The Indianapolis Colts' success in 2026 rests on the shoulders — and Achilles — of Daniel Jones and Shane Steichen.
On the latest episode of the Locked On Colts podcast, on the Locked On Podcast network, hosts Jake Arthur and Zach Hicks discuss expectations for the Indianapolis Colts' offense in 2026.
First, a look at the free agents, which include quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce, two players critical to the success of the offense last season.
Jones' free agency is complicated. He was a castaway before arriving in Indianapolis, but played the best football of his career before an Achilles injury ruined his standout season. How much will that injury affect his payday? Do the Colts have any choice but to re-sign Jones, given his chemistry with head coach Shane Steichen?
As for Pierce, he led the NFL in yards per catch for the second consecutive season and reached his first 1,000-yard campaign in 2026. The Colts will likely need to break the bank to retain him because of how nearly irreplaceable he is to the offense.
Veteran right tackle Braden Smith is also a free agent. Will his standout play land him back in Indy, or are his injuries (and the presence of Jalen Travis) too much to overcome?
Two players who are under contract in 2026, quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., may not be with the Colts much longer. Richardson may need a fresh start on a new team, while Pittman's $29 million cap hit in 2026 is simply too high for his level of play. The guys discuss whether the Colts could make it work with these players or send them out.
When it comes to expectations for the offense next season, the Colts need to address Jones and Pierce, find reinforcements on the offensive line on the second level, and bolster the run game alongside Jonathan Taylor.
If Travis is to replace Smith permanently as the starting right tackle, there needs to be someone beyond Blake Freeland who can challenge for the spot, or at the very least, support it with depth.
Taylor just had his third career season with 300-plus touches, which is an indicator that the Colts need more depth to support him, especially without knowing what DJ Giddens can provide. Is another Khalil Herbert-level addition on the way?
You can find the audio version of the latest episode on the official Locked On Colts site, or following on YouTube:
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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.