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[Indianapolis Colts]

Analyzing the Colts’ Depth Chart - Offense

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Post-Draft analysis of the Colts’ depth chart, keeping in mind that there are changes coming to it

Quarterbacks​

Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard, Jason Bean​

Even though veteran Daniel Jones was signed in free-agency, this is still Anthony Richardson’s job to lose. Now entering his third season as a pro, it is basically do or die for him as the potential Colts’ franchise quarterback. He has to step up both on the playing field and off of it too, making sure his work ethic and leadership leave nothing to be questioned. He also faces the tall task of not missing any games due to injury. If Anthony Richardson manages to become a consistent starter, then the Colts’ offense will be near unstoppable, but it is somewhat confusing because Richardson’s skillset is much better suited for a gunslinger approach, while this offense seems made for a “game-manager” type of quarterback, but that is an issue for another article. Backup Daniel Jones is really hard to judge, a former 1st round pick that never really developed into a serviceable NFL quarterback, over his past 16 starts Jones has thrown for 2979 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He was released after ten starts last season, before spending some time in the Vikings’ practice squad.

Riley Leonard was drafted to replace Sam Ehlinger as the young third option. It will be very interesting watching Leonard play in preseason, because while he is technically the third quarterback on the depth chart, the guys above him have plenty of history either with injuries or being benched/demoted to scout team’s safety. However, that might not be for the best as Leonard could really use one or two seasons to continue his development.

Running backs​

Jonathan Taylor, Khalil Herbert, DJ Giddens, Tyler Goodson​

Comeback season for Jonathan Taylor, who had an amazing second half last year, save for that dropped touchdown against the Broncos that one could argue was perhaps the worst play in recent Colts’ history given the context of the game. Leaving that out, JT hit his stride the final three games of the year, with a combined 520 yards and 6 touchdowns. With him the Colts have their workhorse back and undisputed starter.

Herbert and Giddens are both an improvement over last season’s backup Trey “Yard-per-carry” Sermon, with Goodson serving as the pass-catching specialist (which is ironic because he dropped the ball on the second worst play in Colts’ recent history against the Texans on fourth down). Herbert was a very productive back his first three seasons in the NFL, and if JT misses a game it will be interesting watching Giddens step up. I would have liked another veteran at the position, as once again the Colts will be relying mostly on JT staying healthy.

Tight ends​

Tyler Warren, Jelani Woods, Mo Alie-Cox, Andrew Ogletree, Will Mallory​

Warren somehow fell all the way to the Colts at #14, as Ballard managed to not only fill the biggest hole on the offense, but also get one of the best overall players on the draft class. He should step right into the starting job at the tight end position, and hog most of the snaps and targets, where last year it was more of a “tight end by committee approach”. He is everything the Colts want from a tight end, and while 1st round picks at this position have been inconsistent the past decade, I believe Warren is right behind Bowers on the most pro-ready prospects.

Jelani Woods is a mistery at this point, as he showed flashes his rookie season, before a season ending injury on 2023, and then harmstring issues preventing him from seeing the field at all last year. If healthy, Woods gives the Colts a massive red-zone weapon and a capable blocker, but he has not shown that ability to be on the field yet. Ogletree and Mallory are depth options, and with Warren now on the team they will most likely not get more than the occasional target here and there next season. Ogletree will probably see the field more because of his blocking ability.

Wide receivers​

Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, AD Mitchell, Ashton Dulin, Anthony Gould​

MPJ will be the #1 receiver once again, coming off his worst year since his rookie season numbers wise, recording just 69 catches for 808 yards and three touchdowns. There are several reasons for such a marked dip in production, a back injury that nearly landed him on IR, poor quarterback play, and less targets going his way.

While Pittman struggled, Downs and Pierce had really productive seasons. Taking over the #2 spot facing competition from rookie AD Mitchell, Pierce established himself as the NFL’s best deep threat, catching 37 passes for 824 yards and seven touchdowns. His 22.3 yards per reception led the league by a massive margin. Downs caught 72 passes for 803 yards and five touchdowns, even though he played just 602 snaps compared to MPJ’s 904 and Pierce’s 817.

As for the depth at the position, Adonai Mitchell had a disappointing rookie year, as even though he got open a lot, he either dropped the ball, shied away from contact, or AR just did not see him or flat out missed him. With Pierce’s emergence, Mitchell will need to step up his game and show why the Colts drafted him in the 2nd round. Ashton Dulin and Anthony Gould will probably not see the field much saved for injuries at the position. Gould needs to show a lot more explosiveness returning kickoffs and punts, as last year he lost that job to Josh Downs.

Offensive line​

Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Braden Smith, Blake Freeland, Jalen Travis, Dalton Tucker, Danny Pinter, Wesley French, Josh Sills, Atonio Mafi​

The group with the most turnover, the offensive line will have two new starters, and enjoy the return of right tackle Braden Smith after having some time off to deal with personal issues. The left side is locked up with emerging elite tackle Bernhard Raimann, and All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson. After Ryan Kelly’s departure, second year Tanor Bortolini is expected to take over full time at the position after impressive play his rookie season when Kelly was out with injury. Matt Goncalves is currently projected as the new starter at right guard, after playing well as the backup swing tackle last year, Goncalves slides inside, where it was projected he would end up playing after being drafted, next to the aforementioned Braden Smith. That is a really solid line on paper, and with everyone healhty among the top 8-12 lines in the NFL.

As for the depth of this line, it gets a bit tricky. Blake Freeland is expected to compete with 4th round pick Jalen Travis for the backup swing tackle position, so we will have to wait at least until training camp to get some clarity there. Freeland was bad when playing his rookie year, but he did have to go up against some tough pass-rushers so he gets a pass for now. Even if Travis loses the battle, he could still become a depth option on the inside, where the Colts are realy thin. Dalton Tucker was so bad last season at right guard that the Colts ended up picking veteran Mark Glowinski off the street and playing him. Danny Pinter is a somewhat serviceable backup at center, just don’t ask him to play right guard, which leaves him to battle it out with Wesley French for that center backup spot. Josh Sills has almost no playing experience, and Atonio Mafi last played in 2023, being amost the worst guards in the NFL according to PFF.com.

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Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5/13/24424340/analyzing-the-colts-depth-chart-offense

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

The Colts should utilize Richardson more as a runner in 2025

Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Embrace the strength.

The Indianapolis Colts knew what they were getting when they drafted Anthony Richardson; a dynamic, highly athletic player who needed some polish. Although we haven’t seen nearly the same level of play, mainly due to injuries, Richardson brings shades of Michael Vick. He is a quarterback first, but he is never going to wow you with his passing ability from the pocket. Just because Vick wasn’t a pure passer, it doesn’t mean he didn’t have what it took to be successful. The Colts are at a crossroads with Richardson: do they focus efforts into him being the best passer he can be, or do they pivot and lean into his ability to run wild on a defense?

Look, Richardson has to be able to throw the ball. That is understood. His completion percentage of 47.7% isn’t going to cut it. He has to improve that for sure, but by how much? If he can raise that bar to 53% and change other aspects of his of game to produce winning results, will that be enough? If so, how much focus should the coaching staff for the Colts put on raising it? Shane Steichen wasn’t all in on making Richardson a running quarterback. We saw more of that last year at times, but it wasn’t always the focus. Injuries have been a concern for the young man, so limiting his exposure to hits makes sense. On the other hand, he was drafted because he is a freak athlete, not because he throws lasers from the pocket. Failing to utilize his big frame and powerful legs is a disservice to Richardson and the organization. If you have the horse, you have to let it run.

Because of that, it seems to make the most sense to maximize Richardson’s running ability. Design plays for him to take off. It will keep defenses off balance by not knowing who to honor in the running game between Jonathan Taylor and Richardson while also allowing the duel threat of passing or running at any moment. His skills are athleticism, speed, and escapability, not dropping dimes and fitting precision passes into tight windows. Teach Richardson to be smart. Get out of bounds, slide, avoid the big hit, don’t lead with your shoulder and head, don’t seek out the contact, live to play another down, etc. Those are all things the coaching staff can instill to make him the best runner he can be. Maximize the God given talent. Don’t try to fit a square peg into a round hole.

At the end of the day, Anthony Richardson must improve as a passing quarterback. Those numbers have to be better, or he will never make it in this league. That is the challenge, but the silver lining is that those numbers don’t have to improve dramatically. Raise the completion percentage some, and then focus on what he does best. Get him in space with the ball. Create mismatches and confusion by making him a threat to do anything at any time with the ball. The man can burn a defense. Look at what he did his rookie year against the Texans. That type of play, with a slight bump in accuracy, will go a long way. The Colts just have to find a way to harness it.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...d-utilize-richardson-more-as-a-runner-in-2025

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

NFL Network Analytics projects Colts to fall ‘short of sticks’ for potential 2025 playoff bid

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The pressure is on for this Colts regime to deliver meaningful results in both the division and playoffs.

According to NFL Network Analytics Cynthia Frelund, the Indianapolis Colts are projected to realistically fall short in their quest for a playoff win in 2025, finishing with a rounded up 8 total wins (we’re all glass half full here!):

Wins

7.6

Indianapolis Colts

Win Total: over 7.5 (-110)

Make Playoffs: +160

Win Division: +310

Win Conference: +5500

Win Super Bowl: +10000

Colts’ complete 2025 NFL schedule

Given the questions the Colts are facing at quarterback, where veteran addition Daniel Jones will be vying to unseat former first-round pick Anthony Richardson, they could be in for a rocky start, having to host the Broncos’ defense in Week 2, then traveling to face the Rams’ defense in Week 4. Indianapolis’ hardest back-to-backs come later in the year: Weeks 12 (at Kansas City) and 13 (vs. Houston), then Weeks 15 (at Seattle) and 16 (vs. San Francisco on Monday Night Football).

It seems like the Colts would be very hard-pressed to make the AFC playoffs with a losing record, if best case scenario is 8-9—falling short of their potential bid for a wild card spot.

It’s worth reminding everyone that the Colts haven’t made the playoffs since 2020, let alone won the AFC South, which the franchise hasn’t accomplished since way back in 2014.

Glory Days, anyone?

With the additions of defensive backs Camryn Bynum and Charvarius Ward, the Colts revamped secondary should be much improved under new veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who can hopefully get away from some of the soft, vanilla zone defense that we’ve seen too much of as of late.

Likewise, selecting Penn State prized tight end Tyler Warren with the 14th overall pick was a godsend for the Colts offense, no matter who’s playing at starting quarterback. He should provide a receiving tight end playmaker that the offense has simply lacked recently.

However, Frelund is right though that whether this is a middle-of-the-pack team, or a playoff squad, rests with what they consistently get from the starting QB position—whether that ultimately ends up being 3rd-year pro Anthony Richardson or veteran Daniel Jones.

The late great John Madden once said, “If you’ve got two starting quarterbacks, you’ve got none,” so here’s hoping that one of these two challengers wins the offseason QB competition convincingly—and is poised for a breakout season in Indy, coupled with a playoff berth.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...hort-of-sticks-for-potential-2025-playoff-bid

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Can the Colts afford to trade for Trey Hendrickson?

Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Trey Hendrickson is on the trade market; should the Colts take a swing at him?

Trey Hendrickson, star pass rusher of the Cincinnati Bengals, is publicly unhappy with his team and has asked for a new contract, otherwise he will not play for them in 2025. This has opened up many possibilities, most notably a trade that could involve the Indianapolis Colts. The question is: Can the Colts afford to trade for him and offer him a new contract?

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Trade Price​

Hendrickson’s trade price is tough to judge. He’s 30 years old and will be 31 in December. He is right in the middle of his prime with maybe only 2-3 above average or elite seasons left in him. Players like Khalil Mack, Kyle Van Noy, Za’Darius Smith, and even Julius Peppers back in the day have proven that you can produce at a very high level after the age of 30 and that good play can be found until around 33-34 before everyone experiences a big drop off. If that’s the case, then the Colts or team trading for Hendrickson could be getting 3-4 years of solid play from him. While that’s not worth a 1st round pick, that’s definitely worth a 2nd round pick and I believe that’s the price on him.

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Current Season Cap Hit​

Below is Hendrickson’s current contract and thanks to Over the Cap, we see that he is set to have a 18.66M cap hit for 2025.

According to the NFLPA, the Colts have 24M in cap space. The current 51st contract (that would be bumped out of the Top 51) is 1.03M so taking on Hendrickon’s contract for this season would actually cost the Colts 17.6M and leave them with around 6.4M in cap space for this season. They can easily afford the contract for 2025.

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Projected Contract Extension​

The dealbreaker in all of this is the contract extension. Danielle Hunter signed a 1 year contract worth 35M. Maxx Crosby signed a 3 year extension worth 35M per year and Nick Bosa signed a 5 year extension worth 34M per year. With the exception of Myles Garrett at 40M per year, those three guys are essentially the upper echelon of pay. After them, there is a drop off to guys like Josh Allen-Hines, Brian Burns and TJ Watt. It’s worth noting that TJ Watt’s contract was signed in 2021, so adjusting for inflation he would be making around 38-39M per year, so best to ignore his contract as well.

While Trey Hendrickson has established himself as one of the best edge rushers, I don’t think many would consider him in the tier of Maxx Crosby and Nick Bosa and while Danielle Hunter is in that echelon in terms of his contract, he signed only a one year extension. So Hendrickson isn’t in the upper echelon of player but he’s above Allen-Hines and Burns so his contract will be somewhere in the middle, so if you price towards the middle of the two and adjust for future inflation of the cap, his contract extension should be around:

3 Years, $100,000,000 with $57,000,000 Guaranteed

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Can the Colts afford the extension?​

The short answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as that. The Colts have a projected 72M in cap space for next year, but the contract extensions of Bernhard Raimann, Nick Cross and potentially Alec Pierce to consider. If signed to extensions, those guys could account for 45M in cap space and even if backloaded a bit, that’s probably about 32M off the books, which leaves 40M in cap space. If Hendrickson’s first year of his 33M a year extension is around 28M, then that leaves the Colts with 12M in cap space, which nearly half will go to the draft class. They won’t have a lot of carry over room since Hendrickson’s 2025 contract year will eat up the large majority of the current cap space). The Colts could be sitting at 10-15M at most for next season if they keep those three players listed above and that would leave them somewhat thin to sign any free agents and very thin if they need to sign Anthony Richardson to a new contract.

However, what’s not mentioned is the reworking of some contracts, such as Michael Pittman Jr who is set to be on the books for 29M next season. So while it’s tighter than most would realize, it’s not impossible to make some moves to buy some space.

As mentioned above, the Colts can afford it, but the salary cap will get tight in a hurry. So the Colts can afford the deal, but is it worth taking on a star player for 3-4 seasons when your quarterback situation is still a big unknown?

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5/15/24429533/can-the-colts-afford-to-trade-for-trey-hendrickson

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts reunite with former defensive tackle off waivers and waive international safety

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The Colts are bringing back a familiar face as a backup defensive tackle, claiming their former 5th round pick off waivers.

The Indianapolis Colts announced on Thursday that the team has claimed former defensive tackle Eric Johnson II off waivers, while waiving international safety Marcel Dabo in a corresponding roster move:

We have claimed DT Eric Johnson II off waivers (from NE) and waived S Marcel Dabo.

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 15, 2025​

Originally drafted by the Colts in the 5th round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the 6’4,” 299 pound defensive tackle was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots as part of Indianapolis’s final 53-man roster cuts last year.

The Colts had hoped to get him to their practice squad this past year, but with no such luck.

This time, it’s the Colts returning the favor on waivers to New England.

Johnson appeared in 11 games for the Patriots in 2024, recording 17 tackles (2 solo) and 4 total QB pressures. He received a +54.2 overall grade by PFF during last season.

During his prior two seasons with the Colts, Johnson had been a serviceable rotational backup defensive tackle. What impressed me most had been his hustle, as there were times he wouldn’t give up on the play, only to help bring down the ball carrier because of effort.

That’s something that the Colts coaching staff has to love seeing, particularly from its backups and on special teams. Welcome back to the ‘Shoe, Johnson!

As for Dabo, he had been allocated to the Colts back in 2022 as part of the team’s NFL International Player Pathway Program. He had yet to appear in an NFL game, but had spent the past three seasons on the Indianapolis practice squad.

The Colts had recently been granted a roster exemption for Dabo, but with his waiving on Thursday, that will now transition to Colts’ rookie UDFA tight end Maximillian Mang.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...le-off-waivers-and-waive-international-safety

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Most anticipated games of the Colts 2025 schedule (part 1)

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The schedule has been released. There are several games to be excited to watch.

The 2025 NFL schedule has been officially released. Fans now know every Thursday, Sunday, and Monday night game along with everything in between. After knowing who the Indianapolis Colts would play in 2025, it is always fun to see exactly when. The season comes into focus and fans can start to make plans to see the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium or even where to make accommodations if they want to check them out on the road. Teams at the beginning of the season can look a lot different than at the end, but let’s take a look at the schedule for some of the biggest matchups that are creating the most anticipation and buzz.

Dolphins​

What is more exciting than the first game of the season? After a long time away, Colts football returns, and this year sees the Colts opening at home against the Dolphins. This won’t be the same Dolphins team they met last year, but it marks another occasion for the Colts to get off the schneid from their eleven game losing streak to open a season. Anthony Richardson should be champing at the bit and ready to show everyone the work he put in during the offseason to improve his game. Getting a chance to finally start the season on the right foot should not be taken for granted.

@Titans​

Normally, this game wouldn’t be one to get fans going, but it is a little different this year as it will be the Colts first road game, first divisional opponent, and first look at the number one overall pick, Cam Ward. The Colts could be seeing a lot of Ward over the years, so sizing him up early will be intriguing. An interesting quirk in the schedule sees the Colts playing the Titans twice in the first eight games, while not seeing another division opponent until week thirteen. Getting the first road win of the season and notching a win in the division will be huge. Expect some serious hype going into this one headlined by Ward as the new man in Nashville.

@Pittsburgh​

The Colts have struggled mightily against the Steelers. They have notched back-to-back wins against them, but both of those games came at home. When traveling to Pittsburgh, it is a different story. The Colts last won in Pittsburgh in November of 2008. Ouch. It is still unknown who will be the quarterback, but the Colts could very well be facing Aaron Rodgers. Regardless of who is under center, it won’t be an easy task. All of the names and faces have changed, but sometimes there is just something about a stadium that seems to get the better of teams.

Seeing the schedule makes it all feel real, as it provides the roadmap for what the Colts need to do in order to have a successful season. The Colts have some intriguing games with an opportunity to start out fast. That is something they have failed to do recently. The NFL is full of parody, so the “easy” wins could result in blowout losses while the toughest matchups could be within reach as the dates approach. You never know. All we know now is the who, the when, and the where. That will have to suffice as the offseason marches on.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...pated-games-of-the-colts-2025-schedule-part-1

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts apologize, explain why they deleted their schedule release video

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts had to take down their highly anticipated annual video release of the schedule for reasons they explain in their statement.

The NFL has recently ramped up its overall emphasis and production of schedule releases for social media purposes. The league is once again trying to fill its downtime of an offseason with as many ‘events’ as possible and the annual schedule release videos are the latest installment of this initiative.

Yesterday was the highly anticipated release date in question and the Indianapolis Colts deleted their Minecraft-themed schedule release video (which can still be viewed via this hyperlink) soon thereafter due to a couple of complications.

First and foremost, what got the internet riled up and was presumed to be the sole reason behind the Colts’ deletion is the Week 1 inclusion of a shot that was taken at Dolphins superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill. In the short clip, Hill’s viral pre-game arrest last season that led to questioning of police misconduct was mocked by way of the Coast Guard arresting a dolphin-ified version of Hill.

Secondly, and perhaps the true reason behind the Colts’ deletion, scrapping the video altogether was due to exceeding rights with Microsoft — who owns Mojang, the company behind Minecraft. The Los Angeles Chargers also produced a Minecraft-themed schedule release video, but the difference between the two organizations is that the Chargers had received clearance to do so.

At the beginning of the Bolts’ video, they clearly state, “Minecraft used with permission from Microsoft Corporation. Any opinions or commentary in this video are not endorsed by Microsoft Corporation or Mojang AB. TM & © Mo jang AB.”

Since said deletion, the Indianapolis Colts have reached out to Tyreek Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, to pass along their apologies to his client and he responded by saying that Hill did not take offense to the mocking whatsoever. Even Tyreek Hill himself tweeted earlier today to confirm there weren’t any hard feelings and would go on to say, “Should’ve left it up Colts. thought it was funny.”

The Colts have since released a statement regarding the video’s deletion, saying, “We removed our schedule release video because it exceeded our rights with Microsoft and included an insensitive clip involving Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill. We sincerely apologize to Microsoft and Tyreek.”

Regardless if people feel the Colts should’ve kept the video up, copyright infringement is nothing to mess with, and abiding by the rules in place should’ve been priority number one. Given that said clearance wasn’t a priority, the Colts’ social media department suffers from hard work lost.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...why-they-deleted-their-schedule-release-video

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Most anticipated games of the Colts 2025 schedule (part 2)

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There is even more to look forward to in the second half of the season.

The first half of the season produces notable games for the Indianapolis Colts, but the second half appears to be even better. Let’s take a look at some of the most anticipated games in the back half.

Falcons​

Labeled as a home game, this one will kick off from Berlin. The Colts played in Germany last year defeating the Patriots in Frankfort. They will be the first NFL team to host a game at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium. While the opponent isn’t the most ideal draw, seeing the Colts play in Germany should be a lot of fun. It is the only game on at that time and leads them directly into their bye. Getting a win there with a week to recover would be huge.

@Chiefs​

Why is that bye week so important? Well, a date with the Chiefs is up next on the docket. Anytime the Chiefs play, most eyes are watching as they have been that good over the last five plus years. There might be some extra motivation in this one for the Chiefs because the Colts have had their number in recent years, winning the last two meetings. This will be Anthony Richardson’s first look at the AFC champs and an incredible road test. The Chiefs are hard to beat at home, but the Colts will be looking to duplicate the magic they had back in 2019 when they held Patrick Mahomes and that offense to thirteen points.

Texans​

This one comes late in the season but marks the first meeting between these two teams. Anticipation is that the Colts and Texans will be the two contenders for the AFC South, and if that holds, this week thirteen contest at home will be crucial. The Colts failed to capture either game against the Texans last year, and it completely sunk any chance they had at the postseason. A week eighteen meeting in Houston looms, so securing a win at home is even more important. C.J. Stroud has proven to be a formidable opponent but not unbeatable. It is time the Colts reestablish their dominance in the division.

Honorable mentions:

@Jacksonville​

Not sure if this is anticipated as much as it is dreaded...

49ers​

Monday Night Football is back at Lucas Oil.

There is a lot to look forward to in 2025, and the Colts have a golden opportunity to make the playoffs with what appears to be a favorable schedule. Some of these marquee matchups could end up as duds or instant classics. You never know. What game are you most looking forward to in 2025?

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...pated-games-of-the-colts-2025-schedule-part-2

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

PFF names Bernhard Raimann as Colts ‘most underrated player’ ahead of 2025 campaign

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Everybody loves Raimann!

According to PFF, Indianapolis Colts starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann is the team’s ‘most underrated player’ ahead of the 2025 campaign:

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: T Bernhard Raimann

Former first- and second-round picks Quenton Nelson, Braden Smith and Ryan Kelly are typically the first names referenced when discussing the Colts’ offensive line, but the 2022 third-round pick has earned his place in that conversation and, arguably, been the best of the bunch coming off a career year in 2024.

Raimann led the team in PFF pass-blocking grade (82.0) in 2024, ranking 14th among offensive tackles in that regard. He was one of just six offensive tackles to rank in the top 12 at his position in both PFF pass-blocking grade and run-defense grade in 2024, leading to a top-10 PFF overall grade (85.1) at the position.

Since being selected with the 77th pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the 27-year-old former converted collegiate tight end has done nothing but get better blocking the blindside.

Raimann started 14 games for the Colts last season, earning a +85.1 overall grade via PFF, which was the 8th highest among all players at the NFL offensive tackle position. Raimann really stood out in pass protection with a +82.0 overall grade, allowing just 4 sacks and 20 total QB pressures during 471 total pass blocking snaps.

While reigning All-Pro Quenton Nelson continues to be the unit’s catalyst, Raimann has been playing at arguably a Pro Bowl caliber level for the past two seasons.

His emergence is presumably a big reason as to why the Colts elected to allow both veteran Ryan Kelly and breakout starting right guard Will Fries to depart in free agency because Indianapolis is going to have to give Raimann a lucrative, multi-year deal with left tackle money next offseason—as he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent after 2025.

Hopefully, a contract extension can be reached much sooner, but the Colts simply had too many mouths to feed along the offensive line—and Raimann plays the premium position.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...most-underrated-player-ahead-of-2025-campaign

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

PFF provides Colts ‘B+’ offseason grade to-date

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The Colts earned a solid grade from PFF for their offseason moves, but there’s obviously still some work to do.

According to PFF, the Indianapolis Colts have earned a ‘B+’ offseason grade to-date, after the big secondary signings of Camryn Bynum and Charvarius Ward, as well as the quarterback competition addition of veteran Daniel Jones:

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: B+

The Colts lost offensive linemen Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency, which is a concern after they earned 67.0 and 86.9 PFF overall grades, respectively, in 2024. Indianapolis does have Matt Goncalves and Tanor Bortolini in the farm system, who earned 65.9 and 65.1 PFF overall grades in 2024, respectively. The front office seems comfortable with those guys taking over.

The Colts made big splashes in the secondary, an area of concern, signing Cam Bynum and Charvarius Ward. They also had a very solid draft class. Quarterback is still a question mark, but they weren’t realistically going to do much more than bring in competition for Anthony Richardson via Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard.

For what it’s worth, this seems largely in-line with the type of grade I’d provide the Colts too.

There’s no question that the Colts needed upgrades in their secondary, especially at safety, in new veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s now reinvigorated Indy defense.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard had to give him some better horses to work with.

Both Bynum at safety and Ward at cornerback should immediately prove to be that. Bynum has a ballhawking style, high football IQ, and is a sure tackler out there. Meanwhile, Ward provides that tenacious bona fide #1 outside cornerback that the Colts haven’t had since the late great Vontae Davis was a Pro Bowler in Indianapolis.

Where the Colts’ grade should fall short of an ‘A’ caliber grade is the signing of Jones.

In a vacuum, Jones was about as good of offseason competition as the Colts were going to get for Richardson, without spending an early draft pick on a rookie quarterback.

The problem is the price-tag.

It’s still in the Colts’ franchise’s best interests for Richardson to ultimately win the starting quarterback job outright—albeit on the merits.

Indianapolis needed someone to come in and push Richardson during training camp and the preseason, so that he’d have no opportunity to take the starting job for granted.

To best the Minnesota Vikings re-signing Jones, the Colts had to offer 1-year, $14.5 million.

Meanwhile, the New York Giants signed Jameis Winston for 2-years, $8 million in totality.

Is that more bang for the buck for what this backup really needs to represent?

Jones fits the Colts more for what they want to do as similarly to Richardson, he’s a dual-threat quarterback option. However, like Richardson, he also struggles with injuries and turnovers—meaning there may not be a clear winner here in a competition between two potentially middling quarterbacks, when they’re both consistently not at their best.

To me, I just don’t know if Jones is good enough to warrant that price-tag, especially when it arguably came at the expense of re-signing starting right guard Will Fries.

Additionally, the Colts have yet to meaningfully address their depleted depth at both linebacker and along the offensive line, namely on the right side.

The former is a bit concerning when both All-Pro Zaire Franklin and 2nd-year pro Jaylon Carlies are rehabbing from injuries, while with fellow 2nd-year man Matt Goncalves being elevated into the starting lineup, the Colts no longer have a top swing-tackle option—particularly with veteran right tackle Braden Smith’s availability/injury issues.

That’s where the Colts fall a bit short of an ‘A’ grade.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5/18/24432435/pff-provides-colts-b-offseason-grade-to-date

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts fans got first look at some fully uniformed rookies this past weekend

Photo courtesy of Devin Parker, via NFLPA Twitter account

Looking good, guys!

Indianapolis Colts fans got their first look at some fully uniformed rookies this weekend at the NFLPA’s annual rookie premiere—as both first round tight end Tyler Warren (Penn State) and 6th round quarterback Riley Leonard (Notre Dame) were among this year’s class:

The newest pair representing the shoe #NFLPA #RookiePremiere pic.twitter.com/FUrVvpy2tt

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) May 17, 2025​

How we feeling @Colts fans?

( : Devin Parker) pic.twitter.com/r5JLPpxOtb

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) May 18, 2025​

While Warren’s Nittany Lion #44 is currently being worn by Colts All-Pro linebacker Zaire Franklin, #84 doesn’t look like a bad consolation prize and suits him well—although yes, I was hoping he’d adorn the same number infamously worn by franchise all-time great tight end Dallas Clark, who formerly dominated the Big Ten (with Iowa) himself.

Instead, he’ll wear beloved fan favorite (and former Pro Bowler) Jack Doyle’s prized #84.

Meanwhile, Leonard’s #15 was most recently worn by a former Super Bowl winning MVP, you got it, longtime veteran quarterback Joe Flacco just last season for Indianapolis.

Although the recent history of that number hasn’t been all that promising at wideout, having previously been worn by Parris Campbell and Phillip Dorsett among others.

Hopefully, it ends up suiting Leonard and faring him much more favorably than it did for some of his Colts predecessors wearing it.

At any rate, both Colts rookies featured look pretty sleek rocking their new Indianapolis Colts uniforms, as we get one step closer to this upcoming 2025 campaign.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...ome-fully-uniformed-rookies-this-past-weekend

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones: Strengths and Weaknesses

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Thanks to Pro Football Focus, Pro Football Reference, NFL.com and the nflFastR project for being awesome sources of weekly data.

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I’ve spent the offseason enhancing my data and created a new graph I’m excited about. To test it out, I’m comparing Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.

The graph offers a focused look at quarterback efficiency—one of the best ways to evaluate performance and project future success. Of course, as I’ve been told once or twice, no single stat tells the full story—which is why I use a range of metrics to paint a more complete picture.

The graph presents a progression of efficiency metrics, starting with simple measures and gradually incorporating more elements of quarterback play, ending with a comprehensive final stat. It’s similar to what I do in my weekly QB dashboards, but with a sharper focus and a few new measures to fill in some gaps.

I’ll take it step by step.

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PASSING DEPTH​

This is the graph with just the beginning and ending numbers for Anthony Richardson’s 15 career starts.

The ending metric is overall EPA efficiency. I’ve typically used EPA per dropback, but with the rise of running quarterbacks, most analysts now include designed QB runs — shifting the metric to EPA per play (EPA/p). I could write a thousand words on why designed runs shouldn’t be part of QB stats, but it’s not a hill I’m willing to die on. Since everyone else is including them, fine—I’ll throw them in too (although I really shouldn’t). Unfortunately, Richardson ranks 25th out of 32 by that measure.

My starting metric is air yards per completion on passes under 20 yards. I know that’s an obscure thing to measure, but the desire is to capture passing depth without explosive plays. Richardson’s fourth-ranked depth shows he isn’t simply checking the ball down. Despite this, he has still struggled to consistently translate other aspects of his play into overall value.

As I add more stats, the blue line beomes an efficiency curve that highlights the underlying causes of those struggles and explains why he’s been one of the league’s least efficient quarterbacks thus far in his career. To that end, I’ll now layer on the remaining air yards from his deep completions.

Richardson gets 9.5% of his completions on passes of 20+ yards, the fifth-highest rate among all quarterbacks. That contributes to a league highest 7.7 air yards per completion (ay/c), meaning no one throws deeper completions.

Next, I’ll add the complement to air yards— yards after the catch (yac).

Not only does Richardson throw deep on his completions, but he also benefits from the second-highest yards after the catch, leading to the most yards per completion (yd/c) in the league.

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COMPLETION RATE​

For a graph meant to measure a drop in efficiency, it looks like I’m going in the wrong direction. Let’s fix that by adding incompletions—you can probably guess where this is headed.

Ooph. Richardson is dead last in completion rate. I even adjusted it by removing the bias of drops and throwaways (ac%) — still dead last. Given the depth of his throws, a lower completion rate is expected, but even with that context, the number is far too low. I know this because he also ranks dead last in ‘completion percentage over expected’, though that stat isn’t shown here.

Multiplying his 57.0% adjusted completion rate by 13.7 yards per completion yields 7.8 adjusted yards per attempt (aypa), plunging him to 21st in the rankings. Keep in mind, this metric excludes drops—so for those who argue his numbers would look fine without dropped passes, think again.

His trouble completing passes explains much of his efficiency decline, but not all of it. To account for the remaining incompletions, let’s now factor in both drops and throwaways.

Richardson faced the second-highest drop rate (drp%) and had an average throwaway rate (ta%). These two factors somewhat offset each other, bringing his rank down to 23rd in yards per attempt (ypa).

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RUNNING ABILITY​

Up to this point, I’ve accounted for his arm, but not his legs. Next, I’ll incorporate sacks and scrambles.

His ability to avoid sacks (sck%) boosts his efficiency, which is reflected in his 21st-ranked net yards per attempt (ny/a). He also has a high scramble rate (scr%), which typically lowers efficiency—but since he gains above-average yardage on his scrambles (a stat not shown here), he maintains a 21st-place rank in net yards per dropback (ny/d).

At this stage, I factor in designed runs. Woohoo!

AR led QBs in carry rate (car%) and ranked second in yards per carry (not shown), which pushes him up one spot to 20th in net yards per play (ny/p).

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NON-YARDAGE EVENTS​

So far, I’ve accounted for every type of play a quarterback is involved in, yet I still haven’t fully explained why he ranks just 25th in efficiency. That’s because events in football carry more value than raw yardage alone. This hasn’t been factored in yet, so the next step is to layer in first downs and touchdowns using standard ‘yardage equivalents’.

When I add in the impact of first downs, Richardson drops to 21st in adjusted net yards per play (any/p), and his roughly average touchdown rate does nothing to change that.

There’s just one key metric left: turnovers.

Richardson has the second-highest turnover rate of any quarterback over the past two years. When factoring in the yardage-equivalent impact of those plays, he drops to 24th in the final version of adjusted net yards per play (any/p).

Up to this point, all of these metrics have been measured in terms of yards—an imperfect proxy for value. So, I will take one more step and convert everything to a far better value measure — Expected Points Added (EPA). This yields his final ranking of 25th in EPA per play (epa/p).

Well, almost final. I’ve recently added the ability to adjust EPA for opponent defenses in my models. While this adjustment gives Richardson a modest two-percentile boost in adjusted EPA per play (adj/p), it actually causes him to drop one spot to 26th.

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CONCLUSION​

The efficiency curve highlights Richardson’s key weaknesses: completions, getting first downs, and turnovers. At the same time, his strengths are just as clear: explosive passing ability, efficient running, and good decision making using scrambles and throwaways to avoid sacks.

Now that we’ve broken down the chart and what it reveals about Anthony Richardson, let’s apply the same analysis to Daniel Jones. Since Jones missed most of the 2023 season due to injury, I’ve expanded the dataset to include his 2022 performance—which remains, by far, his best year.

mouseover definitions: ay<, dp%, ay/c, yac, yd/c, ac%, aypa, drp%, aypa, ta%, ypa, sck%, ny/a, scr%, ny/d, car%, ny/p, 1st%, any/p, td%, any/p, to%, any/p, epa/p, adj/p

Although Jones ends up in roughly the same spot as Richardson, he gets there by a very different path. He’s much better in terms of accuracy, moving the chains, and ball security. However, he’s worse at generating explosive plays, scoring touchdowns, and he takes far too many sacks for being as mobile as he is.

Honestly, I have no idea why the Giants were willing to pay Jones $160 million, and I’m not sure why the Colts want to chip in another $14.5 million. It’s still far too early to know if Richardson can improve, but I’m pretty confident Jones can’t. I hope he’s a good mentor, because I just don’t see a world where the Colts make the playoffs with Jones under center.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...-and-weaknesses-epa-efficiency-colts-adjusted

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts OL Coach Tony Sparano Jr. says the plan is for second-year OL Matt Goncalves to start at RG

The second-year offensive lineman has officially been deemed the starter for the 2025-26 season.

After months of speculation and presumption, Indianapolis Colts offensive line Coach Tony Sparano Jr. revealed to local media earlier today that the plan is for second-year tackle Matt Goncalves to slide into right guard and start in place of Will Fries for at least the 2025-26 season.

As alluded to, this had been the presumed plan in place since free agency passed, and especially following the NFL Draft which resulted in no draft picks allotted toward an interior o-line spot.

This plan had slowly but surely surfaced throughout the off-season, but until now, said plan was nothing more than a projection based on analysis. When you couple the moves in free agency and the draft, or lack thereof, the picture starts to form. After seeing how high the Colts’ executives, coaching staff, and player personnel members are on Goncalves, the picture’s quality enhances.

While the questionable non-moves to add an interior offensive lineman were indeed head-scratching, accepting the notion that this was always the plan paints a different light on how free agency and the draft were handled.

There haven’t been too many people who’ve had a problem with the succession plan of Tanor Bortolini taking over for longtime Colt Ryan Kelly at center, but when it came to sliding Matt Goncalves into right guard as the presumed starter, questions were raised. Perhaps a bit of concern followed due to Goncalves’ move inside, but questions of conviction were certainly had.

Not only that, but Braden Smith’s health becoming a concern in recent years invited concern for who’d relieve him if he were to go down with injury. The addition of tackle Jalen Travis in this year’s draft allows for some leeway in that regard, as well as Blake Freeland’s efforts waiting on the side providing some help, though the depth across the line after that becomes questionable.

Regardless of how fans and media look at the Colts’ projected offensive line for the 2025-26 season, Tony Sparano Jr. has earned himself a bit of grace when it comes to righting the ship across the front. Since becoming the team’s OL Coach in 2023, the Colts have rebounded mightily on the offensive line, developing two potential Pro Bowl/All-Pro candidates for years to come (tackle Bernhard Raimann and guard Will Fries).

Colts general manager Chris Ballard provided a sneak peek at how high the team is on Goncalves following day two of the NFL Draft, saying, “We like [Matt] Goncalves and he ended up playing pretty good football for us. We think he has a really bright future, whether it’s at tackle or guard we’ll see. We’ll have a good OL when we start the season.”

At the time it felt more like reassurance, but now it reads as if this was the plan the entire time. Perhaps it was the backup that became the plan after ‘striking out’ in free agency and the draft, but the team’s overall conviction suggests otherwise.

Earlier today, Tony Sparano Jr. went a bit deeper into why there’s so much belief in Matt Goncalves going into year two despite being a first-year start while also sliding in to a position he has yet to play in the NFL:

“There’s two things. One, when you’re evaluating playeres coming out of college, you have to look at the full skill set because for example Will [Fries] was a tackle at Penn State. It’s not always like for like in terms of we draft this player and he’ll play the same position. Someetimes you’re speculating about moving a guy to the other side and there’s a lot more to that than meets the eye.”

After briefly explaining some of the process that goes into scouting a college player for the next level, Sparano Jr. would share exactly why they felt then and still do feel that Goncalves can make the transition.

“He’s a big man. He’s got power, he’s got length, and he’s really deceptively light on his feet for his size. He’s quick and can get out in space,” said Sparano Jr. “You saw some of the stuff he did in the run game in space last year. That about his skill set excited me, plus he’s a really tough, physical player. Which, for our guards, that is non-negotiable. They’ve gotta be that way and he is that way.”

As Sparano Jr. explained, there’s more to this conclusion than college scouting and evaluation. He would go on to share what about Goncalves’ rookie season validated their previous belief in him as a potential NFL starter:

“The second thing I’ll say is we repped him a bunch in practice last year throughout the season. Everyone saw him play the one play in the Miami game, but there;s a lot that goes into that one play. He was ready during that stretch to be the next man full time at four different spots. So he was taking a ton of guard reps at both sides, taking tackle reps. I watched him throughout the year get better and better and more comfortable. Also, I just know the person. I know the worker and exactly how he’s going to apply himself to do that. I couldn’t have more belief and confidence in that dude that I do.”

There’s a long way to go before Week 1 of the upcoming NFL Season, but for now, the Colts have their starting offensive line set in stone. The projected starting line will feature two first-time starters next to each other across the interior, though the veteran presence and leadership from longtime successful offensive linemen Quenton Nelson and Braden Smith, as well as the tutelage via OL Coach Tony Sparano Jr., should be enough to keep the offense from sinking.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...-second-year-ol-matt-goncalves-to-start-at-rg

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts are cracking down on season ticket holders

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Thinking of selling your tickets? Think again.

Season tickets to see your favorite team is a dream of many sports fans. Experiencing the action in person takes on such a different feeling than watching on television. For many teams, including the Indianapolis Colts, there is even a wait list to purchase season tickets. The Colts are treating that more as a privilege than a right. Starting next season, ticket holders who sell the majority of their tickets will start to face consequences.

The Colts aren’t the only one, but teams are starting to crack down on people who buy season tickets and simply sell most of them off. It can create after market issues with large numbers being purchased by outside entities and then sold for much higher prices. It also blocks true fans who want to witness and be part of the action because they have to spend time on wait lists for season tickets. This isn’t a new policy of the Colts, but it appears it is going to be more strongly enforced going forward. Last year won’t be held against fans, but starting in 2025, the Colts will be keeping a watchful eye.

While fans can and still will sell some tickets for select games, this should have a huge benefit towards providing the home team with even more of an advantage. It should cut down on the sea of Bears, Steelers, and Lions fans we saw flood into Lucas Oil last year. With true fans owing the tickets, they may be more inclined to actually come to the game instead of trying to turn tickets over for profit. Seeing Colts blue will be a great sight instead of huge swathes of the opponents colors dotting the stadium.

Will this change everything next year? Doubt it, but it might make some fans reconsider letting go of too many of their tickets on the secondary market. It should also work to eliminate tickets being purchased for the sole reason of being sold. Having a stadium overrun by an opponent’s fans is not what the home team wants to see. If the Colts crack down on this and truly hold to this policy, we could see a different view at Lucas Oil soon enough.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5/20/24434160/colts-are-cracking-down-on-season-ticket-holders

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

PFF lists the Colts’ top 3 players ahead of the 2025 NFL campaign

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Who are the Colts ‘Big 3’ before the 2025 regular season?

According to PFF, the Indianapolis Colts’ top three players ahead of the 2025 campaign are as follows:

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

OG QUENTON NELSON

OT BERNHARD RAIMANN

DI DEFOREST BUCKNER

Nelson holds the highest WAR for any non-quarterback on the Colts, both in 2024 (0.55) and as a three-year average (0.44). Raimann delivered career highs across the board — 85.1 overall grade, 82.0 pass-blocking grade and 80.7 run-blocking grade. Buckner earned an 81.9 overall grade, extending his streak to three consecutive seasons above 80.0.

Not exactly a surprising trio, as both Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner have been elite pillars for the Colts for a long period of time at their positions. The perennial Pro Bowlers help anchor each of their respective lines for Indianapolis and have arguably been among the team’s most valuable players on nearly a year-to-year basis.

The only other Colts standout player who could’ve possibly made it is star workhorse Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for 1,431 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns on 303 carries last season (for a 4.7 ypc. avg.).

That being said, Raimann has been a recent favorite of PFF for at least the last couple of seasons. Recently named by PFF, as the team’s “most underrated player.” Raimann remains an advanced grade left tackle darling by the popular pro football web site:

“Raimann started 14 games for the Colts last season, earning a +85.1 overall grade via PFF, which was the 8th highest among all players at the NFL offensive tackle position. Raimann really stood out in pass protection with a +82.0 overall grade, allowing just 4 sacks and 20 total QB pressures during 471 total pass blocking snaps.”

Obviously, listings like this are pretty meaningless, but it’s fun to at least think about.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...-top-3-players-ahead-of-the-2025-nfl-campaign

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Jim Irsay, Colts Owner & CEO of 28 years, has died at 65

Indianapolis Colts Own Jim Irsay looks on during the ceremony for Dwight Freeney at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. | Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Despite battling numerous health issues over the past few decades, the Colts announced Mr. Irsay passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday afternoon.

Jim Irsay, the former Indianapolis Colts Owner and CEO, has died at the age of 65, the team announced Wednesday.

Despite battling numerous health issues over the past few decades, the Colts announced Mr. Irsay passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday afternoon.

The son of Robert Irsay, who purchased the Baltimore Colts franchise in 1972 for $12 million. The elder Irsay moved the Colts to Indianapolis overnight on March 28, 1984. At just 24-years-old, Jim was named team vice president and general manager, setting a never-before-seen precedent in the NFL. Jim inherited the franchise from his father following his passing in 1997 and became the youngest owner in the NFL at age 37.

A statement by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on the passing of Jim Irsay pic.twitter.com/JrML07reun

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 22, 2025​

Within a decade of ownership, Irsay brought the Circle City to the pinnacle of professional football as Indianapolis won its first Super Bowl title in 2006. The Super Bowl XLI championship team featured six Pro Football Hall of Famers, including quarterback Peyton Manning, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Sr., defensive end Dwight Freeney, kicker Adam Vinatieri, head coach Tony Dungy and general manager Bill Polian. The Colts collected 10 division titles, made two Super Bowl appearances and compiled a 257-194-1 record under Jim Irsay’s ownership.

Irsay dealt with a history of addiction to prescription painkillers, which led to enrolling in a rehabilitation center in 2002. He later dealt with a severe respiratory illness after a suspected overdose of opiods in December 2023. Irsay last spoke to the local media at the Colts training camp at Grand Park in Westfield, Ind. in July 2024. The Colts did not announce a cause of death in Wednesday’s statement.

The Colts released an official statement through social media:

“We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon. Jim’s dedication and passion for the Indianapolis Colts in addition to his generosity, commitment to the community, and most importantly, his love for his family were unsurpassed. Our deepest sympathies go to his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, and his entire family as we grieve with them.”

“Some of Jim’s fondest memories came from his youth working training camps in Baltimore and growing relationships with players, coaches, and staff whom he considered his extended family. He worked in every department before he was named the youngest general manager in team history in 1984 when the Colts arrived in Indianapolis. After he took sole ownership in 1997, he led the Colts to a long series of division titles and brought the city its first Super Bowl Championship. Jim’s love and appreciation for the NFL in addition to its history, tradition, and principles influenced him to become a steward of the game throughout his 50-plus years in the League.”

“Jim’s generosity can be felt all over Indianapolis, the state of Indiana and the country. He made philanthropy a daily endeavor. He never hesitated to help countless organizations and individuals live better lives. Music was one of Jim’s passions and the ability to share his band and collection with millions of people across the world brought him tremendous joy. Simply put, he wanted to make the world a better place and that philosophy never wavered. Jim will be deeply missed by his family, the Colts organization, and fans everywhere, but we remain inspired by his caring and unique spirit.”

Born in Lincolnwood, Ill., Irsay was a polarizing public figure who has been inside the league since he was 12-years-old. Irsay walked on as a linebacker to Southern Methodist University and graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism in 1982.

Irsay leaves behind three daughters. Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Jim’s oldest daughter, along with his two other daughters Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, are expected to inherit and control ownership of the franchise moving forward.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5/21/24434902/jim-irsay-colts-owner-ceo-has-died-at-65

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

PFF lists rookie tight end Tyler Warren as Colts ‘one impact offseason acquisition’

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Colts tight end Tyler Warren could be turning some heads, even as a rookie!

While there were some options, PFF’s data pointed to Indianapolis Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren being the team’s ‘one impact offseason acquisition’:

Indianapolis Colts: TE Tyler Warren

Key Metric: Led all Power Four TEs in receiving grade, YAC and missed tackles forced in 2024

Tyler Warren may not have been the first tight end selected in this year’s draft, as many expected, but he couldn’t have found a better landing spot than Indianapolis. Warren led the Power Four last season with a 93.4 receiving grade, 693 yards after catch and 19 missed tackles forced. Meanwhile, Colts tight ends ranked in the bottom four in each of those categories last season.

It’s no secret that the Colts have received ‘next to nothing’ consistently receiving wise from their tight end room since former Pro Bowler (and fan favorite) Jack Doyle retired after 2021.

Arguably the top tight end in this year’s class, Warren is coming off a monstrous season for the Penn State Nittany Lions, catching 104 receptions for 1,233 receiving yards and 8 touchdown receptions during 16 starts.

He earned the John Mackey Award, First-Team All-American, and First-Team All-Big Ten honors during his final collegiate season.

Warren has demonstrated sure hands, quickness, and versatility as a receiver and is a steam roller after the catch, preferring to go through the opposition, rather than around them. He’s also shown the ability to be a productive blocker—as a complete tight end prospect.

Whether it’s the incumbent Anthony Richardson or top challenger Daniel Jones at starting quarterback, Warren’s much anticipated arrival should pay dividends for the Colts offense—even during his inaugural pro campaign. Particularly at a position that’s really needed it.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...ren-as-colts-one-impact-offseason-acquisition

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts-Dolphins opening odds: Let’s take a sneak peek at week one

Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Opening odds is back!

Yes, it’s May. Yes, the 2025 NFL season doesn’t kick off for the Indianapolis Colts until September 7th, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take a look ahead at the opening day matchup with the Miami Dolphins. Opening odds is back, and FanDuel Sportsbook is giving fans something to look forward to by making week one just a little bit more of a reality. Who knows how much the spread will move between now and September, but the current opening odds favor the Colts from Lucas Oil Stadium at 1.5-points.

The money line sits at -116 with the over/under coming in at 45.5.

The Colts are coming off a roller coaster of a season in which they fell below .500, climbed their way out, lost three in a row, benched their starting quarterback, brought themselves into playoff contention, and then suffered one of the worst losses in franchise history. All of that earned the Colts an 8-9 record and the fourteenth overall pick in the draft. Chris Ballard and his team put in work to improve this roster by filling key holes at defensive back and tight end. None of that will matter much if Anthony Richardson doesn’t take a step forward. He will be battling Daniel Jones, and if he doesn’t improve his accuracy and game management, he won’t be sleeping easy in 2025.

The Dolphins had their own share of problems last season as Tua Tagovailoa missed six games. The Dolphins visited Lucas Oil last year, and it wasn’t the prettiest game. Tyler Huntley mustered 87 yards on 7-13 throws, but that certainly won’t be the expectation this year as Tagovailoa is expected to return to form and will provide much more resistance and a showing of skill against the Colts. Just like every team, a new year means new faces, but anytime you can get your quarterback back in action after missing a third of the season, you have to feel good about that.

There is still plenty of time between now and the start of the regular season. Expect the lines to change as we approach kick off, but for now, the Colts are slight favorites to open at home. We are well versed in Colts home openers, so the spread might have been even more if not for the historical aspect. Either way, the Colts have a golden opportunity to end the streak and start something new in 2025. Can they get off on the right foot against the Dolphins? We will have to wait and see.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...ening-odds-lets-take-a-sneak-peek-at-week-one

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

With the Colts under new management, should fans expect change or continuity?

Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

New owner(s) means new expectations, but how much will it vary from the late Jim Irsay?

With Jim Irsay’s passing comes the passing of the baton from one Irsay to the other. It happened before from Bob to Jim, and now the franchise belongs to the Irsay daughters all of which are involved in some form or fashion. Carlie Irsay-Gordon, however, is the one tabbed to be in charge of football operations. This isn’t a sell off to an outside person or even a group, so the amount of change could be minimal, yet, any time an organization changes at the top, change seems inevitable. How much change is the question at hand.

It is said that the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree, but look no further than Jim for an owner who wanted to do things differently than their father. Granted, Jim seemed to do things the right way and truly cared for the organization, the staff, the players, and Indianapolis as a whole. Those are all great things to emulate, but Irsay-Gordon will naturally have her own approach. She was taught everything she knows about the business from her father. His teachings will guide her and have an impact how she conducts herself, but just like all parents and their children, we are not carbon copies.

Jim was incredibly patient with his people. He let Chris Ballard stay around for nine years even though there is a lack of on the field results. Irsay-Gordon might not be so patient. Anthony Richardson isn’t her quarterback, and Shane Steichen isn’t her coach. Will she sit back and let things run themselves, or will she take an active approach? Even then, what she does in the beginning could be very different as the years roll on. Her philosophy will shape this team and will be different in at least some ways from her father. Major changes might not be seen, but it won’t be status quo either.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon is in charge now. She is the owner and ultimate boss. She may be her father’s daughter, but she is her own woman too who is going to make different choices. Maybe her approach will be better, or maybe it will be worse. That is a matter of opinion. All you can really expect is that it won’t be exactly the same.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...ement-should-fans-expect-change-or-continuity

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

PFF ranks Colts DT DeForest Buckner among NFL’s ‘Top 30 players over 30’

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

D-Fo continues to be one of the Colts best players, and PFF recently recognized him for it league-wide.

According to PFF, Indianapolis Colts veteran defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is among their ‘Top 30 players over the age of 30’—coming in at 23rd overall:

23. DI Deforest Buckner, Indianapolis Colts

Buckner continued to anchor the Colts’ interior defense in 2024. Despite missing five games due to injury, he posted an 81.9 PFF grade, the second-highest of his career. It marked his third straight season with a grade above 81.8, showing little sign of decline heading into his age-31 campaign.

Still 31-years-young, Buckner has consistently been the Colts most valuable player on the defensive side of the football since his arrival via a trade with San Francisco in 2020.

After suffering a severe ankle sprain, Buckner missed 6 starts early on last season, but still recorded 61 tackles (24 solo), 8 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 35 QB pressures, and a pass defensed during 12 games (11 starts) during the 2024 campaign.

Per PFF, he was their 7th best graded interior defender with a +81.9 overall grade.

The Colts signed Buckner to a 2-year, $46 million contract extension last spring, which will have him under contract in Indianapolis through the 2026 season.

Given how well Buckner keeps himself in top physical shape, consistent high level of production, and durability—having otherwise made 16 starts in three straight seasons prior to 2024, and he should be a mainstay on this PFF list for at least a couple of more seasons.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...est-buckner-among-nfls-top-30-players-over-30