The Indianapolis Colts have some significant areas to address if they plan to respond to the pressure to win in 2026.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — "We have been very clear with Chris and Shane that giving them another opportunity means that the sense of urgency for them to deliver and perform has never been higher."
Those were the words of Indianapolis Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon this week, explaining why general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen will retain their jobs in 2026 after an 8-9 season in which they missed the playoffs for a fifth straight year.
Ballard has made the playoffs twice in nine years, winning one game, and has never won the AFC South. Steichen hasn't made the postseason in his three years.
With obvious pressure from ownership, Ballard, in particular, will need to be aggressive in addressing the Colts' needs this offseason. While there are plenty, these are the most critical.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Under Contract in 2026: Laiatu Latu, DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, JT Tuimoloau, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Tim Smith, Durell Nchami, Viliami Fehoko Jr.
Free Agents: Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, Tyquan Lewis, Neville Gallimore, Eric Johnson II
Even if everyone was coming back, this would be the Colts' biggest need. Their 39 sacks tied for 15th in the NFL, and Pro Football Focus graded the defense 21st in pass rushing. The Colts' pass rush was heavily reliant on Latu and Buckner, and while Latu did take a second-year jump, as PFF ranked his 61 pressures 15th among edge rushers in the NFL, it wasn't enough. And Buckner spent two stints on Injured Reserve with a neck injury, appearing in just 10-of-17 games. Latu and Tuimoloau are the only feasible edge rushers under contract in 2026, and Tuimoloau made little impact as a rookie. Buckner and Stewart will be 32 years old when next season begins.
LINEBACKER
Under Contract in 2026: Zaire Franklin, Austin Ajiake, Jaylon Carlies, John Bullock, Joseph Vaughn
Free Agents: Germaine Pratt, Segun Olubi, Jacob Phillips
Not only were the Colts vulnerable over the middle of the field in coverage, but the lack of playmaking at the second level was painfully clear. Just one Colts linebacker (Pratt) ranked among the team's top-10 highest-graded defensive players according to PFF. This was comfortably the worst grade of Franklin's career, earning career-worsts in overall grade (38.4), run defense (54.9), coverage (29.9), tackling (47.3), missed tackle rate (13.9%), and stops (39). The Colts had 14 interceptions and seven fumbles recovered, and linebackers only accounted for three of the 21 takeaways; all of them from Pratt. Defensive linemen Latu and Stewart had more interceptions between the two of them than the Colts' linebackers had takeaways in total.
OFFENSIVE LINE DEPTH
Under Contract in 2026: Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Jalen Travis, Dalton Tucker, Blake Freeland, Josh Sills, Bill Murray, Bayron Matos, Jack Wilson, LaDarius Henderson, Jimmy Morrissey
Free Agents: Braden Smith, Luke Tenuta, Danny Pinter
The Colts' blocking and offensive line played well overall in 2025, although injuries added up, and they were unable to combat loaded boxes as the season wore on. This is a big need more focused on being proactive. The starting five is fine, but Tucker and Freeland are their best backups, which is not fine. The Colts need to find someone capable of competing with Travis at right tackle if Smith leaves in free agency, and to provide competent play when injuries inevitably occur.
KEEP AN EYE ON
Wide receiver: Right now, Michael Pittman Jr., Ashton Dulin, and Josh Downs are your starting receivers in 2026, and Pittman's $29 million cap hit in unrealistic.
Cornerback: Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward Sr., and Kenny Moore II is an attractive starting trio on the surface, but Ward is contemplating retirement, Gardner dealt with a calf issue for most of his time in Indy, and Moore's contract is something the Colts need to consider, moving forward. The next man up, Justin Walley, spent his entire rookie season recovering from an ACL injury.
Safety: Cam Bynum is Steady Eddie, but Nick Cross is a free agent, and Hunter Wohler was on IR all of his rookie season with a Lisfranc (foot) injury.
Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.