RSS Colts Team Notes

[Indianapolis Colts]

Does anyone feel optimistic about what the Colts are doing right now?

Oct 12, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) celebrates with wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) after Jones scores a touchdown during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images | Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Does anyone feel optimistic about what the Indianapolis Colts are doing was the question, but maybe a better one is, what exactly are the Colts doing right now? For years, my personal gripe has been that this franchise is directionless. This lack of direction starts at the top with Chris Ballard and has been one of the driving forces in wanting to watch him walk out the door. Well, here we are. Another offseason and another batch of what the heck is going on?

Some might point to the team’s lack of a first-round pick the next two years as a point of contention. In the scheme of things, that is the least of my worries, considering they got Sauce Gardner in the deal. It stinks not having a pick this year, but it wasn’t like they set it on fire. Like many of you, I am a bit baffled by the transition tag regarding how and on whom it was used. Unable to reach a deal, the Colts used the seldom seen transition tag which locks up their cap space and hitches them to a questionable quarterback coming off a severe injury for $37.8 million next year. The alternative to that is he walks away and the Colts get nothing in return. That sure seems like a raw deal.

Retaining Daniel Jones seemed like the desired move, but a long-term deal should have been the outcome because now it is likely Alec Pierce is gone. Using the tag on Jones means the Colts didn’t have that option for Pierce. Letting him test free agency after a big year in a slim market spells trouble. If Pierce walks, what do the Colts do at receiver? Does that become their first pick in this year’s draft? It would have been nice to focus on another area of need, but there is a clear hole there now. This team is like whack-a-mole. Ballard goes in every direction chasing after things instead of having a clear cut plan. This offseason exemplifies the definition of insanity.

Everything could work out. The Colts might be able to keep both players. Does that set this franchise up for ultimate success? Recent memory of what we saw on the field says no, but that doesn’t mean they can’t find some success. Without one or both, this team certainly isn’t better than last year. That much is for sure. The safe bet is that Daniel Jones is back and Alec Pierce is gone. How that could inspire confidence and optimism going forward, I’m not sure. The Colts gambled, and if Pierce walks, they lost.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...stic-about-what-the-colts-are-doing-right-now

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Former longtime Colts Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly announces retirement from NFL

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 6: Ryan Kelly #78 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 6, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

On Friday afternoon, former Indianapolis Colts longtime Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly announced his retirement from professional football as a current member of the Minnesota Vikings:

10 seasons. What an incredible ride it was. I was blessed to be around some of the greatest people this sport has to offer. I always wanted to leave each place better than how I found it and with that I can hang my hat. Forever grateful for my family and brothers! Cheers pic.twitter.com/LzliGJ2wOK

— Ryan Kelly (@ryan_kelly70) March 6, 2026

Originally a 2016 first round pick of Indianapolis, Kelly would go on to make 121 career starts for the Colts at center over his first 9 seasons—en route to becoming a 4x NFL Pro Bowler and NFL 2nd-Team All-Pro during that same span at his position. He was one of the Colts consistent anchors along their interior offensive line.

Unfortunately, Kelly was limited to just 10 starts during his final season in Indianapolis during 2024 because of re-occurring concussions, before ultimately hitting free agency. The Colts elected to transition to 2nd-year center Tanor Bortolini as Kelly’s heir apparent and replacement instead, which ended up paying off dividends this past season as Bortolini broke out during his debut as a full-time starter.

As a veteran free agent, Kelly signed a 2-year, $18 million contract with the Vikings last offseason but was limited to just 8 starts after suffering three more concussions last season before being placed on season-ending injured reserve to finish what would ultimately be his final NFL season—his 10th in the league.

Had the 32-year-old not retired as a result of his lingering and re-occurring head injury history, Kelly very well may have found himself as a veteran salary cap casualty of the Vikings this early offseason regardless.

That being said, we’d like to congratulate Kelly on having a heck of a prior playing career as one of the best all-time centers in Colts franchise history—and a former longstanding leader in their locker room.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...o-bowl-center-ryan-kelly-announces-retirement

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts trade former NFL All-Pro LB Zaire Franklin to Packers

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) misses a sack against Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 16-10. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin | Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, the Indianapolis Colts are trading former NFL All-Pro starting linebacker Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers for defensive tackle Colby Wooden:

The #Packers have traded DT Colby Wooden to the #Colts for LB Zaire Franklin, per me and @TomPelissero.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2026

It comes after an initial national report that the Colts were shopping Franklin to other NFL teams earlier this week.

With Colts longtime general manager Chris Ballard also being recently rather noncommittal on Franklin continuing with the club, the writing appeared to be on the wall that Franklin would be departing sooner rather than later this early offseason—especially with Indianapolis looking to free up some extra salary cap space before free agency formally kicks off.

While Franklin was more of a polarizing player for Colts fans during more recent seasons, after making public and at times, “lightning rod” comments on his national podcast, and then not always backing it up with his actual individual production on the field, there’s no doubt he was a success story personally and professionally.

As a former 2018 7th round pick of Indianapolis, Franklin worked his way onto the 53-man roster, going from core special teamer to full-time starter—and ultimately, a 2024 NFL 2nd-Team All-Pro and NFL Pro Bowler, as well as defensive team captain. He led the league in total tackles during 2024 with 173 total tackles.

Franklin started all 17 games for the Colts last season, recording 125 tackles (62 solo), 7 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 5 passes defensed, and a forced fumble. Per PFF, Franklin was their 87th best graded linebacker with just a +38.4 overall grade this past season.

Even though the Colts will save some salary cap with this trade (~$4.61M), this move was just as much—if not more so, about Franklin being less of a natural fit in veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s defense, the team looking to get younger and faster at starting linebacker within its front seven, and perhaps (although no one within the Colts will admit it publicly), even arguably to eliminate some of the public distraction that Franklin had more recently become on his podcast.

As for Wooden, the 6,‘4”, 273 pound defensive tackle was originally a 2023 4th round pick of the Packers, who recorded 50 tackles (26 solo) and a pass defensed during 17 games (16 starts) in Green Bay this past season. Per PFF, Wooden earned a +49.8 overall grade this past season, which was 100th best among all interior defenders.

Wooden was highly athletic coming out of Auburn back in 2023:

Colby Wooden was drafted with pick 116 of round 4 in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 9.24 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 124 out of 1620 DT from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/NjH1qPf5F0 pic.twitter.com/WUbcWaybA6

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) April 29, 2023

He’s one of seven players to block both a field goal and an extra point over the past two seasons (via SleeperColts).

Wooden has one year left on his rookie contract and projects to be a rotational defensive tackle for the Colts next season.

Colby Wooden playing his ass off on this #Packers defensive front… and lining up all over it. Asking a ton from him this year (sudden Kenny Clark departure, Wyatt injury) and he's up to the challenge!

Showing off LOS quickness, chase range, stack/shed… pic.twitter.com/xrmWm26Bdf

— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) October 22, 2025

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...rmer-nfl-all-pro-lb-zaire-franklin-to-packers

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts free agent Alec Pierce’s market ‘expected to be robust’ during upcoming legal tampering period

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 30: Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) celebrates his first down during an NFL game between the Washington Commanders and the Indianapolis Colts on October 30, 2022 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Indianapolis Colts pending free agent wideout Alec Pierce is ‘expected to have a robust market’ once the legal tampering period begins this Monday, at 12 PM EST:

If there’s one player market expected to be robust once the legal tampering window opens Monday, it’s for Alec Pierce.

Teams around the league in need of a receiver are already bracing for a significant price tag.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 6, 2026

For what it’s worth, the NFL’s official free agency signing period begins this Wednesday, March 11th, at 4 PM EST.

Of course, Russini’s report is not exactly surprising, as Pierce has already been speculated to have a number of interested suitors including the Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, and Tennessee Titans among them, before this year’s free agency formally kicks off next mid-week.

With the Colts electing to place the transition tag on fellow soon-to-be free agent, starting quarterback Daniel Jones, instead, Pierce is surprisingly hitting the free agency market untagged as an unrestricted free agent.

That means any other NFL team is free to sign Pierce without any restrictions, or extra protections for the Colts.

The former 2022 2nd round pick of the Colts, at 25-years-old, just had a breakout 2025 campaign. He caught 47 receptions for 1,003 total receiving yards and 6 touchdown receptions during 15 games (14 starts) in 2025.

His 21.3 yards per reception average led the league, which Pierce has done now two seasons in a row.

It raises the question of whether the Colts, and specifically longtime general manager Chris Ballard, may have performed a major miscalculation regarding Pierce’s clearly ‘looming and booming’ free agency status.

Instead of locking up Jones to save the tag for Pierce, or agreeing to an earlier contract extension with Pierce all together, the Colts may be poised now to lose their best and reigning lead wideout set to enter the prime of his football playing career.

Pierce has an elite and unique receiving skill-set with his ability to separate vertically and win downfield too, as one of the Colts offense’s top playmakers and explosive threats.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...ed-to-be-robust-during-legal-tampering-period

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts re-sign Blake Grupe

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 04: Blake Grupe #10 of the Indianapolis Colts attempts a field goal in the first half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In a move that feels anti-climatic for Colts fans, Chris Ballard and the Indianapolis Colts front office are bringing back kicker Blake Grupe on a 1 year $1.4 million deal.

The #Colts and K Blake Grupe have agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $1.4 million, per his agent Mike Delle Donne. Grupe was 11-for-11 on field goals in five games after Indy signed him in December. pic.twitter.com/8iXrQ2FgSk

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 8, 2026

Grupe was very good for the Colts in his five games last season, going 11 for 11 on field goals and 10 out of 10 on PAT’s. Grupe’s five game stretch with Indy may have been the best stretch of his career as he posted a 79.8% field goal percentage during three and a half seasons with the New Orleans Saints. Perhaps most surprisingly Grupe went four for four on kicks of more than 50 yards including a career long, 60 yarder.

While this isn’t the resigning Colts fans all seem to be hoping for it is solid insurance for next season as Spencer Shrader attempts to come back from a torn ACL and MCL. Colts fans would be wise to view Grupe’s five games a season ago, skeptically, given the entirety of his career but those five games were absolutely enough to earn a modest pay day for someone who was solid in blue and white. Especially at such a critical position.

Stay tuned for more roster moves over the next 48 hours as this re-signing puts the Colts back over the salary cap threshold as they continue their push to both bring back star wide receiver Alec Pierce and get under the cap heading into unrestricted free agency. The only thing I’m confident of at this stage of the offseason is that, kicker notwithstanding, this Colts roster will look much different come September than it does right now.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...e-ballard-steiche-spencer-shrader-free-agency

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Position Mastery: Edge Rushers

Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (97) disrupts a pass by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The draft is under three months away, and edge rusher is one of the easiest positions to misread if you only watch highlights. Sacks get all the attention, but sacks by themselves don’t tell you much. A player can rack up college production by beating bad tackles, cleaning up broken plays, or simply being the best athlete on the field. That doesn’t mean he’s ready to consistently win against NFL offensive linemen.

Evaluating edge rushers is about more than counting pressures and splash plays. You’re looking for traits that actually carry over: first-step explosion, bend, hand usage, a real pass rush plan, the strength to convert speed into power, and the discipline to hold up against the run. The best ones don’t just win one way. They have answers. They can threaten the edge, counter inside, anchor versus contact, and finish once they get home.

For this installment, the goal is to break down what actually matters when scouting edge defenders. Not just who can get sacks on Saturdays, but who has the physical tools, technical polish, and football intelligence to win on Sundays. Like the rest of this series, the focus is on patterns that show up over and over again on tape — the same traits scouts and coaches care about when deciding who’s a real NFL starter and who’s just a college stat producer.

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Get-Off & First-Step Explosion​

• Explodes off the snap. Is he the first defender moving when the ball is snapped?

• Wins the first three steps. How much ground does he cover immediately?

• Threatens tackles early. Forces offensive tackles to open their hips right away.

• Times the snap count. Anticipation creates half-step advantages.

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Bend, Flexibility & Cornering​

• Can win the corner. Beats tackles around the edge consistently.

• Shows real bend. Dips his shoulder and reduces the hitting surface.

• Flexible hips and ankles. Tight turn toward the quarterback.

• Flattens to the QB. Doesn’t run past the pocket.

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Hand Usage, Pass Rush Moves & Power​

• Violent hands. Swipes, chops, clubs, and rips to defeat tackles.

• Multiple pass rush moves. Bull rush, speed rush, spin, inside counter.

• Converts speed to power. Turns momentum into bull rushes.

• Efficient movements. No wasted steps or slow setups.

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Pass Rush Plan & Football IQ​

• Rushes with a plan. Sets tackles up over the course of a game.

• Counters when stopped. Doesn’t repeat the same move endlessly.

• Recognizes screens. Reads blocking cues quickly.

• Understands protection schemes. Attacks weak points in protection.

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Run Defense & Edge Setting​

• Sets a firm edge. Keeps outside leverage against the run.

• Reads the backfield. Engages blockers while locating the ball.

• Disciplined pursuit. Doesn’t overcommit on misdirection.

• Backside effort. Chases plays across the field.

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Tackling & Finishing​

• Reliable tackler. Wraps up and finishes plays.

• Strong contact. Ball carriers go down on first hit.

• Few missed tackles. Doesn’t whiff in space.

• Finishes sacks. Turns pressures into actual sacks.

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Motor, Effort & Pursuit​

• Relentless motor. Same effort in the 4th quarter as the 1st.

• Chases downfield. Pursues plays 10–15 yards away.

• No plays off. Consistent effort snap to snap.

• Effort creates production. Many sacks come from second effort.

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Positional Versatility & Scheme Fit​

• Moves across the front. Can rush from multiple alignments.

• Inside pass rush ability. Lines up as a 3-tech on passing downs.

• Fits multiple schemes. Works in both 3–4 and 4–3 fronts.

• Creates matchup problems. Can attack guards or tackles.

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Play Strength, Length & Frame​

• Strong at the point of attack. Holds ground vs offensive tackles.

• Long arms. Keeps blockers off his chest.

• Functional strength. Wins leverage battles.

• NFL body type. Frame to add or maintain strength.

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Special Teams Value (For Non-Star Prospects)​

• Kickoff and punt units. Can contribute early in career.

• Field goal block threat. Length and explosion matter.

• Effort player. Willing to earn roster spots through special teams.

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In the end, evaluating edge rushers isn’t just about sack totals. College production can be misleading, especially when a player is simply the best athlete on the field. What translates to the NFL are repeatable traits: first-step explosion, bend around the corner, violent hands, a real pass rush plan, and the discipline to hold up against the run.

When you watch tape with those traits in mind, the picture becomes much clearer. The best edge defenders consistently pressure the quarterback, set the edge against the run, and play with relentless effort snap after snap. Those are the players who affect games every week, not just the ones who pile up highlight sacks on Saturdays.

Use this framework while studying prospects and the patterns start to reveal themselves. The players who win with speed, technique, intelligence, and effort are the ones most likely to become impact pass rushers on Sundays.

Other Instalments:

Quarterbacks

Running Backs

Receivers

Tight Ends

Offensive Linemen

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/scouting-the-nfl/122174/position-mastery-edge-rushers

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Report: Former Colts 1st round DE Kwity Paye signs 3-year, $48 million free agency deal with Raiders

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 17: Kwity Paye #51 of the Indianapolis Colts runs across the field at halftime during an NFL football game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 17, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Indianapolis Colts free agent starting defensive end Kwity Paye signed a 3-year, $48 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, with the contract details reported by NFL Insider Jordan Schultz.

As the Colts 2021 first round pick, and the 21st overall pick in that past year’s class, Paye would ultimately start 74 games during his five seasons in Indianapolis, compiling 30.5 career sacks during that same span.

He started 16 games for the Colts this past season, recording 39 tackles (15 solo), 6 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, 38 QB pressures, and a pass defensed. Per PFF, Paye earned a +59.0 overall grade, which was ranked as the 86th best among 115 total qualifying defensive edges, which his highest grade was his +65.8 run defense grade.

The problem with Paye though, despite his prior first round pedigree and elite physical traits, is that he never became anything more with Indianapolis, than he was at the University of Michigan, as an impact run stopper.

The Colts couldn’t develop him much further as a pass rusher, and at 27-years-old, his calling card in the pros remains his ability to set the edge and hold his ground and crashing in on run defense, while offering a bit of pass rushing from the outside edge—albeit nothing consistently impactful.

It’s not that Paye is a bad player by any means, as a serviceable run-stopping starter who also offers durability and high character. He just never lived up to his high draft billing with the Colts, especially when the Minnesota Vikings selected left tackle Christian Darrisaw in the first round right behind him (who I loved in that class!).

It was reported recently that Paye was considered a “free agent sleeper” among league executives, and his agent made good on that national report today by landing a lucrative multi-year deal from the rebuilding Raiders for his client.

Looking back at the Colts though, the two defensive ends they selected in the first and second rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft Class, Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo, didn’t earn second contracts in Indianapolis and are no longer with the team. Yes, they garnered big money deals elsewhere, but how can you reasonably rationalize that as success stories—when there were such little returns on their initial investments?

The Colts did sign Tennessee Titans veteran free agent edge Arden Key earlier on Monday, who may help to replace some of the lost production from Paye along the defensive line—who knows, maybe even as the new starter opposite fellow edge Laiatu Latu.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...year-48-million-free-agency-deal-with-raiders

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts re-signed WR Alec Pierce ‘knew his heart was in Indianapolis’—and best is still yet to come

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 30: Alec Pierce #14 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images) | Getty Images

With ESPN’s Pat McAfee on ‘The Pat McAfee Show,’ Indianapolis Colts recently re-signed wide receiver Alec Pierce shared his initial thoughts and excitement after reportedly inking a 4-year, $116 million contract extension (with $84 million guaranteed, $60 million being guaranteed at signing)—which is a historic deal for his position:

“Yeah, I think with the whole tag thing,” Pierce commented. “I thought initially, and my agents thought initially that we were going to be in some sort of franchise tag or whatnot, and they were going to be getting a deal done with Daniel (Jones).”

“When things kind of went that way for Daniel, so they ended up having to use the tag (on him), then it kind of opened it up like, ‘Oh, wow! We’re going to be the #1 free agent wide receiver out here.’”

“So then those opportunities started flooding in, but I knew where my heart was. I knew I loved the city of Indianapolis. Just seeing where we were at last year. Early in the year, rolling, I truly believe we were the #1 team in the NFL. Obviously, just didn’t finish out the season like we should’ve, but I think we get back to where we were with Daniel. I know they’re going to get his deal done and lock him down, and I think we can be special.”

Although Pierce was reportedly offered larger deals from other suitors, including a ‘huge offer from the Washington Commanders,’ it appears as though his heart was always in Indianapolis—and he was hoping to return. The Colts made a very competitive offer, and it sounds like the two sides burned the midnight oil early Monday morning and formally got things done right as the league’s official tampering period kicked off a handful of hours later around noon.

While Pierce and his camp were adamant that the Colts starting quarterback position weighed heavily on his ultimate decision, it appears as though Indy’s returning lead wideout is confident that Jones will be re-signed in Indianapolis sooner rather than later—as the pairing shared a lot of success in their debut campaign together.

What is clear, is that the Colts kept their best wide receiver, and one of the offense’s top playmakers—and an elite deep threat at that, for the foreseeable future. Still only 25-years-old, Pierce’s best football should still be well ahead of him, as he enters his playing career prime. He’s only gotten better since entering the league in 2022 and just had a breakout 2025 campaign.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...in-indianapolis-and-best-is-still-yet-to-come

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts, free agent QB Daniel Jones reportedly still working toward new multi-year deal

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 14: Daniel Jones #17 of the Indianapolis Colts talks with head coach Shane Steichen of the Indianapolis Colts before the NFL 2025 game between Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

According to Fox59/CBS4’s Mike Chappell, the Indianapolis Colts and free agent starting quarterback Daniel Jones, who currently has the transition tag placed on him, are still working towards a multi-year deal:

Colts and Daniel Jones continue working towards a long-term deal to replace the 1-year, $37.833 million transition tag, per source. Would represent win-win for both sides.

— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) March 10, 2026

Both sides would benefit from a longer-term deal, but it’s complicated as Jones is still recovering from a late season torn-Achilles and really had a little over a half season of really good quarterback play for the Colts before injuries derailed his debut Horseshoe season—leading to another total team collapse down the final 2025 stretch.

For the Colts, a multi-year deal would mean lessening Jones’ current cap hit for 2026, while also providing continuity at the starting quarterback position beyond hopefully just next season.

Since franchise quarterback Andrew Luck’s shocking retirement back in the 2019 offseason, the Colts have had a turnstile at the NFL’s most important position.

For Jones, it would provide stability. He’s been on three NFL teams in the past two years, and the so far, oft-injured quarterback would get added insurance and stability, coming off an Achilles tear, especially if 2026 turns out to be more of a ‘recovery’ year from a playing standpoint, with the hopes of better days ahead in Indianapolis.

It would also mean more money coming to Jones over the entire length of the deal, instead of a 1-year, ‘prove it’ deal under the tag, particularly if he cannot regain his prior Pro Bowl caliber form with the Colts during 2026—providing him at least an extra year or two, maybe more of added insurance.

SI.com’s Albert Breer reported earlier this week that Jones and his camp turned down ‘Sam Darnold money,’ and were seeking a new deal worth $50 million per year.

In the coming days, I would expect that requested figure from Jones’ representation to significantly decrease, especially if the Minnesota Vikings sign Arizona Cardinals castoff quarterback Kyler Murray in the interim.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...portedly-still-working-toward-multi-year-deal

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

It’s time for the Colts to tell Daniel Jones to kick rocks

Just be done with it. Be done with the whole thing. The Indianapolis Colts are negotiating with a delusional person as they attempt to work out a long-term contract with Daniel Jones. We can talk about what is involved in “negotiating” all we want but there has to be a starting level of “reason” involved. Approaching anywhere in the range of $50 million a year is complete delusion, and the Colts would be best gettin’ while the gettin’s good.

Jones’ best stretch ever occurred over the first eight games of 2025 with performances against the Dolphins, Raiders, Cardinals, and Titans twice. That isn’t being cheeky. Those are the facts. Before that, 9-6-1 with one playoff win against “not ready for prime time Kirk Cousins” was his best win-loss season. He has only thrown more than 20 touchdowns once in seven years, has 55 interceptions, and a slew of missed games due to injuries as well. This is the player asking for $50 million? Quarterback contracts have gotten out of hand, but this is next level.

Even though the Colts would never pay that, they could cave on something over his true value. Tying themselves to Jones for three years could be disastrous as there is little to no data to prove he is actually any good. Basing a decision solely on last year is an unfortunate reality, but it doesn’t mean it should be overly pumped up to skew his worth. Get Kyler Murray. Ride with Riley Leonard. A contract with Jones provides zero flexibility and potential for a major issue down the road.

Daniel Jones might be a great guy. That doesn’t mean he is worth $50 million a year or anywhere close to that. The Colts have been wandering the quarterback desert for years now, so what’s one more? That seems like a better gamble than placing all their chips on Jones. Eight good weeks against five terrible opponents could set this franchise back indefinitely. The Colts need to pivot from Jones immediately unless his price drastically falls. Otherwise, they need to tell him to kick rocks.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...-the-colts-to-tell-daniel-jones-to-kick-rocks

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Bold bet on Daniel Jones’ return after breakout seasons from Alec Pierce

Daniel Jones throws a pass during Indianapolis Colts Training Camp practice at Grand Park in Westfield, Ind. — Aug. 3 2025. | Thomas Butler-Guerrero

The Indianapolis Colts entered the 2026 offseason facing a familiar dilemma, trying to sustain a promising core while navigating cap casualties and roster turnover on the fly. The early offseason moves signal the Colts will double down on an offense that powered an 8-2 start last season before they lost their final seven games to fall out of the AFC playoff race.

The centerpiece of the offseason plan was the decision to retain both quarterback Daniel Jones and receiver Alec Pierce in Indianapolis. The deep threat became a defining element of the offense to stretch opponents vertically as Jones averaged 20.4 yards per completion when targeting Pierce. Over the past two seasons, Pierce has caught 84 passes for 1,827 receiving yards, leading the league with an absurd 21.8 yards per catch. Pierce mentioned it’s no surprise on his return, because his agents were committed to getting a deal done for him to stay in Indy.

The franchise made it clear the belief in Jones’ performance sample was enough to justify its bold, $100 million investment since bringing in the QB last March. Jones agreed to a two-year, $88 million contract that could reach upwards to $100 million with incentives. Jones will continue throwing dimes to Pierce, who agreed to a lucrative four-year, $116 million contract to remain with the Colts.

The free fall out of playoff contention started when Jones fractured his left fibula in a Week 12 overtime loss at Kansas City. The week following that season-shifting defeat was the last time the Colts held first place in the AFC South. At the time, the Colts led the entire league averaging 31 points per game, 6.31 yards per play and 5.21 rush yards per play. Jones posted career-highs averaging 8.1 yards per pass, along with a 100.2 passer rating before he dealt with compounding injuries and later suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in Jacksonville.

To create financial flexibility for those deals, Indianapolis must reshape parts of its depth chart following five key starter departures, including two homegrown offensive starters. The Colts traded away receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers and let starting tackle Braden Smith walk to the rival Houston Texans in free agency. The Colts cleared roughly $24 million in cap space on Wednesday after the Steelers took on Pittman’s contract and swapped a seventh round pick (No. 230) for an additional sixth-round compensatory pick (either No. 214 or No. 216) in April’s NFL Draft.

Smith is approaching 30 and agreed to a two-year, $25 million deal with Houston after he logged 107 games with 105 starts in his first eight NFL seasons with the Colts. Indianapolis also restructured the contract of starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann, converting $11 million of his salary into a signing bonus to create $8 million of cap room. If Jones returns healthy, the Colts believe the trio of Jones, Pierce and Taylor could position them to resume the same trajectory when the offense looked like one of the NFL’s most dangerous units.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...eturn-after-breakout-seasons-from-alec-pierce

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts add Chiefs free agent DT Derrick Nnadi to boost interior depth

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 04: Derrick Nnadi #92 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on in the second quarter of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 14-12. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Per his representation at SportsTrust advisors, the Indianapolis Colts have signed Kansas City Chiefs veteran free agent defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi.

Originally a 2018 3rd round pick of the Chiefs, the 6’1”, 317 pound Nnadi has appeared in 130 career games, making 98 career starts. The 29-year-old veteran defensive tackle is fresh off a 2025 campaign for the Chiefs, in which he recorded 16 tackles during 15 games (11 starts). He’s a 3x Super Bowl Champion with Kansas City.

Per PFF, this past season, Nnadi earned a +43.6 overall grade, which was the 118th best among 134 qualifying interior defenders. He had a +46.0 run defense grade.

While the Colts recently added former Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Colby Wooden in the Zaire Franklin trade over this past weekend, it looks like Nnadi will be the 1T ‘run defense’ replacement for departed veteran defensive tackle Neville Gallimore behind entrenched veteran run-stopping starting nose tackle Grover Stewart.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...colts-sign-chiefs-free-agent-dt-derrick-nnadi

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts free agent safety Nick Cross headed home to DC

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 5: Nick Cross #20 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before the NFL 2025 game between Las Vegas Raiders and Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Indianapolis Colts starting safety Nick Cross is signing with the Washington Commanders on a 2-year deal, worth up to $14 million:

Free agent safety Nick Cross is going to the #Commanders, per The Insiders, as they continue to add. It's a 2-year deal worth up to $14M done by @WinSportsGroup. pic.twitter.com/kU8HKbdwoM

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2026

Originally a 2022 3rd round pick of the Colts out of Maryland, Cross had become a full-time starter for the Colts over the past two seasons, starting in all 34 games during that same span. Going to the Commanders is a bit of a homecoming for the former DeMatha Catholic high school standout and local Hyattsville, Maryland, native.

This past season, Cross recorded 120 tackles (72 solo), 5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, an interception, 5 passes defensed, and a forced fumble during all 17 starts. Per PFF, Cross was their 69th best qualifying safety with a +59.8 overall grade, including a +72.0 run defense grade.

At his playing peak, Cross was a blistering fast, big-hitter in run support, and a rangy centerfielder in pass coverage, but still only 24-years-old, his play at times with Indianapolis was inconsistent and undisciplined in the backend of their revamped secondary.

Given the length and amount of this contract, it’s a little bit surprising that Indianapolis wasn’t able to retain Cross, but perhaps, home was calling him back above anything else.

The Colts seemed very high on rookie 7th round safety Hunter Wohler last year before he was lost to a season-ending Lisfranc injury during Week 2 of preseason. He could be a candidate as an internal replacement, and perhaps, the Colts could look to deploy fellow 2025 rookie Justin Walley at some safety too situationally in the hopes of getting him more on the field—with Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward, and Kenny Moore II manning the top three cornerback spots.

It’s likely that the Colts will bring in some added safety depth regardless, as it’s a positional room that’s in real need of an overhaul as far as improved backups are concerned too.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...ree-agent-safety-nick-cross-headed-home-to-dc

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts free agent safety Rodney Thomas II joins reigning Super Bowl Champions’ defense

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 14: Rodney Thomas II #25 of the Indianapolis Colts brings down Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 14, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Indianapolis Colts free agent safety Rodney Thomas II is signing with the Seattle Seahawks—as he joins the reigning Super Bowl Champions:

Former Colts safety Rodney Thomas II is signing with the Seahawks, per source.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2026

Originally a 2022 7th round pick of the Colts out of Yale, the 6’1”, 196 pound Thomas initially appeared to be a hidden diamond in the rough found by the Indianapolis scouting department.

During his rookie season back in 2022, Thomas recorded 52 tackles (34 solo), 4 interceptions, and a pass defensed during 17 games (10 starts).

While Thomas would start 15 games a season later, he never quite regained his prior debut pro campaign form. He would eventually lose his starting safety job to young strong safety Nick Cross in the 2024 offseason, having previously started alongside Julian Blackmon, and never reclaimed it back.

Last season, Thomas recorded 21 tackles (14 solo) during all 17 games—playing 61% of the Colts total special teams snaps. Per PFF, he earned a +73.5 overall grade, including an impressive +88.9 tackling grade during 2025.

The Colts already lost starting safety Nick Cross, who replaced Thomas in their starting lineup, in free agency to the Washington Commanders, so needless to say, Indianapolis will be adding some meaningful depth to their positional room—even if they’re high on 2nd-year safety Hunter Wohler.

Maybe the Seahawks can help Thomas rediscover his rookie form, but honestly, the Colts safety group is a unit that really needed to be revamped behind entrenched free safety starter Cam Bynum and whoever ultimately ends up starting next to him in the backend of their secondary. They needed more production from that group, as Thomas hasn’t been the same guy in three seasons, while fellow backup Daniel Scott is consistently injured.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...ii-joins-reigning-super-bowl-champion-defense