The Indianapolis Colts could have some serious firepower hitting the free-agent market next offseason.
The frenzy of NFL free agency is beginning to die down a bit across the league, as record deals have long since been closed and trades have been made. While those things will continue sporadically throughout the offseason, the NFL is now shifting focus toward April's NFL Draft.
The Indianapolis Colts were quite active throughout the first month of the new league year. However, looking ahead to next year at this time, how busy might they be?
ESPN NFL writer Matt Bowen recently put together an early list of some of the most prominent players who could hit the open market next spring, and there were a few Colts players to make the list.
RB Jonathan Taylor
"One of the league's premier runners, Taylor combines power, vision, and home run juice to rack up big-time production. He led the league with 323 carries and 18 rushing touchdowns last season; his 1,585 rushing yards ranked third. Plus, Taylor can produce as an outlet/underneath target in the passing game (46 receptions in 2025)."
Taylor is coming off one of the most productive seasons of his career. His 323 carries and 1,585 rushing yards in 2025 were both the second-most in his career, as were his 369 total touches and 1,963 yards from scrimmage. His 18 rushing touchdowns and 20 total touchdowns were both tied for career bests.
The Colts are fully in win-now mode in 2026 — it seems as if jobs depend on it — so another big season from arguably their best player will likely be necessary to accomplish what they want to.
The Colts and Taylor have engaged in a contract stalemate before, though: we all remember the ankle issue/trade request that dominated headlines in 2023.
Oct 31, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) celebrates his touchdown with guard Quenton Nelson (56) in the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesG Quenton Nelson
"Nelson's tone-setting play demeanor would be a fit for any O-line room in the league, and he's still producing high-level tape. His 95.5% pass block win rate ranked seventh among guards last season. Plus, he can easily displace defenders in the run game."
There's zero reason that Nelson shouldn't be a lifetime Colt. He's already one of the most individually accomplished players in franchise history and is still playing at an elite level. It's time to reset the NFL's guard market once again.
Since the Colts know Nelson is part of the team's short- and long-term future, regardless of what happens with the front office and coaching staff in 2027, the team could still extend him this offseason, which would likely create more salary cap space.
DT DeForest Buckner
"Buckner's sack totals and pass rush win rate have slipped over the past two seasons in Indianapolis. However, he can fit in a variety of NFL fronts with his powerful traits and 6-foot-7, 295-pound frame."
Things are tricky with Buckner. He spent two stints on Injured Reserve last season, dealing with a herniated disc in his neck, which ultimately required surgery. He'll be returning from the injury this season at 32 years old. It's fair to question how he'll play under the circumstances, let alone what his next contract may look like.
At his best, Buckner is a consistent, high-level force who puts opposing offenses on their heels throughout the game, but he'll need to prove the neck injury is a thing of the past before re-upping with the Colts, or anyone else, in 2027.