers last year—who went #13th overall (and became an NFL First-Team All-Pro as a rookie), this would be a slam dunk.

There’s likely some ‘draft fatigue’ with Warren given how long he’s been projected as a possibility for Indianapolis at #14 overall, but let’s not overthink this one—as especially with the Colts already making key free agent upgrades to the secondary, a plus receiving tight end remains one of the team’s biggest remaining roster needs.

Warren can block at a high-level.

Warren can catch at a high-level.

He’s one of the most complete tight end prospects to come out in recent memory.

Regarding Warren:

“During a monstrous senior season for the Nittany Lions, the listed 6’6,” 261 pound tight end recorded 104 receptions for 1,233 receiving yards (11.9 ypr. avg.) and 8 touchdown receptions in 16 starts—earning the John Mackey Award, as well as First-Team All-American, Big Ten Tight of the Year, and First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2024 respectively.”

The Colts got ‘next to nothing’ from a receiving standpoint from their tight end room last season collectively. Starter Kylen Granson recently signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, while veteran free agent Mo Alie-Cox may soon depart elsewhere as well.

So why not add a dynamic playmaker over the middle of the field that’s been long overdue (and if you squint hard enough, resembles another famous Colts’ tight end #44 from the Big Ten) ahead of a critical year for projected third-year starter Anthony Richardson:

#Colts GM Chris Ballard on the TE position:

“We didn’t get enough production from them… I’ve got to be able to give Shane [Steichen] and them a guy that can really control the middle of the field, that teams have to account for and defend.” pic.twitter.com/HljUDAgxMD

— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) January 10, 2025​

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...ler-warren-in-daniel-jeremiahs-mock-draft-3-0

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Any chance for the Colts to obtain Hendrickson from the Bengals appears over

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

The Bengals are playing hardball, and no one is biting.

Trey Hendrickson in an Indianapolis Colts uniform would be the cherry on top of an already productive offseason for Chris Ballard and his team. Hendrickson is coming off a career year and would be an incredibly impressive bookend on that defensive front. With DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart still clogging up the middle, teams would have less time than ever before to get the ball out against them. Anytime a team has a chance to add a 17.5 sack player who was an All-Pro and second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting, it is going to immediately elevate the talent on that side of the ball. The question was never whether the Colts wanted him. The question was always at what price, and the Bengals are making matters difficult to impossible.

Hendrickson requested a trade, but that doesn’t mean the Bengals have to comply. They haven’t been unwillingly to see what they could get, but the Bengals want to keep him and are trying to compete in 2025. They have big contracts in place for their core of Burrow, Chase, and Higgins. It is a large portion of cap space to dedicate to three players, but is shows they are still intent on winning. Hendrickson can go a long way to helping on that front.

Starting the bidding at a first round pick is where most talks probably died for the Colts. Hendrickson is already 30 meaning he is turning the corner. While he still has good years left, this may be the peak before the downward turn. Additionally, he is going to want to be paid, as he should be for his talents. Danielle Hunter of the Texans just cashed in on a one-year $35.6 million extension. That is going to play a role into what Hendrickson will want. A first round pick (and maybe more), a 30-year-old player, and a massive contract. Those are things most GMs in the league would be wary of but especially someone like Ballard. At those rates, this thing is as dead as a doornail.

As much as fans would love to get Trey Hendrickson to move down the road to Indianapolis, there are plenty of reasons why he won’t be. If the Bengals hold to that high asking price, Chris Ballard won’t revisit the matter for a second. If he was the missing piece to a championship roster, the urgency might be higher. Considering where this team is, bringing him over now would be risky to moot. He would certainly make a difference, but what that difference is wouldn’t be enough. What that difference is, we will never see unless something drastically changes.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...ain-hendrickson-from-the-bengals-appears-over

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts DC Lou Anarumo breaks down CB Charvarius Ward’s film

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“He’s a great component,” Anarumo said about Ward. When it comes down to it in this league, guys are gonna have to cover elite receivers, and we’ve got an elite corner to do that.”

The Indianapolis Colts YouTube channel gave fans an inside look at how defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will use Charvarius Ward for 2025 and beyond. In a brief yet jam-packed film breakdown, Anarumo walked through three clips of Ward’s tape and gave not only his analysis of the player but also explained his vision of utilizing the talented cornerback.

Not only that, but Anarumo dropped some nuggets throughout this film breakdown of how his defensive coverage philosophy will be employed for the upcoming season, one that is nearly the polar opposite of what the Gus Bradley years consisted of.

#Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo with a film breakdown of CB Charvarius Ward’s game. Really cool stuff from @JJStankevitz & company.

“He’s a great component. Guys are gonna have to cover elite receivers and we’ve got an elite corner to do that.”

: Colts YT pic.twitter.com/cHYHMHLTOu

— Noah Compton (@nerlens_) March 20, 2025​

Lou Anarumo begins his mini-film breakdown of sorts with a brief synopsis of what makes Charvarius Ward such a great cornerback. From his length and speed as an athlete to his instincts and ball skills as a football player, Anarumo makes it known that Ward is not only a balanced cornerback by design but an elite one.

As alluded to, Anarumo’s defensive philosophy in coverage will require its defensive backs to play more aggressively than returning Colts from a now-bygone era are used to, some of which only playing under Gus Bradley in their short careers thus far (Nick Cross, Jaylon Jones, JuJu Brents).

“We want to be tight in coverage when we defend people this year,” Anarumo said when propping up Ward’s game. This is pretty typical stuff for most NFL defenses, but the aforementioned Bradley era traditionally consisted of playing off-man or at the sticks on 3rd downs and, in particular, on 3rd and longs.

This was a massive issue during those three seasons due to the fact Bradley’s Colts defenses were among the worst tackling units in the entire league. When one’s defensive philosophy in coverage is to play off so that players can ‘keep everything beneath them,’ execution inevitably lacks and the philosophy in question falls flat.

Perhaps Gus Bradley was restricted in how effective his defense could be due to a lack of resources afforded to him by the Colts front office, regardless, that’s now water under the bridge as Lou Anarumo looks to right the ship that was sunk while Bradley was in town.

Lou Anarumo capped off the film breakdown of his newest CB1 in Charavarius Ward with a few words about why exactly he is excited for the former All-Pro to join him in Indianapolis: “He’s a great component. When it comes down to it in this league, guys are gonna have to cover elite receivers and we’ve got an elite corner to do that — who will not only cover but can also take the ball away and also be a great tackler as well. We got better as a defense [with his addition].”

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...-anarumo-breaks-down-cb-charvarius-wards-film

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

PFF lists Colts’ WR Alec Pierce as team’s ‘best trade asset’ ahead of 2025 NFL Draft

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Following a breakout 2024 campaign, Colts’ WR Alec Pierce would be an interesting trade chip, but this one appears to be more about speculation than any actual merit.

According to PFF, the Indianapolis Colts ‘best trade asset’ is soon-to-be 4th-year wideout Alec Pierce—who as a former 2022 second round pick, is entering a contract season:

Indianapolis Colts: WR Alec Pierce

Ordinarily, this could figure to be Anthony Richardson, who has underwhelmed and hardly played during his two pro seasons. But with the Colts publicly committing to a quarterback battle through at least July, Richardson probably won’t be traded yet. Instead, one of the team’s receivers could go.

The Colts have four legitimately viable wideouts in Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Pierce and A.D. Mitchell. Pierce is also the only one in a contract year, and his dynamic deep receiving skill (99.1 PFF receiving grade) would resonate with most teams. Indianapolis might keep all four in a pivotal year for its quarterback room, but Pierce would be the best bet to be traded.

Despite the Colts struggles at starting quarterback, Pierce had a breakout 2024 season, leading Indy’s receivers with 824 receiving yards and 7 touchdown receptions to go along with 37 receptions during 16 games (13 starts). His 22.3 yards per reception average led all league receivers last season, showcasing his explosive play ability downfield.

Honestly, when first reading this article, I was expecting to see Colts’ perennial NFL All-Pro Quenton Nelson, who presumably still holds a lot of value league-wide right now.

Pierce’s name being mentioned is interesting—and although not untouchable, I would be very surprised if the Colts have any true intentions to move him right now—as for one, he pairs very well with incumbent starter Anthony Richardson’s big arm, exceptional downfield passing touch, and their budding deep passing game connection.

While not a complete wide receiver by any means in his route-running, Pierce has one special skill-set right now—with his ability to separate vertically, and does it very well.

Two, until 2nd-year wideout AD Mitchell takes a step forward and pushes Pierce out as the starting WR2, the Colts don’t really have the luxury of moving on from Pierce right now. Even though Mitchell is no doubt talented, he struggled linking up with Richardson last year and needs to mature a bit—showing improved focus and consistency all together.

Pierce is an interesting name, but it’s more likely to me that someone like former Colts’ 2022 third round pick Jelani Woods at tight end would be moved in a trade than him ahead of the NFL Draft—or perhaps even one of Indy’s defensive ends like Kwity Paye or Samson Ebukam, both of whom are also entering contract years for Indianapolis.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...eams-best-trade-asset-ahead-of-2025-nfl-draft

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Place your bets: Who will be the starting Colts quarterback in 2025?

Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Ballard has created competition. Will it create controversy as well?

Anthony Richardson has had a rough start to his NFL career. After missing almost his entire rookie campaign, he followed that up with an incredibly up and down second season. He continued to miss plenty of starts due to injuries and when he was on the field, he flashed some impressive traits while also struggling to move the ball consistently. That is precisely why Chris Ballrd sought to increase the competition level at quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts and brought in Daniel Jones as that challenger. The competition should definitely rise, but it might also create controversy amongst players and fans if Jones proves to be formidable. Is there a chance we could see Jones as the starting quarterback in week one?

When selecting an image for this article, the first images, arranged by date, of Richardson were all out of uniform. That says a lot. He has spent way too much time watching from the sidelines and not enough time running the offense. That has stunted his growth immensely, and we saw how much last year when his completion percentage lingered in the cellar all year. The best ability is availability and that could be a major factor in whether Richardson can hold down the starting spot. Any bumps, bruises, or time away during training camp could be just enough for Jones to get his foot in the door and never relinquish the role. If he starts to impress in camp, expect the chatter to increase regarding who should be the starter.

I believe most people prefer Richardson to win out in the end, but if he isn’t the better player, that loyalty will quickly fade. He hasn’t been around long enough to warrant intense loyalty and fans around here are used to a new quarterback year after year. Jones didn’t shine in New York, but it doesn’t mean he can’t shine here. He has the ability and experience and can put that to good use during his second shot. We have seen plenty of quarterbacks fail in one location, usually with their first team, and rise from the ashes and claim success with another. That is no guarantee for Jones in Indianapolis but expect him to truly push Richardson for the starting role. Jones didn’t come here to be a backup. He came because he saw this as his best opportunity to play. After watching Minshew and Flacco get meaningful snaps, he isn’t far off on that thought.

The question of who will win the quarterback duel is still to be written. It is Anthony Richardson’s to lose as he appears to have the inside track, but his advantage is extremely minimal. Daniel Jones is going to come in hungry. If Richardson can’t match that hunger, it would not be out of the realm of possibility to see him riding the bench this year. That might make a lot of fans upset, but that was always the chance you take when you draft someone like Richardson. Swinging for the fence means sometimes you might strike out. Then again, Richardson could rise to the challenge and take his game to another level. Time will tell, but we could be in for a bumpy ride.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...ill-be-the-starting-colts-quarterback-in-2025

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

CBS Sports labels new Colts QB Daniel Jones as among ‘winners’ of NFL’s 2025 free agency

Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

The Colts are betting on former New York Giants castoff Daniel Jones creating a legitimate quarterback competition, but will this be a case of buyer’s remorse?

According to CBS Sports Garrett Podell, newly signed Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is among the ‘winners’ of the NFL’s 2025 free agency and early offseason:

Winner: New Indianapolis Colts QB Daniel Jones

Daniel Jones has been riding the struggle bus on the football field and popping bottles of champagne off of it lately. The 2024 season marked the fourth time in the last five seasons he has started each of his team’s first 10 games and had fewer than 10 touchdown passes. That’s something all other NFL quarterbacks have done four times total in the last five years, per CBS Sports Research. Jones has also gone 58 consecutive starts without throwing three or more touchdowns in a game, which is the longest streak in the last 30 seasons, per CBS Sports Research.

Despite the on-field issues and the New York Giants eating a $22 million dead cap hit in 2025 for releasing him midseason in 2024, Jones still landed a one-year, $14 million contract with $13.15 million fully guaranteed from the Indianapolis Colts to compete with Anthony Richardson. Nothing Jones has done on the field is worth over $13 million guaranteed, but he and his agent stay winning.

Regarding Jones:

“Originally the 6th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, the 27-year-old Jones completed 216 of 341 pass attempts (63.3%) for 2,070 passing yards, 8 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions during 10 starts for the New York Giants (the team that selected him) in 2024 before being benched, declared a healthy inactive, waived, and then signed by the Vikings as a backup.

He also has 2,179 total rushing yards and 15 rush touchdowns during his 6-year pro career.”

Once a former franchise quarterback hopeful for the New York Giants with a 4-year, $160 million contract extension, Jones has struggled with many of the things that Colts incumbent starting quarterback Anthony Richardson has in his early pro career: consistency, injuries, and turnovers. However, he does offer a similar skill-set with dual-threat mobility and has an abundance of NFL experience with 69 career starts.

The Colts did need to add some viable starting competition to push Richardson in training camp, and also to serve as veteran insurance for the so far, injury prone young quarterback.

However, it’s a fair argument of whether a veteran such as freshly signed New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston, who just inked a 2-year, $8 million free agency deal, would’ve been a lot more cost-efficient to address the Colts’ roster needs elsewhere.

Jones is shaping up to join quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and the retired Sam Bradford in the ‘Business of Football Hall of Fame’—and should really be thanking his agent right now. `

The Colts signed him for significant money, yet the Horseshoe Faithful hope that he never actually sees the field (except in a lot of blowout wins), and if he starts for an extended period of time next year, it presumably signals that Indy’s 2025 playoff hopes are likely tanking.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/3...nes-as-among-winners-of-nfls-2025-free-agency