Colts A Potential Landing Spot for Versatile Free-Agent Runner

The Indianapolis Colts have a significant question mark at running back behind Jonathan Taylor.

The group is rounded out by DJ Giddens, Seth McGowan, Ulysses Bentley IV, Lincoln Pare, and Anderson Castle, who have a combined 10 games of NFL experience, with 27 total carries.

Nearly all of that production came from Giddens, who was active for just nine games last year as a rookie.

The Colts drafted McGowan in the seventh round this spring to compete with Giddens for the backup role behind Taylor, but if neither shows the ability to reliably hold down a role on third down or special teams, the Colts may be compelled to bring in a veteran to get the job done.

Recently, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton compiled a list of seven "bargain bin" free agents who could help teams in 2026, and he included running back Antonio Gibson, with the Colts as a potential suitor.

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"After the New England Patriots selected running back TreVeyon Henderson in the second round of last year's draft, Antonio Gibson struggled to carve out a consistent role in a crowded backfield," Moton wrote. "Then, in Week 5 of the season, he tore his ACL.

"Gibson finished the 2025 campaign with 112 scrimmage yards, a touchdown and two fumbles. With those numbers, he'll have to settle for a modest deal on the open market.

"However, Gibson's versatile skill set could be appealing to teams that need a pass-catching specialist in the running back room," Moton continued. "He can complement a lead ball-carrier who's limited in the passing game or serve as an insurance policy for a platoon that's missing a proven third-down tailback.

"Remember, Gibson played wide receiver in college at Memphis before transitioning to running back. Entering his seventh year, the dual-threat playmaker has 4,782 scrimmage yards and 31 touchdowns on his resume."

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The Colts do have a recent history of bringing in experienced veteran running backs like Gibson during the summer. They added Ameer Abdullah last September, and Kenyan Drake, Tyler Goodson, and Trey Sermon all early in 2023.

Gibson (6'2", 220, 28 years old) would be a solid pickup for what the Colts need: a running back to complement Taylor, who can pick up some tough yardage on the ground and is a capable pass-catcher and blocker. Special teams ability is a plus to justify their gameday roster spot.

Gibson ran for 1,832 yards and 18 touchdowns in his first two years in the league and has averaged at least four yards per carry in all but one of his six seasons. He has great value as a pass-catcher, averaging 43 catches in his first four seasons, with seven career receiving touchdowns.

In three of Gibson's six seasons, he's had an above-average pass-protection grade, according to Pro Football Focus, and he averages more than 49 special-teams snaps per season over the last four years.