2026 Off-Season Thread

[Puck]

https://1075thefan.com/723170/alec-pierce-ready-to-test-open-free-agent-market/


“You can extrapolate my targets (84), there’s not many receivers who have gotten 1,000 yards on under 100 targets and I had 84. I think you take those numbers, what’s a No. 1 receiver get targets wise (130-150)? You basically double my targets, I’m setting the (receiving) record.”

[rm1369]

Oh yeah, I wish him the best. Go get your money, dude. I agree that if the money is even, I hope he chooses to stay.

Then again, if a team like Buffalo offers him the same money and he’d get the chance to play with Josh Allen, I really wouldn’t expect him to come back.

And if he does leave, maybe Ballard can trade for AD Mitchell.

I won’t blame him for leaving. Unless the team offers more money than competitors why would he choose this organization? The consistent mediocrity? The other option is they clean house and you have no idea what you are getting. Ballard screwed up when AP wasn’t tagged. If some teams want to throw big money at DJ then so be it. He’s proven nothing IMO. DJ has more reason to believe the Colts are the right fit for him than AP does.

[Hoopsdoc]

I won’t blame him for leaving. Unless the team offers more money than competitors why would he choose this organization? The consistent mediocrity? The other option is they clean house and you have no idea what you are getting. Ballard screwed up when AP wasn’t tagged. If some teams want to throw big money at DJ then so be it. He’s proven nothing IMO. DJ has more reason to believe the Colts are the right fit for him than AP does.

Holder explained it like this-the Colts have decided that Jones is their guy going forward, whether we like it or not. Once they made that decision, the choice of who to tag became clear, just based on the positional value. You make sure you keep your starting quarterback first, then the wide receiver.

If you view it through that lens, they made the right choice. It also tells us that a long term deal with Jones is still coming, regardless of whether they are able to keep Pierce.

As someone who does not think Jones is the answer at quarterback, I think they’re nuts.

[Lov2fish]

Holder explained it like this-the Colts have decided that Jones is their guy going forward, whether we like it or not. Once they made that decision, the choice of who to tag became clear, just based on the positional value. You make sure you keep your starting quarterback first, then the wide receiver.

If you view it through that lens, they made the right choice. It also tells us that a long term deal with Jones is still coming, regardless of whether they are able to keep Pierce.

As someone who does not think Jones is the answer at quarterback, I think they’re nuts.

Bingo. I would keep Pierce and give Leonard a legit shot. What do we have to lose? Jones scares me more than Leonard does. Get hurt again? Revert back to his Giants days? If Jones is the final answer, it better be an incentive loaded deal.

[Hoopsdoc]

Bingo. I would keep Pierce and give Leonard a legit shot. What do we have to lose? Jones scares me more than Leonard does. Get hurt again? Revert back to his Giants days? If Jones is the final answer, it better be an incentive loaded deal.

That’s the one and only upshot of all of this. If we trade AR and roll with Jones, we’ll get to see Leonard in action at some point because Jones will get hurt. That’s almost guaranteed.

[DragonTails]

I would have cut Pittman and signed AP.

[Racehorse]

Oh yeah, I wish him the best. Go get your money, dude. I agree that if the money is even, I hope he chooses to stay.

Then again, if a team like Buffalo offers him the same money and he’d get the chance to play with Josh Allen, I really wouldn’t expect him to come back.

And if he does leave, maybe Ballard can trade for AD Mitchell.

Buffalo is over the cap, ATM

[ChoppedWood]

Good people of Coltfreaks, let me introduce you to the very worst GM in the NFL today, tomorrow, and forever hereafter.

Chris Ballard is without question an incompetent fucking stooge.

I guess he made some comments at the combine about fans on the internet talking shit but not having the courage to say shit to his face. Hilarious, fucking hilarious that the GM of a multi-billion dollar organization would spew that type of juvenile shit. Tells you everything you ever need to know at just how fully inept he really is.

We are fucked beyond comprehension.

[albany ed]

Good people of Coltfreaks, let me introduce you to the very worst GM in the NFL today, tomorrow, and forever hereafter.

Chris Ballard is without question an incompetent fucking stooge.

I guess he made some comments at the combine about fans on the internet talking shit but not having the courage to say shit to his face. Hilarious, fucking hilarious that the GM of a multi-billion dollar organization would spew that type of juvenile shit. Tells you everything you ever need to know at just how fully inept he really is.

We are fucked beyond comprehension.

I was never on the "I hate Ballard" bandwagon that your were driving, but this latest move of giving Jones a guaranteed 37 million and thus sealing the fate of Pierce going to greener pastures, has me on board.

FUCK CHRIS BALLARD!

[Mr. Session]

Pierce would be retarded to come back here, and we're retarded for not tagging him.

When does it fucking stop? These clowns do their best to ruin a glass half full attitude.

[ChoppedWood]

Pierce would be retarded to come back here, and we're retarded for not tagging him.

When does it fucking stop? These clowns do their best to ruin a glass half full attitude.

Took fucking years and years for this asshole to finally build a WR corps that can play, and what does he do- fucking sit on his hands so it most likely is dismantled just when it was proving to be very good.

I HATE this fucking dude, I mean HATE him. It is incomprehensible how shitty he is at his job.

[Oldcolt]

Been following this team for 62 years. Not sure I can keep rooting for a team that is so dysfunctional. For those of you who still support Ballard can you explain what he is doing? Honestly I have not seen or heard one person, not one, who is on board or understands WTF this organization is trying to do.

[Hoopsdoc]

Been following this team for 62 years. Not sure I can keep rooting for a team that is so dysfunctional. For those of you who still support Ballard can you explain what he is doing? Honestly I have not seen or heard one person, not one, who is on board or understands WTF this organization is trying to do.

It’s obvious what they’re thinking, it’s just that they are wrong about Jones. He will never even lead this team to the playoffs.

[Hoopsdoc]

I will say that if Pierce ends up getting some insanely big contract from another team and leaves, the Colts will end up being better off in the long run, because I don’t think Pierce is a true number one receiver any more than Pittman is.

He’s a good player and a great deep threat but he’s not a true number one.

[sherck]

I mean, the plan is a clear as day if you choose to look at it that way.

Andrew Luck retires and our decades of superior QB play ends.

We then search 7 seasons with little to no success in finding someone who can deliver superior QB play (I am giving the year with Phillip Rivers as the little success in that above statement.)

Ballard tried...regardless of success, he tried everything he could think of to find someone who could deliver superior QB play to the Indianapolis Colts.

While trying to find that guy, we can debate all day long on how well he built the rest of the roster but as we all know, the rest of the roster matters much less than having that one guy that can deliver superior QB play.

And in 2025, for just over half the season going 8-2, we found a younger QB with lots of starting experience that again delivered superior QB play to the Indianapolis Colts to pair with a roster that showed it could compete.

Red flags? Sure! Injury and bad play with the Giants but for that half year, Daniel Jones did what no other QB had done in Ballard's time as the Colts GM...he delivered superior QB play.

And now the team wants to try and retain that. It is clear as day.

Honestly, I myself am over the Ballard experience in Indy after having defended him because I do not believe that DJ can sustain superior QB play in 2026 and beyond. I think they are betting on the wrong horse and it is going to bite them in the a$$.

But, to those who are going on about how he is THE WORST GM in the NFL or how the franchis has become a complete joke....please.....

Do some fricking research.....study the Raiders....or the Jets....or Miami....or about ten or so franchises who just can not put a quality team on the field. Get some prespective.

My son mentioned to me yesterday that this is the first time in his memory of following the Colts (which started in about 2013 or 2014) that the Colts are probably going to lose someone to free agency that he is really sorry to see go. Like, he is perhaps a future cornerstone of a team we are letting get away.

Perhaps you could argue Bethea signed away in 2014...
Perhaps Justin Houston in 2021...
Perhaps Glowinski in 2022...
Okereke in 2023?

None of our lost free agents have really been impact players for the team...and now Pierce.

That makes the worst GM and most disfunctional NFL franchise in the league? Please...

I do not like the choice. I think whatever team gives DJ a starter quality contract is going to be very disapointed in the end. I disagree with the selection of DJ over AP.

But that choice does not catapult the franchise into "worst run" area. Some on here are worst that teenaged girl K-Pop fans with their drama...and I have a couple of them who live in my house!

While I disaree with Hoopsdoc and believe that AP is a legit WR1 in the NFL, his loss to the franchise will not plummet us back into the dregs of NFL loser-hood.

The future play of Daniel Jones will do that...

P.S. - AND I REALLY HOPE THAT I HAVE TO EAT CROW ON THE ABOVE STATEMENT! i will support the Colts no matter what and I hope that I have to come back on this board in two years and say that I WAS WRONG about DJ. I want the Colts to have success no matter what.

We will see.

[albany ed]

I was never anti Ballard until this latest move. I agree, the sudden Luck departure left a huge hole in all his plans. He tried, but if weren't for a retired Luck, he had no Luck at all. (Blues despair and agony on me.).

I'm just really pissed at this latest move. I really don't believe there would be any team that would offer DJ a contract that exceeds the 37 million they are now on the hook to pay him. I honestly believe 15 million with some reachable incentives would have worked and then they could have franchised Pierce.

Like you, I hope I'm wrong about this, but I really don't think so. As for Pierce, he'll probably end up in New England where his success will continue to haunt Colts fans for years to come.

[Hoopsdoc]

I mean, the plan is a clear as day if you choose to look at it that way.

Andrew Luck retires and our decades of superior QB play ends.

We then search 7 seasons with little to no success in finding someone who can deliver superior QB play (I am giving the year with Phillip Rivers as the little success in that above statement.)

Ballard tried...regardless of success, he tried everything he could think of to find someone who could deliver superior QB play to the Indianapolis Colts.

While trying to find that guy, we can debate all day long on how well he built the rest of the roster but as we all know, the rest of the roster matters much less than having that one guy that can deliver superior QB play.

And in 2025, for just over half the season going 8-2, we found a younger QB with lots of starting experience that again delivered superior QB play to the Indianapolis Colts to pair with a roster that showed it could compete.

Red flags? Sure! Injury and bad play with the Giants but for that half year, Daniel Jones did what no other QB had done in Ballard's time as the Colts GM...he delivered superior QB play.

And now the team wants to try and retain that. It is clear as day.

Honestly, I myself am over the Ballard experience in Indy after having defended him because I do not believe that DJ can sustain superior QB play in 2026 and beyond. I think they are betting on the wrong horse and it is going to bite them in the a$$.

But, to those who are going on about how he is THE WORST GM in the NFL or how the franchis has become a complete joke....please.....

Do some fricking research.....study the Raiders....or the Jets....or Miami....or about ten or so franchises who just can not put a quality team on the field. Get some prespective.

My son mentioned to me yesterday that this is the first time in his memory of following the Colts (which started in about 2013 or 2014) that the Colts are probably going to lose someone to free agency that he is really sorry to see go. Like, he is perhaps a future cornerstone of a team we are letting get away.

Perhaps you could argue Bethea signed away in 2014...
Perhaps Justin Houston in 2021...
Perhaps Glowinski in 2022...
Okereke in 2023?

None of our lost free agents have really been impact players for the team...and now Pierce.

That makes the worst GM and most disfunctional NFL franchise in the league? Please...

I do not like the choice. I think whatever team gives DJ a starter quality contract is going to be very disapointed in the end. I disagree with the selection of DJ over AP.

But that choice does not catapult the franchise into "worst run" area. Some on here are worst that teenaged girl K-Pop fans with their drama...and I have a couple of them who live in my house!

While I disaree with Hoopsdoc and believe that AP is a legit WR1 in the NFL, his loss to the franchise will not plummet us back into the dregs of NFL loser-hood.

The future play of Daniel Jones will do that...

P.S. - AND I REALLY HOPE THAT I HAVE TO EAT CROW ON THE ABOVE STATEMENT! i will support the Colts no matter what and I hope that I have to come back on this board in two years and say that I WAS WRONG about DJ. I want the Colts to have success no matter what.

We will see.

I agree with everything you said here with the exception of Pierce being a true number one receiver.

True number ones are guys like Smith-Njigba, AJ Brown, J’Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson. Pierce is nowhere near that level and, in my opinion, never will be. He’s not athletic enough. He’s a really good receiver but he’s not one of those guys.

What I’m saying is, if he ends getting paid like one of those guys, then the Colts will have dodged a bullet if he leaves because he’s never going to live up to that contract.

Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think I am.

[Hoopsdoc]

I was never anti Ballard until this latest move. I agree, the sudden Luck departure left a huge hole in all his plans. He tried, but if weren't for a retired Luck, he had no Luck at all. (Blues despair and agony on me.).

I'm just really pissed at this latest move. I really don't believe there would be any team that would offer DJ a contract that exceeds the 37 million they are now on the hook to pay him. I honestly believe 15 million with some reachable incentives would have worked and then they could have franchised Pierce.

Like you, I hope I'm wrong about this, but I really don't think so. As for Pierce, he'll probably end up in New England where his success will continue to haunt Colts fans for years to come.

Ughh, New England would be a perfect spot for him. Damnit. Now he’s going to end up there.

[Puck]

Destin Adams
@TheDestinAdams
·
Mar 4
To be honest, though, Jones knows the Colts can't have him actually play on the transition tag

There's no cap flexibility there, and they need it

They need him to sign an actual contract

So I'd say this still gives him more leverage than the Colts

[Puck]

I was never anti Ballard until this latest move. I agree, the sudden Luck departure left a huge hole in all his plans. He tried, but if weren't for a retired Luck, he had no Luck at all. (Blues despair and agony on me.).

I'm just really pissed at this latest move. I really don't believe there would be any team that would offer DJ a contract that exceeds the 37 million they are now on the hook to pay him. I honestly believe 15 million with some reachable incentives would have worked and then they could have franchised Pierce.

Like you, I hope I'm wrong about this, but I really don't think so. As for Pierce, he'll probably end up in New England where his success will continue to haunt Colts fans for years to come.


Maybe wait until we see happens before turning on this move? If we keep DJ. his contract will be different than the 37m if he wants more than a 1 yr deal.

They have until next Tuesday to get a deal done with AP. I am guessing they are working on other contracts right now to free up some cap space

Patience

[Puck]

I agree with everything you said here with the exception of Pierce being a true number one receiver.

True number ones are guys like Smith-Njigba, AJ Brown, J’Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson. Pierce is nowhere near that level and, in my opinion, never will be. He’s not athletic enough. He’s a really good receiver but he’s not one of those guys.

What I’m saying is, if he ends getting paid like one of those guys, then the Colts will have dodged a bullet if he leaves because he’s never going to live up to that contract.

Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think I am.


I think he is working his way to becoming one. Remember he has not had a stable QB in all his years here. His route tree is expanding, and he is absolutely correct when he says "I only had 84 catches last yr and went over 1000 yards. With 130-150 catches. I set the receiving record'

Hard to argue with that. He and Dimes were building some chemistry. While he may not be a top of the NFL #1 right now. He will be eventually.

He wanted Dimes signed. and his brother is going to be playing BB at Purdue

I think this deal gets done eventually and he is going to get paid. And when he does I am sure some on here will be doing a lot of bitching about the price.

JMO
~Pete~

[Oldcolt]

Ballard had half a season to either work something out with Jones or Pierce. He had a year to restructure Pitman or decide how he would handle it. Rather than make decisions and take control of situation he has just been along for the ride it seems and reacted to what has happened. I don’t see a plan here, even if you think Jones=Mahomes he will need receivers

[ukcolt]

I fully understand that not signing Jones or Pierce, leaves us in a huge hole this year, but I am not so sure I am happy signing them to long term deals at the prices being thrown around at the moment is a good thing for the Colts to be doing either.

Pierce is a great 2nd receiver, who deserves a contract in the region of $15-20m based on what he has already produced. Could he become something more, sure, that's possible, but I don't want to be saddled with a similar contract to what Pittman has already, should he fail to morph into a No. 1 guy, which is what the contract being muted says he should be. The figures bounded around, say he should be one of the top 5 receivers in the league, and he certainly isn't anywhere near that at the moment and is it realistic to think that he will become that?

Jones was brilliant in the first half of the year, but he then suffered one of the most serious injuries a player could have. Are we willing to pay him top 5-10 QB money, when he has only achieved that sort of play for 8 games in his career. I am not sure he deserves that, even if he was fully healthy.

[ukcolt]

The alternatives, that's now the real problem, especially at QB.

I am less concerned with the receiving corps, without Pierce. We should be trying to redo Pittman's contract, and then feed him the ball more often than we have the last 2 years. Downs is ready to step things up, Tyler Warren is also going to see a big uptick. That's 3 decent receiving threats that we have. Could we sign someone like Debo Samuel in free agency? Or now that Darnell Mooney has been released, could he be a cheaper option? Or a true speedster in the drafts middle rounds?

[Puck]

Just thinking out loud on this. I was sure the Bills would be in on AP. Maybe the agent told the Bills he is not going to be available because he is staying with the Colts.



Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
·
55m
ESPN sources: the Chicago Bears are working to finalize a trade that would send WR D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills.

Compensation still is being discussed, and the trade cannot be processed until the new league year begins, but both sides are pushing to make it happen.

[Puck]

James Boyd
@RomeovilleKid
·
41m
Gotta be good news for the #Colts. Takes Alec Pierce off the table for the Bills, so that’s one less suitor for arguably the best free-agent WR on the market — and Pierce *will* test the market.

[ukcolt]

Agree, one less suitor for Pierce.

[Oldcolt]

Read where Pierce is prioritizing QB stability and a strong established winning culture. Neither of those exist in Indy.

[Puck]

Warren Sharp
@SharpFootball
·
1h
most expensive WR rooms in 2026:

1. CIN - $63.5M
2. BUF - $59.4M
3. DAL - $56.7M
4. TB - $56.3M
5. MIN - $48.4M
6. DET - $44.8M
7. HOU - $43.8M
8. NE - $43.4M
9. ATL - $42.9M
10. LAR - $40.8M
11. IND - $39.7M
12. PHI - $39.5M
13. PIT - $38.2M
14. JAX - $33.3M
15. TEN - $31.9M
16. NYG - $31.7M
17. NO - $26.7M
18. SF - $26.2M
19. SEA - $25.8M
20. WAS - $24.6M
21. DEN - $24M
22. ARI - $23.8M
23. GB - $20.5M
24. CLE - $20.3M
25. NYJ - $17.7M
26. MIA - $16.8M
27. CAR - $15.8M
28. LAC - $14.1M
29. BAL - $13.9M
30. CHI - $12.5M
31. LV - $11.1M
32. KC - $9.9M

*based on total cap hit

[apballin]

Read where Pierce is prioritizing QB stability and a strong established winning culture. Neither of those exist in Indy.

Yeah ok where the fucks that?

QB stability means less money

Unless he’s trying to go to the Bears

[Puck]

John Davis
@joohndavis
·
3h
This has me thinking about Daniel Jones return timeline.

Tatum will have returned from an Achilles tear in 299 days.

By opening NFL Sunday, it will have been 281 days since Jones tore his Achilles.

Both are 28 years old. Colts banking on an even faster return than Tatum.

[apballin]

John Davis
@joohndavis
·
3h
This has me thinking about Daniel Jones return timeline.

Tatum will have returned from an Achilles tear in 299 days.

By opening NFL Sunday, it will have been 281 days since Jones tore his Achilles.

Both are 28 years old. Colts banking on an even faster return than Tatum.

Football has a little more contact than Basketball Johnny

[Puck]

Lawrence Owen
@Colts_Law
·
17h
Alec Pierce's catch total, per year he's been with the #Colts:

2025: 47 (4th on team)
2024: 37 (3rd)
2023: 32 (3rd)
2022: 41 (3rd)

Any other GM/HC seeing this:
You don't want him that badly. 😂😇

[Puck]

Albert Breer
@AlbertBreer
·
6h
The Bills had sniffed around on AJ Brown and Alec Pierce, so they were actively looking for veteran receiver help. They wind up with DJ Moore, who'll be reunited with Joe Brady, his offensive coordinator in Carolina in 2020 and 2021.

[Puck]

Derek Larger
@derek_larger
·
10h
Michael Pittman's best season was 2023: 109 receptions, 1,152 yards, 4 TD's

Alec Pierce had 100 less yards than that in 2025, with 62 less receptions and 72 less targets!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sure, Pittman makes more receptions most years than him, but Pierce does way more with less!

[YDFL Commish]

Albert Breer
@AlbertBreer
·
6h
The Bills had sniffed around on AJ Brown and Alec Pierce, so they were actively looking for veteran receiver help. They wind up with DJ Moore, who'll be reunited with Joe Brady, his offensive coordinator in Carolina in 2020 and 2021.


The Pats are going to be coming hard for Pierce. If they get him, I will hate Ballard for the rest of my life!

[Colts And Orioles]

I read where Pierce is prioritizing QB stability and a strong established winning culture ...... neither of those exist in Indianapolis.











Yeah, OK ...... where the fuck is that ???





o


Saskatchewan.

o

[apballin]

Derek Larger
@derek_larger
·
10h
Michael Pittman's best season was 2023: 109 receptions, 1,152 yards, 4 TD's

Alec Pierce had 100 less yards than that in 2025, with 62 less receptions and 72 less targets!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sure, Pittman makes more receptions most years than him, but Pierce does way more with less!

Fuck that guy, 2 totally different type of receivers

Pittman has played with a different QB every fuckin year and sent a message to the entire team by playing with a broken fuckin back. That’s why he’s a captain and a team leader.

I’m not taking anything away from Pierces progression but I will not stand for Pittman bashing in the meantime

[Puck]

Zach Hicks
@ZachHicks2
·
16m
This would have less to do with the salary cap and more to do with finding different players for Anarumo’s system


Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
·
19m
The Colts are speaking with teams about a trade for their former Pro Bowl LB Zaire Franklin as they look to get under the salary cap by next week, per sources. Franklin led the NFL in tackles in 2024.

[ChoppedWood]

The Pats are going to be coming hard for Pierce. If they get him, I will hate Ballard for the rest of my life!

You KNOW that is where this is headed. Super young stud QB who throws a beautiful deep ball= TAILOR MADE for him.

...and for what it is worth, I already hate him for the rest of your life!

[ChoppedWood]

Zach Hicks
@ZachHicks2
·
16m
This would have less to do with the salary cap and more to do with finding different players for Anarumo’s system


Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
·
19m
The Colts are speaking with teams about a trade for their former Pro Bowl LB Zaire Franklin as they look to get under the salary cap by next week, per sources. Franklin led the NFL in tackles in 2024.

If someone offers Ballard an 8th round pick this year, and a 10th next year, dude is gonna pull the trigger on that sweetheart of a deal!

[Puck]

If someone offers Ballard an 8th round pick this year, and a 10th next year, dude is gonna pull the trigger on that sweetheart of a deal!

They are probably trying to see if there is any value before they release him

[Puck]

SAUCE GARDNER
@iamSauceGardner
·
Mar 4
should I lock Alec Pierce in my basement and force him to sign the contract papers?

[ChoppedWood]

SAUCE GARDNER
@iamSauceGardner
·
Mar 4
should I lock Alec Pierce in my basement and force him to sign the contract papers?

No, fuck that, lock Ballard in the basement and NEVER let him out!

[Puck]

Zach Hicks
@ZachHicks2
·
6m
Bills pivoting to DJ Moore. Titans going after Wan’Dale Robinson. Patriots (I’m assuming) are aiming for AJ Brown.

Wonder if all the Alec Pierce suitors are pivoting because they think Pierce stays in Indy (I’m hoping at least)

[Puck]

No, fuck that, lock Ballard in the basement and NEVER let him out!

You know....If he pulls all of this off. You are gonna have to admit you were wrong.

[Hoopsdoc]

They are probably trying to see if there is any value before they release him

I don’t see them getting much of anything out of Franklin. A late round pick maybe. More likely they just end up releasing him.

I wouldn’t think it’s to much of a loss but for the fact that we have zero linebackers.

[Puck]

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
·
38m
Bears are releasing former Pro-Bowl LB Tremaine Edmunds, per sources. Edmunds has been a full-time starter in each of his eight NFL seasons, and he now will become a free agent with 900 tackles on his resume.

[ChoppedWood]

You know....If he pulls all of this off. You are gonna have to admit you were wrong.

Oh I will admit it, but this dude only pulls one thing, his own fucking pud. Dude is a testimony to terrible!

[Puck]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
·
1h
Kyler Murray has interest in joining the Vikings or Colts as potential free agent destinations, per
@AlbertBreer
(https://si.com/nfl/albert-breer-mailbag-likely-landing-spots-malik-willis-kyler-murray#inline-text-43).

Who Minnesota prioritizes between Daniel Jones, who can be signed off the transition tag, and Murray could determine which QB lands where.

[ChoppedWood]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
·
1h
Kyler Murray has interest in joining the Vikings or Colts as potential free agent destinations, per
@AlbertBreer
(https://si.com/nfl/albert-breer-mailbag-likely-landing-spots-malik-willis-kyler-murray#inline-text-43).

Who Minnesota prioritizes between Daniel Jones, who can be signed off the transition tag, and Murray could determine which QB lands where.

Please please please fucking no. Dude can't see the field- and not just from a height deficit, from a understanding fucking routes perspective. Hell fuck no!

[Hoopsdoc]

Please please please fucking no. Dude can't see the field- and not just from a height deficit, from a understanding fucking routes perspective. Hell fuck no!

Ugh. Choosing between Murray and Jones is like choosing a less stinky turd.

For the record, I think I’d choose Murray.

[albany ed]

Derek Larger
@derek_larger
·
10h
Michael Pittman's best season was 2023: 109 receptions, 1,152 yards, 4 TD's

Alec Pierce had 100 less yards than that in 2025, with 62 less receptions and 72 less targets!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sure, Pittman makes more receptions most years than him, but Pierce does way more with less!

IMO, Both are quality receivers.

Pierce is a deep threat and has only scratched the surface of his potential.

Pittman is a drive extender. He keeps the chains moving and that is valuable. Not 29 million dollars valuable, so he either needs to have his contract tweaked or he needs to go.

[Puck]

IMO, Both are quality receivers.

Pierce is a deep threat and has only scratched the surface of his potential.

Pittman is a drive extender. He keeps the chains moving and that is valuable. Not 29 million dollars valuable, so he either needs to have his contract tweaked or he needs to go.

I like MJP. He was down in numbers last season but was injured. Dude played with a broken back. He is tough as hell and would probably be missed
But yea that injury makes me wonder if they can/should renegotiate or try to move him.

[albany ed]

Franchise tag amounts are based on the top 5 of the position. For wide receiver, that amount is 27 million. For next season MJP has a cap hit of 29 million.

That's 10% of the entire salary cap. Add in DJ and together they take up 22% of the entire cap.

[BCN#1]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
·
1h
Kyler Murray has interest in joining the Vikings or Colts as potential free agent destinations, per
@AlbertBreer
(https://si.com/nfl/albert-breer-mailbag-likely-landing-spots-malik-willis-kyler-murray#inline-text-43).

Who Minnesota prioritizes between Daniel Jones, who can be signed off the transition tag, and Murray could determine which QB lands where.

My gut sez hell no but then again, if Richardson bails, we can get Murray at Vet Minimum just in case DJ is not ready and shits the bed. Murray is no step up but has at lest seen the field a few times.... Just my clueless but humble ass opinion.

[IndyNorm]

I'm sure most of you guys have seen it, but Maxx Crosby is going to the Ravens for the Ravens 2026 and 2027 1st rounders. Too bad we weren't able to get in on that.

Also, Ryan Kelly retired. So kudos to Ballard for proactively drafting a replacement and allowing Kelly to walk when we did.

[YDFL Commish]

I don't want any midget QB on my team.

[IndyNorm]

Maybe, but you're right, it's hindsight. Basically any hypothetical you throw out will look better and we don't have the luxury of seeing the outcome. Some people think Aaron Rodgers or Patrick Mahomes wouldn't be what they are if they didn't sit. I don't particularly agree, but that's also a separate topic.

Steichen’s track record with QBs belies the claim that AR failed due to a lack of mentorship. Between Herbert, Hurts, Minshew, Jones... Seems AR is the outlier, not Steichen's mentorship.

I think there's a huge tendency for people to act like these players are simply chess pieces controlled by their masters. Jalen Hurts had plenty of issues and concerns, but he was also showing up to the building for 12-15 hour days.

All that said, I don't hate on AR like it may sound. I think the injuries definitely derailed progress and he has worked to fix things. But damage was already done and I don't begrudge them if they try to salvage something in a trade.

All of the QBs you mentioned had significantly more playing experience than AR and were older than him as well. If ever there was a case to bring in a vet mentor and try to develop a QB slowly AR certainly was it, and the shit show results definitely prove it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's all the Colts fault. AR certainly played his part as well, but IMO the Colts organization failed AR just as much as he failed them. And not just in his play development. Take his eye injury for example. Why didn't someone from the Colts staff have AR safely use a piece of exercise equipment designed to old resistance bands rather than allow him to use a makeshift setup in his locker?

[IndyNorm]

My gut sez hell no but then again, if Richardson bails, we can get Murray at Vet Minimum just in case DJ is not ready and shits the bed. Murray is no step up but has at lest seen the field a few times.... Just my clueless but humble ass opinion.

If we do move AR and Murray is willing to sign at or near the vet minimum then sure, why not. But I'm sure he'll want at least a 1 year show it deal similar to what we signed Jones to.

[Hoopsdoc]

If we do move AR and Murray is willing to sign at or near the vet minimum then sure, why not. But I'm sure he'll want at least a 1 year show it deal similar to what we signed Jones to.

Wherever Murray goes, it will be for the league minimum because he’ll be getting paid by Arizona. I think 1.3 million is the minimum for a player of his experience.

It makes him a much more attractive option, in my opinion.

However, it’s highly unlikely the Colts are even interested, unless some team signs Jones to a massive contract, which isn’t going to happen.

They tipped their hand when they tagged Jones over Pierce. They want Jones to be their quarterback.

[Puck]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
·
17h
Alec Pierce is now forecasted to earn a three-year, $80+ million deal in free agency, per
@espn
.

This figure would make Pierce the 13th-highest paid receiver in the NFL alongside George Pickens and Jameson Williams.

Momentum is building around Pierce soon leaving the Colts.

[Puck]

Jake Arthur
@JakeArthurNFL
·
22h
DJ Moore and (maybe) AJ Brown getting moved, and Kyler Murray and Geno Smith hitting the market, help make the landscape less needy for Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce. Colts could be getting some good luck there.

[Hoopsdoc]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
·
17h
Alec Pierce is now forecasted to earn a three-year, $80+ million deal in free agency, per
@espn
.

This figure would make Pierce the 13th-highest paid receiver in the NFL alongside George Pickens and Jameson Williams.

Momentum is building around Pierce soon leaving the Colts.

I think the Colts are going to have to overpay like crazy if they want to keep Pierce. I don’t think Ballard will do that so I suspect he’s leaving.

If the money is equal, Pierce would be crazy to stay here and play with the revolving door at quarterback when he could go play with Drake Maye.

[Puck]

SleeperNFL

@SleeperNFL
·
17h
.
@RomeovilleKid
believes the Colts could pivot to signing Rashid Shaheed if Alec Pierce walks.

[Puck]

Jebediah
@itsJebediah
·
Mar 6
Colts players likely on trade block and cap space gained if traded successfully.

• Richardson (confirmed) +$5.4m
• Franklin (confirmed) +$5.8m
• Moore (pending) +$7.1m
• Stewart (pending) +$12.2m
• Buckner (pending) +$15.8m
• Pittman (pending) +$24m

Total Net: +$70.3m

[Oldcolt]

I think the Colts are going to have to overpay like crazy if they want to keep Pierce. I don’t think Ballard will do that so I suspect he’s leaving.

If the money is equal, Pierce would be crazy to stay here and play with the revolving door at quarterback when he could go play with Drake Maye.

You have to hope Pierce has developed deep ties with Indianapolis and has relationships he doesn't want to lose on the team. It is difficult from a purely football perspective to make an argument for him to stay. Just a bummer

[Puck]

Destin Adams
@TheDestinAdams
·
Mar 6
Albert Breer shared that he's heard that Kyler Murray has interest in the Colts in free agency

I know many are not a fan of the idea, but to be honest, I think the thought of Murray on the league minimum is very intriguing.

[Colts And Orioles]

I read where Pierce is prioritizing QB stability and a strong established winning culture ...... neither of those exist in Indianapolis.











Yeah, OK ...... where the fuck is that ???








o


Saskatchewan.

o

o


Old Colt, I'm not necessarily asserting that there is not an NFL team that could possibly accommodate Pierce on his lofty expectations, but I couldn't resist a joke that actually had a certain amount of truth to it ...... Saskatchewan just won the Grey Cup, they have one of the best quarterbacks in the CFL, and it would indeed be a challenge for Pierce to find an NFL team that had a winning culture, an excellent quarterback, the room in their salary-cap budget to pay him the loads of money that he will probably be asking for on a long-term contract, and the willingness to give him that kind of money. ) ;)

o

[IndyNorm]

Wherever Murray goes, it will be for the league minimum because he’ll be getting paid by Arizona. I think 1.3 million is the minimum for a player of his experience.

It makes him a much more attractive option, in my opinion.

However, it’s highly unlikely the Colts are even interested, unless some team signs Jones to a massive contract, which isn’t going to happen.

They tipped their hand when they tagged Jones over Pierce. They want Jones to be their quarterback.

Ah, didn't know that Murray had a bunch of guaranteed money coming to him from AZ. So yeah, agree that brining him in at the vet minimum would be a good move. AT worst we can just release him and no harm, no foul.

Agree w/ you on your 2nd point as well. Unless someone outbids us for Jones then we won't be brining Murray in.

[IndyNorm]

I think the Colts are going to have to overpay like crazy if they want to keep Pierce. I don’t think Ballard will do that so I suspect he’s leaving.

If the money is equal, Pierce would be crazy to stay here and play with the revolving door at quarterback when he could go play with Drake Maye.

Maybe, but that assumes the Cheats end up not getting and AJ Brown and/or would still be interested in paying Pierce. Also, we might not have to really outbid them depending on how Pierce looks at his finances. MA income tax is 9.5% vs. 3% for Indiana and the cost of living in Bahston is obviously significantly more than Indy.

With that being said I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bears make a run and possibly sign Pierce since they're moved DJ Moore.

[Colts And Orioles]

o


In what is probably the least popular idea on the entire ColtFreaks board, I would keep Daniel Jones to maximize the QB 1-2 punch (a Daniel Jones-Riley Leonard 1-2 punch is stronger than a Riley Leonard-Anthony Richardson 1-2 punch), and let at least one of the 2 wide receivers walk (and in fact, let both of them walk if absolutely necessary in order to comply with the salary cap.)

Since he was hired as the team's GM back in January of 2017, Ballard said that he intended to build complete teams that were not overly-reliant on all-world quarterbacks ....... my proposal would be doing the opposite of that narrative, but for one season and one season only.

But my line of thinking DOES NOT belie or disagree with what Ballard has been doing for the past 8 years ...... I think that both theories can be true, and they are not necessarily mutually exclusive of one another over a long period of time (January of 2017 through the Present) ...... variety is the spice of life, and flexibility and adapting is a big key to life longevity ...... I think that Ballard HAS built a strong team that can be bona-fide contenders with good-but-not-necessarily-great quarterbacks ...... but now is the time to shift gears ....... now that he has a strong team that almost beat the world champion Seattle Seahawks on their homefield with a 44 year-old Philip Rivers at quarterback, NOW is the time to focus primarily on the quarterback position, if only for one year ...... and being that the 2026 season is very likely Ballard's last chance to produce his 2nd playoff team in his 10th season as the team's GM, he needs to go for broke, shift gears, and do the opposite of what he has been doing for his first 9 season's at the helm ...... lock up the good-but-not great quarterback (Top 8 in the NFL, but not Top 4), have a back-up quarterback that may very well be just as good as the 1st-string quarterback in case of an injury to the former, and trust that whomever is at the wideout positions does not have butterfingers.



***************************************


All of the above is coming from a person who was half-witted and mindless enough to proclaim that Case Keenum would have a longer and more distinguished NFL career than Andrew Luck would when both were entering the league back in 2012.







https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/56/Case_keenum_vikings2017.jpg/250px-Case_keenum_vikings2017.jpg OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/58/Andrew_Luck_vs_Browns_2014.jpg/250px-Andrew_Luck_vs_Browns_2014.jpg

o

[Oldcolt]

Let's see what Ballard ends up giving us a a final roster. Lots of holes to fill and has done zero so far, but it is early (at some point we are going to need to clear some cap-what are we waiting for?). My issue is I've been down this road with Ballard multiple times over the years and it has never turned out well (I define well as a deep playoff run with a possibility of a Super Bowl). Maybe this year but it is hard to get pumped about this so far for me or most of us.

[ChoppedWood]

Let's see what Ballard ends up giving us a a final roster. Lots of holes to fill and has done zero so far, but it is early (at some point we are going to need to clear some cap-what are we waiting for?). My issue is I've been down this road with Ballard multiple times over the years and it has never turned out well (I define well as a deep playoff run with a possibility of a Super Bowl). Maybe this year but it is hard to get pumped about this so far for me or most of us.

Somehow, despite your factual statement about the guy NOT building success, the guy above you believes the guy has?

WTF?

[ChoppedWood]

Zaire is gone...
Traded to GB for Colby Wooden- who I know nothing about.

Dude did some good things and great to see a guy climb up the ranks, but this to me is clearly a situation where the statement about needing to be faster is put into practice!

[YDFL Commish]

Colby Wooden

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WoodCo01.htm#all_defense

At least he's young and hopefully fast.

[apballin]

Zaire is gone...
Traded to GB for Colby Wooden- who I know nothing about.

Dude did some good things and great to see a guy climb up the ranks, but this to me is clearly a situation where the statement about needing to be faster is put into practice!

Great story and epitome of hard work. I have nothing bad to say about Zaire, good luck to him. Wonder if Warren gets 44 now?

[Puck]

Zaire is gone...
Traded to GB for Colby Wooden- who I know nothing about.

Dude did some good things and great to see a guy climb up the ranks, but this to me is clearly a situation where the statement about needing to be faster is put into practice!



21 missed tackles
In 2025, Zaire Franklin had a challenging season, totaling 125 tackles (62 solo) but also 21 missed tackles, which ranked him 81st among linebackers. Despite this, he had a notable performance with 2.0 sacks and five passes defended. His missed tackles were a significant concern, as he struggled with pass coverage, leading to discussions about potential trade as the Colts aim to address their cap situation.

[Hoopsdoc]

Hmmm, Colts trade for a starting defensive tackle. Wonder if this means anything for Buckner or Grover.

[Colts And Orioles]

Colby Wooden, the newest Colts player.



https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WoodCo01.htm



At least he's young and hopefully fast.











His is a great story, and the epitome of hard work ...... I have nothing bad to say about Zaire, and I wish him good luck ...... I wonder if Tyler Warren gets the #44 now ???





o


We got a lot out of a 7th-round drafter pick from 2018.

Between 2019 and 2021, Franklin was excellent on special teams. He evolved into an excellent linebacker between 2022 and 2024, culminating in his 2024 All-Pro season when he led the league with 173 tackles.

After his sub-par 2025 season, he is headed elsewhere.

o

[Puck]

Stephen Holder
@HolderStephen
·
15m
We'll see what happens, but Colby Wooden seems like an interesting add. He led Green Bay's defensive line in tackles last season (50) and started 16 games. And he's just 25.

[YDFL Commish]

According to Gemini AI, this trade clears 5.75 million in cap space for the Colts.

Net gain 4.6 million.

[Oldcolt]

Somehow, despite your factual statement about the guy NOT building success, the guy above you believes the guy has?

WTF?

I think you misrepresented what that guy said. How does 'he's done zero' and 'Ive been down this road with him...and it never turns out' equate with success. Since he is our GM I am rooting for a miracle from him, that's all. I think no miracle is coming but as of yet it still could happen.

[BCN#1]

Late to the party perhaps but I was just reading about this trade for Colby Wooden and seems like a no brainer win to me. He is young at 25, 4th round(?) pick and most importantly he is cheap money wise for now.

Cap savings are clearly needed for now in any case and waiting to see what they do with Pittman´s payout give we need to get Pierce locked in and maybe Crosss yet though not holding my breath either...

Bring on the draft, which I understand may be strong for DL folks. Prepping the popcorn and extra suds for this year´s draft show. :cool:

[apballin]

I’d love to see Caden Curry getting called by Ballard

[Racehorse]

Have to get under the cap this week. My guess is we see restructures of Pittman, Buckner, Stewart, and Moore happen, unless one of them is traded or released. Then we will sign Pierce back and still be under the cap. At least, this is what I hope to see happen.

[Puck]

The fuck?

Adam Ferrell
@AdamFerrellNFL
·
1h
Report: The #Jets are seeking a first round pick for Justin Fields, per
@RichJohnsonNFL

[Puck]

Mike Garafolo
@MikeGarafolo
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.

[Puck]

Jake Arthur
@JakeArthurNFL
·
3m
For those keeping score ahead of the negotiating window, the #Colts have:

-Transition tagged QB Daniel Jones
-Traded LB Zaire Franklin to Green Bay for DT Colby Wooden
-Re-signed K Blake Grupe to a one-year deal

[Puck]

Mike Garafolo
@MikeGarafolo
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.

I think this was a great move. We don't know if/when Schrader will be back.

Or if he will be the same. Grupe played very well last yr.

[ChoppedWood]

The fuck?

Adam Ferrell
@AdamFerrellNFL
·
1h
Report: The #Jets are seeking a first round pick for Justin Fields, per
@RichJohnsonNFL

I am seeking a 5'10" blond, 24-32, with Pam Anderson attributes who enjoys gratuitous displays of nudity 24 hours a day...per@medreamingofinsanity

...we all are allowed to have dreams, no matter how delusional they may be!

[Puck]

James Boyd
@RomeovilleKid
The #Colts are now $105,711 over the salary cap after retaining K Blake Grupe, per Over the Cap.

Two reminders:

1. The Colts have to be under the salary cap by Wednesday.
2. The Colts-Packers trade involving Zaire Franklin and Colby Wooden can’t be official until then, either.

[Oldcolt]

Talks between Pierce and Colts are supposedly going down to the wire. My bet is he hits the open market but if he doesn't what would the highest you would think reasonable to bring him here? Would anyone go over 30 million a year?

[Lov2fish]

Talks between Pierce and Colts are supposedly going down to the wire. My bet is he hits the open market but if he doesn't what would the highest you would think reasonable to bring him here? Would anyone go over 30 million a year?

As much as I want him to be a Colt, no I would not pay him 30 mil.

[Hoopsdoc]

The fuck?

Adam Ferrell
@AdamFerrellNFL
·
1h
Report: The #Jets are seeking a first round pick for Justin Fields, per
@RichJohnsonNFL

And I’m looking for a date with Scarlet Johansson.

[Puck]

talks between pierce and colts are supposedly going down to the wire. My bet is he hits the open market but if he doesn't what would the highest you would think reasonable to bring him here? Would anyone go over 30 million a year?

hell no

[ChoppedWood]

As much as I want him to be a Colt, no I would not pay him 30 mil.

I believe the ceiling is $27M

[Puck]

Think about this and decide if he is worth 27million per season. He will definitely have to have 120=150 targets per season to justify it IMO

Alec Pierce (Indianapolis Colts) had a strong 2025 season, finishing with 1,003 receiving yards over 15 games played, which averages to 66.9 yards per game (YPG). This marks his first 1,000-yard campaign and ranks him tied for around 19th in total yards among receivers.For comparison, here are the top 10 wide receivers in receiving yards per game for the 2025 regular season (based on available leader data from sources like ESPN, NFL.com, and StatMuse; note that YPG accounts for games played, and totals reflect full-season performance through the end of the regular season):Puka Nacua (LAR) - 107.2 YPG (1,715 yards in 16 games)
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) - 105.5 YPG (1,793 yards in 17 games)
Ja'Marr Chase (CIN) - 88.3 YPG (1,412 yards in 16 games)
George Pickens (DAL) - 84.1 YPG (1,429 yards in 17 games)
Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET) - 82.4 YPG (1,401 yards in 17 games)
(Additional top performers in the ~70-75 YPG range include names like Jameson Williams or others around 74.5 YPG, but the elite tier clusters above 80+.)

Pierce's 66.9 YPG places him well below the top 10 elite producers, who generally exceed 80-100+ YPG due to higher volume (more receptions/targets) or explosive consistency. Pierce stands out differently: he led the NFL in yards per reception (21.3 AVG), emphasizing his deep-threat role with big-play ability (e.g., a 66-yard long) rather than sheer volume. His efficiency on limited targets (47 catches on 84 targets) contrasts with the top YPG leaders, who often see 150+ targets and higher reception counts.Overall, Pierce performed solidly as a complementary deep option for the Colts but doesn't crack the top tier in per-game production compared to the league's volume-dominant or consistently explosive wideouts.

[Puck]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
·
1h
Teams now believe Alec Pierce will agree to a contract between $28-30 million annually today, per
@AlbertBreer
(https://si.com/nfl/albert-breer-free-agency-takeaways-why-linemen-could-receive-wow-contracts).

If Pierce does not re-sign with the Colts, three teams are waiting to aggressively pursue: 49ers, Patriots, Raiders.

[Puck]

Reposting in this thread as well.


Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
·
11m
Indy lands its top target: Free-agent WR Alec Pierce is returning to the Colts with a four-year, $116 million deal, per @PatMcAfeeShow.


I guess Ballard isn't as inept as some may say.


I do think that means that MJP is gonna get moved, if not restructured

[Puck]

Zak Keefer
@zkeefer
·
16m
Alec Pierce to
@PatMcAfeeShow
:

"I knew where my heart was. I love the city of Indianapolis."

"(When we were 8-2) ... I truly believe we were the No. 1 team in the NFL."

Of his QB, Daniel Jones, "I know they’re gonna get his (longterm) deal done."

[Oldcolt]

Whether Ballard is inept or not will depend on what kind of team he puts on the field. Pierce is a great start, although I think Pierces agents deserve a ton of credit for getting him $29 million a year. Good for him. Let's see how we go about clearing cap room and restructuring our defense.

[Racehorse]

Reposting in this thread as well.


Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
·
11m
Indy lands its top target: Free-agent WR Alec Pierce is returning to the Colts with a four-year, $116 million deal, per @PatMcAfeeShow.


I guess Ballard isn't as inept as some may say.


I do think that means that MJP is gonna get moved, if not restructured

Going to Pittsburgh.

[Oldcolt]

Guess he didn't want to restructure. I hear it is a late round pick swap.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Guess he didn't want to restructure. I hear it is a late round pick swap.


He gets a new contract with the Steelers - three-year, $59 million deal

[Puck]

Ballard is on fire!!!

[Puck]

Where's Sherck?

Need a cap update. Can we still get Trey and or Edmunds?

[Hoopsdoc]

Pittman will be missed more than people realize. He made a lot of tough catches over the middle. I hope Pierce is up to the challenge.

[Puck]

Pittman will be missed more than people realize. He made a lot of tough catches over the middle. I hope Pierce is up to the challenge.

In the back f my mind I can't stop thinking about playing with a broken back last season.

He's tough as nails but that is a scary injury moving forward

[Puck]

Philips is off the market. Still hoping for Trey and Edmunds

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
·
38m
Sources: Jaelan Phillips has agreed to a 4-year, $120 million deal with the Carolina Panthers with $80M in guarantees.

[Puck]

Anyone else want Bobby Okereke back?

[Puck]

Whether Ballard is inept or not will depend on what kind of team he puts on the field. Pierce is a great start, although I think Pierces agents deserve a ton of credit for getting him $29 million a year. Good for him. Let's see how we go about clearing cap room and restructuring our defense.

IIRC. MJP was due 24 million this season, so it's not as bad as it looks. Kind of a swap in where the money goes

But then again we now need another WR

[Hoopsdoc]

In the back f my mind I can't stop thinking about playing with a broken back last season.

He's tough as nails but that is a scary injury moving forward

The presence of Warren, who is just as tough, will help.

[Hoopsdoc]

Now go get Hendrickson.

[ChaosTheory]

Bummer about Pittman - pure cap casualty.

Now that that's done... where is Nick Cross?

[Oldcolt]

If Pierce is going to earn his money he will need more targets. Have to come from somewhere might as well be Pittman. I, like everyone, love Pittmans intangibles-how tough he is and what a good blocker he is-but we never developed him into any real kind of receiving threat. He is absent at the goal line (not sure if it is his fault or play calling but he just doesn't catch many IDs) as a receiver. Receivers are tough to get a handle on, however, with the shit QB play they have.

[Puck]

Bummer about Pittman - pure cap casualty.

Now that that's done... where is Nick Cross?

He's gonna get paid, so i doubt he will be a Colt. We have Wohler for his replacement though. So Ballard did well having a plan there.

[Puck]

Neville Gallimore
@Path2Greatwork
·
1h
To Colts Nation. Thank you for all you’ve done for me in a short amount of time. The love and support meant everything to me. Forever love. NG out. #LoveYours

[Colts And Orioles]

I read where Pierce is prioritizing QB stability and a strong established winning culture ...... neither of those exist in Indianapolis.











Yeah, OK ...... where the fuck is that ???








o


Saskatchewan.

o

o


I guess Pierce decided that Indianapolis was sufficient for his desires, after all.

o

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Neville Gallimore
@Path2Greatwork
·
1h
To Colts Nation. Thank you for all you’ve done for me in a short amount of time. The love and support meant everything to me. Forever love. NG out. #LoveYours


https://x.com/spotrac/status/2031083983065264613

DT Neville Gallimore's Bears Contract

- 2 years, $10M base value
- $5M guaranteed
- $2M incentives/escalators
- could be viewed as 1 year, $5.5M contract

Gallimore played out a veteran minimum contract in Indy last season.

[Puck]

https://x.com/spotrac/status/2031083983065264613

Looks like they need to keep Grove. Otherwise we have a huge hole at NT

[Puck]

Paye to Vegas

[Puck]

Joel A. Erickson
@JoelAErickson
·
16m
NFL officially awards Colts two compensatory seventh-rounders in the draft.

7-249
7-254

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Paye to Vegas


Looks like he received a similar contract to what Dayo got with the Bears last year.


https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2031107257736339781

Former Colts DE Kwity Paye reached agreement on a 3-year, $48 million deal that includes $32 million guaranteed with the Las Vegas Raiders.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Minshew Mania headed to the desert.


https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/2031112297121267935

Veteran QB Gardner Minshew is signing with the Cardinals on a one-year, $5.75 million deal, per source.

He can make up to $8M with incentives.

[Puck]

Looks like he received a similar contract to what Dayo got with the Bears last year.


https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2031107257736339781

That's crazy.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Joel A. Erickson
@JoelAErickson
·
16m
NFL officially awards Colts two compensatory seventh-rounders in the draft.

7-249
7-254


Basically those two picks were for losing Joe Flacco and EJ Speed in free agency last year.

Losing Fries, Dayo and Ryan Kelly were cancelled out by the Colts signing Bynum, Daniel Jones and Ward.

https://overthecap.com/compensatory-picks#afc-south-2026

Edit: Apparently the link doesn't go directly to the calculation...so to look at the worksheet, click on "2026" followed by "AFC-South."

[ChoppedWood]

Awesome to keep AP, a tiny bit high but in 2 years time, shit those couple mil will seem like 10 bucks given the insanity of the incline.

Pitt, sucks, tough ass dude who really fucking cared, good luck to him in Pitts, he is a Steelers type of player.

Warren gotta go crazy next year.

Hate losing Gallimore, about the only non-starter DL that was consistently identifiable.

Kwitty- man that was a fucking whiiiiif. Gonna have to find a way to get something on the edge in a hurry.

Jones should be inked pretty soon but the $50 floated is ludicrous shit!

[Puck]

evin
@EvinKnowsBall
·
2h
The #Titans are signing Bobby Okereke to a 3-year, $45M deal, per sources.

The contract will make him the 3rd highest-paid linebacker in the NFL.

[YDFL Commish]

evin
@EvinKnowsBall
·
2h
The #Titans are signing Bobby Okereke to a 3-year, $45M deal, per sources.

The contract will make him the 3rd highest-paid linebacker in the NFL.

No way he's worth that! Also, it seems like the Titans and Raiders are trying win in March. They both will inevitably lose when the leaves begin to turn.

[Racehorse]

Minshew Mania headed to the desert.


https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/2031112297121267935

Dude has one of the best gigs in football. Gets to live in a new city every year, and paid well to play a game.

[apballin]

No way he's worth that! Also, it seems like the Titans and Raiders are trying win in March. They both will inevitably lose when the leaves begin to turn.

QBs on a rookie contract and spend like crazy

[Puck]

Mark Kaboly
@MarkKaboly
·
51m
The Steelers will give up one of their 6th-round picks in exchange for Michael Pittman and the Colts' 7th rounder, according to league source(s). So, basically, a salary dump by the Colts, and the Steelers benefit tremendously from it.

[BCN#1]

More moves than a box of ex-lax here as we dump (no pun intended) some high priced playas.

Of ours that remain to be signed somewhere, I am interested to hear yer all´s thoughts. For me, I would not cry if we resigned running back Ameer Abdullah as the back up to JT.

Though heck of a player, I am not 100% sold on Braden Smith returning unless he is on a bargain contract due to his age mostly. Similar thought to Germaine Pratt and I do hope we can find the pennies under the sofa cushion to retain Nick Cross but again, not holding my breath.

Say good-bye to Mo Ali Cox however, I am on the fence with those 2 defensive ends Samson Ebukam and Tyquan Lewis though leaning toward saying adios also. Pending the Draft haul, maybe bring those 2 back but only on a very low cost deal.:eek:

Thoughts at this point in time folks??

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

evin
@EvinKnowsBall
·
2h
The #Titans are signing Bobby Okereke to a 3-year, $45M deal, per sources.

The contract will make him the 3rd highest-paid linebacker in the NFL.



No way he's worth that! Also, it seems like the Titans and Raiders are trying win in March. They both will inevitably lose when the leaves begin to turn.



This is fake news from a Troll / parody account on Twitter.

Okereke is still a free agent right now.

[Hoopsdoc]

Interesting that Hendrickson has yet to sign. He’s obviously not getting the offers he thought he would.

[Puck]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
·
3h
Trey Hendrickson is seeking over $30 million per year, but no team showing interest is willing to offer that figure, per
@AdamSchefter
.

Hendrickson will not be able to fetch the same annual value the Panthers provided Jaelan Phillips.

[Puck]

Noah Compton

@nerlens_

·
58m

Former Chiefs LB Leo Chenal is the top linebacker available in free agency:

- 6’3”, 250 lbs
- 25-years-old
- missed just two (!) tackles in 2024
- 44 starts during rookie contract
- 2x SB Champ

The #Colts are looking for youth at LB, and desperately need a championship mindset.

[ChaosTheory]

Hendrickson will not be able to fetch the same annual value the Panthers provided Jaelan Phillips.

The Phillips contract is a tad bit retarded. Not my money, but does a torn Achilles in '23 + Torn ACL in '24 + 14 QB hits in '25 = $120m?

Obviously it does, but shit.

[Colts And Orioles]

o


Is no news good news ???

In an extensive article in regard to recent NFL free agency, ESPN's Bill Barnwell does not mention the Colts or any of their players once ...... only a brief comment on the fact that the Los Angeles Chargers DID NOT acquire DeForest Buckner.




2026 NFL Free Agency Winners, Losers: Tagovailoa, Walker, More

(By Bill Barnwell)

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48147298/2026-nfl-free-agency-winners-losers-best-worst-signings-trades-contracts

o

[Dam8610]

The Phillips contract is a tad bit retarded. Not my money, but does a torn Achilles in '23 + Torn ACL in '24 + 14 QB hits in '25 = $120m?

He's 27 and the 18% pressure rate is elite. Makes a lot more sense to pay a 27 year old Jaelan Phillips coming off of a healthy season that kind of money than a 31 year old Trey Hendrickson coming off an injury shortened season.

[YDFL Commish]

Noah Compton

@nerlens_

·
58m

Former Chiefs LB Leo Chenal is the top linebacker available in free agency:

- 6’3”, 250 lbs
- 25-years-old
- missed just two (!) tackles in 2024
- 44 starts during rookie contract
- 2x SB Champ

The #Colts are looking for youth at LB, and desperately need a championship mindset.

Yep...sign the man. Apparently he's pretty good in coverage. He's big, runs a 4.5 40 and he's a former Badger. What not to like?

[ChaosTheory]

He's 27 and the 18% pressure rate is elite. Makes a lot more sense to pay a 27 year old Jaelan Phillips coming off of a healthy season that kind of money than a 31 year old Trey Hendrickson coming off an injury shortened season.

Probably. I don't think Hendrickson getting that contract would be very smart, either.

[sherck]

So, we now have receiving options of:

WR Pierce, WR Downs, TE Warren and RB Taylor.

Those are the only remaining Colts players on the roster that have more than 50 receptions combined over the past two seasons.

Sure, we also have folks like:
WR Dulin (7 receptions over past two years)
WR Gould (3 receptions)
TE Olgetree (13 receptions)
TE Mallory (5 receptions)
and free agent Mo Allie Cox (25 receptions) but I cannot believe we plan on briging him back.

IMO, the roster desperately needs another receiving option on the outside.

I hope that we can find someone who can play behind Dulin for part of the season and then take over the outside WR duties opposite Alex Pierce in the 2nd or 3rd rounds of this draft.

That and a backup O-lineman or two in the later rounds are the picks on offense I want. All the rest defense help.

[Puck]

So, we now have receiving options of:

WR Pierce, WR Downs, TE Warren and RB Taylor.

Those are the only remaining Colts players on the roster that have more than 50 receptions combined over the past two seasons.

Sure, we also have folks like:
WR Dulin (7 receptions over past two years)
WR Gould (3 receptions)
TE Olgetree (13 receptions)
TE Mallory (5 receptions)
and free agent Mo Allie Cox (25 receptions) but I cannot believe we plan on briging him back.

IMO, the roster desperately needs another receiving option on the outside.

I hope that we can find someone who can play behind Dulin for part of the season and then take over the outside WR duties opposite Alex Pierce in the 2nd or 3rd rounds of this draft.

That and a backup O-lineman or two in the later rounds are the picks on offense I want. All the rest defense help.

Thoughts on Gabe Davis?

[Puck]

31 yr old pass rusher. From what I have read he is not great in run D. But he really does get to the QB.

What price could you see the Colts being able to come with and offer?


Yahoo Sports

@YahooSports

·
4h

Free agent DE Trey Hendrickson is in contact with multiple teams, but “nobody has met his price just yet,” and he’s not willing to compromise and take a discounted deal at this point, per @AdamSchefter
.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Braden Smith to the Texans

https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2031430423805304997

Former Colts OT Braden Smith reached agreement with the Houston Texans on a two-year, $25 million deal including $13.5 million fully guaranteed, per his agent Michael Perrett of Priority Sports.

[Hoopsdoc]

Braden Smith to the Texans

https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2031430423805304997

Well, Jalen Travis, you’re up.

[Puck]

Well, Jalen Travis, you’re up.

I am feeling pretty good about him

[ChaosTheory]

Braden Smith to the Texans

https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2031430423805304997

That one sucks. I feel pretty good about Travis, but losing Smith AND Houston getting him is shitty.

[Puck]

Another QB team down. DJ is running out of options. Any chance the Colts pull the tag?

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
·
31m
Trade: the Raiders are sending QB Geno Smith and a 2026 7th-round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for a 2026 6th-round pick, per ESPN sources. Smith returns to the team for which he started his NFL career for in 2013.

[Hoopsdoc]

I am feeling pretty good about him

Travis played extremely well in limited time last year. Let’s see if he can handle being the starter.

[Oldcolt]

Another QB team down. DJ is running out of options. Any chance the Colts pull the tag?

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
·
31m
Trade: the Raiders are sending QB Geno Smith and a 2026 7th-round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for a 2026 6th-round pick, per ESPN sources. Smith returns to the team for which he started his NFL career for in 2013.

Doubt it. The Colts believe in him and see him a the long term answer at QB. He and Pierce are very good friends. Why poison the well. A long term (3-4 years) deal makes the most sense and pulling the tag doesn't help that and may make it more difficult. I'm assuming Jones isn't going to be stuck on 50 million a year.

[rm1369]

Doubt it. The Colts believe in him and see him a the long term answer at QB. He and Pierce are very good friends. Why poison the well. A long term (3-4 years) deal makes the most sense and pulling the tag doesn't help that and may make it more difficult. I'm assuming Jones isn't going to be stuck on 50 million a year.

Yeah, the two sides need each other at this point as the options for either are limited. And together they’ve shown the possibility of success. Hopefully they can work out fair compensation that doesn’t kill the team to move from him if he reverts to Giants DJ or doesn’t recover from the injury. As hard as Ballard works to maintain flexibility, I at least have some confidence in his ability to do that.

[YDFL Commish]

Thoughts on Gabe Davis?

He drops a lot of passes. I would prefer to go with youth at WR.

[Puck]

He drops a lot of passes. I would prefer to go with youth at WR.

Do you agree we need another vet to run be the Z. To me its obvious AP is going to be the #1 which if I understand this shit correctly that will make him the X.

Downs will still be the Y. But AP and Pitt both split between X and Y routes

So we will need another legit player there Otherwise they will just key in on AP

Can Dulin be that guy? I don't think Gould is progressing as much as I had hoed. Otherwise Downs could move to the Z

Just ooking at other FA WR's that can maybe be had at a lower price to fill in grooming a rookie to take over. Which I expect to be kind of high priority for the draft

But like Dam mentioned Shane like to run 12 personnel SO maybe another TE?


Just thinking out loud.

[Puck]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
·
33m
The Colts are one of the teams in the Trey Hendrickson sweepstakes, per
@HolderStephen
.

Hendrickson produced back-to-back 17.5 sack seasons with Indianapolis defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.

[Puck]

apparently the Ravens backed out of the Crosby deal

He failed his physical

[Puck]

So glad this fucker is gone.

HE NEVER STFU


James Boyd
@RomeovilleKid
·
4h
New #Packers LB Zaire Franklin:

“This ain’t, honestly, the first time the #Colts tried to get me out the building … So, I’m used to earning my keep. I’m looking forward to going into a new organization, a new locker room and earning my space, earning their respect.”

[Hoopsdoc]

apparently the Ravens backed out of the Crosby deal

He failed his physical

Makes me think the Ravens will be getting in on Hendrickson now.

If I had to bet, I’d say Hendrickson ends up in Baltimore now.

[YDFL Commish]

Do you agree we need another vet to run be the Z. To me its obvious AP is going to be the #1 which if I understand this shit correctly that will make him the X.

Downs will still be the Y. But AP and Pitt both split between X and Y routes

So we will need another legit player there Otherwise they will just key in on AP

Can Dulin be that guy? I don't think Gould is progressing as much as I had hoed. Otherwise Downs could move to the Z

Just ooking at other FA WR's that can maybe be had at a lower price to fill in grooming a rookie to take over. Which I expect to be kind of high priority for the draft

But like Dam mentioned Shane like to run 12 personnel SO maybe another TE?


Just thinking out loud.

Yes...we definitely need another legit pass catching option. Whether that is WR or TE probably doesn't matter. I will say I'm intrigued by using more 12 and 13 personnel, if we can find the right TE.

[Racehorse]

31 yr old pass rusher. From what I have read he is not great in run D. But he really does get to the QB.

What price could you see the Colts being able to come with and offer?


Yahoo Sports

@YahooSports

·
4h

Free agent DE Trey Hendrickson is in contact with multiple teams, but “nobody has met his price just yet,” and he’s not willing to compromise and take a discounted deal at this point, per @AdamSchefter
.
It is not a discounted deal if nobody is willing to pay more. It is what the market is.

[Racehorse]

That one sucks. I feel pretty good about Travis, but losing Smith AND Houston getting him is shitty.

I am not as concerned. Between the missed games and missed blocks, we can get equal play for less money.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

The Colts free up some more cap space for this year by restructuring Raimann's contract:

https://x.com/spotrac/status/2031679391869112673

The Colts converted $11M of OT Bernhard Raimann's salary into signing bonus, creating $8.25M of cap space for 2026.

Updated Cap Hits:
2026: $9.2M
2027: $30.6M
2028: $26.9M
2029: $31.2M

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Makes me think the Ravens will be getting in on Hendrickson now.

If I had to bet, I’d say Hendrickson ends up in Baltimore now.


Yep - Baltimore quickly pivoted to Hendrickson.

https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2031716485245091950

Ravens and Trey Hendrickson reached agreement on a four-year, $112 million contract.

Hendrickson stays in the AFC North, and now will be facing Joe Burrow and the Bengals twice a season.

[Hoopsdoc]

Yep - Baltimore quickly pivoted to Hendrickson.

https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2031716485245091950

Nah, that’s some bs from the Ravens. They got buyers remorse and decided they’d rather have Hendrickson and their 2 first round picks.

Total bush league move.

[apballin]

4 years 100 million… they can have him

[Hoopsdoc]

Essentially, the Ravens used 2 first round picks to hold Crosby while they negotiated with Hendrickson.

Complete and total bush league stuff.

That said, it’s completely legal. Let’s just hope the Ravens don’t need anything from the Raiders in the near future.

I see something being changed because of this.

[BCN#1]

Yep - Baltimore quickly pivoted to Hendrickson.

https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2031716485245091950

Personally, I am ok with our missing out on this older guy - record be damned. Age, injuries and high $$$ expecations were a negative in my view. Lets hope we find a reasonable alternate or at least find some diamonds in the rough in the draft.

[Hoopsdoc]

Rapaport is saying Hendrickson was planning on signing with the Colts until Baltimore pivoted from Crosby.

lol.

[Hoopsdoc]

Cross to the Commanders.

[Hoopsdoc]

Personally, I am ok with our missing out on this older guy - record be damned. Age, injuries and high $$$ expecations were a negative in my view. Lets hope we find a reasonable alternate or at least find some diamonds in the rough in the draft.

Hendrickson always made more sense in Baltimore. Team with a qb in place, looking to make a push for a Super Bowl, older player.

I think the Colts are probably better off in the long run.

It doesn’t change the fact that this was a bullshit move by Baltimore.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Cross to the Commanders.


Not a large contract either.

But Cross is headed home - he grew up in the DC metro area.


https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2031811383336075353

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 Win Sports Group.

[YDFL Commish]

So, does this mean we're rolling with Hunter Wohler?

[apballin]

So, does this mean we're rolling with Hunter Wohler?

I hope so

[ChaosTheory]

Damn, we couldn't do $7m/yr or did he want to go home?

[YDFL Commish]

Damn, we couldn't do $7m/yr or did he want to go home?

I got a felling he wasn't a Lou guy.

[Dam8610]

Hopefully the team spends some of that $50m of cap room they've created on getting a better EDGE2, competence at a minimum at LB, and a new starting SS.

[Dam8610]

Skimming the available free agents, Joey Bosa, Bobby Okereke, and Jaquan Brisker would do just fine.

[Puck]

Hopefully the team spends some of that $50m of cap room they've created on getting a better EDGE2, competence at a minimum at LB, and a new starting SS.

You don't like Wohler?

[Puck]

Not sure if we missed this one from yesterday

Ari Meirov
@MySportsUpdate
·
17h
The #Colts have signed former #Chiefs DT Derrick Nnadi, per his agents @_SportsTrust.

[Hoopsdoc]

Not sure if we missed this one from yesterday

Ari Meirov
@MySportsUpdate
·
17h
The #Colts have signed former #Chiefs DT Derrick Nnadi, per his agents @_SportsTrust.

I know more than a few Chiefs fans and to a man they are glad to be rid of this guy.

[Puck]

Easton Butler
@Easton__Butler
Cardinals EDGE Josh Sweat has requested a trade this week, per a source. The Packers and Eagles are both reportedly interested in him. Philly is trying to find another star on the DL, after losing Phillips to Carolina.

[Puck]

Zach Hicks
@ZachHicks2
Colts' remaining edge rusher tier list:

Celebration Time: Jonathan Greenard, Arnold Ebiketie

Old but an Upgrade: Joey Bosa, Jadeveon Clowney, Cam Jordan

Meh: Derek Barnett, AJ Epenesa, Yetur Gross-Matos

For the Memes: Al-Quadin Muhammad

[Puck]

Destin Adams
@TheDestinAdams
I've watched film from every season of Arnold Ebiketie over the last few days and you can see him take another step as a player every season

Wasn't a starter for the Falcons but I really don't know why they never took the training wheels off

I'm all for the Colts signing him

[Puck]

Ian Rapoport
@RapSheet


FA edge Azeez Ojulari is signing a 1-year deal with hometown #Falcons, per me and
@TomPelissero
.

Destin Adams
@TheDestinAdams
·
23h


Could mean Arnold Ebiketie isn't back in Atlanta

Would make sense for the Colts

[Puck]

Tom Pelissero
@TomPelissero
·
13m
Former Colts safety Rodney Thomas II is signing with the Seahawks, per source.

I would expect a FA S signed soon

Any thought on who to look at?

[Puck]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
Many teams view the 2027 NFL Draft as the strongest potential class in years, per
@AdamSchefter
.

In trade talks, teams are coveting 2027 pick assets.

The Colts and Packers are the only teams currently without their 2027 1st.

[Dam8610]

You don't like Wohler?

As a LB? Sure, but counting on him to start in 2026 coming off injury doesn't seem like a very sound plan.

[Puck]

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
Broncos released LB Dre Greenlaw with a post-June 1 designation.

[Puck]

As a LB? Sure, but counting on him to start in 2026 coming off injury doesn't seem like a very sound plan.

He's a safety in this D

[Puck]

Ian Rapoport
@RapSheet


FA edge Azeez Ojulari is signing a 1-year deal with hometown #Falcons, per me and
@TomPelissero
.

Destin Adams
@TheDestinAdams
·
23h


Could mean Arnold Ebiketie isn't back in Atlanta

Would make sense for the Colts

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
·
7m
Former Colts DE Samson Ebukam reached agreement today with the Atlanta Falcons, per his agent Cameron Foster

[Puck]

Joel A. Erickson
@JoelAErickson
·
2h
Colby Wooden says he played out of position a bit last year. He was Green Bay's NT, but he's not a nose tackle naturally.

Wooden's more of a 3-tech who can slide out and play 5-tech DE in 3-man fronts, the way the Colts used Gallimore last year.

[Puck]

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
Broncos released LB Dre Greenlaw with a post-June 1 designation.

Greenlaw signed with the 49ers

[YDFL Commish]

Not sure if we missed this one from yesterday

Ari Meirov
@MySportsUpdate
·
17h
The #Colts have signed former #Chiefs DT Derrick Nnadi, per his agents @_SportsTrust.

So much for getting younger and faster. Bargain basement Ballard strikes again.

[Puck]

Any guesses why the Pittman trade has not been officially announced?

[Puck]

CLew 🏈🏀⚾️🥊
@droppedballs_fb
·
26m
Colts GM Chris Ballard:

“Listen, we feel like the guys we signed will be able to help us win. We have a lot of faith in JTT and that Latu will take that next step. Nnadi has championship experience, I mean he’s a 3x champion. We see really excited about Wooden. Getting Daniel and Pierce back was huge for us. We were in on Trey, but listen, it takes two. We weren’t going to overspend for players, I mean did you see some of those contracts? We also believe there are some really good players in the draft that can come in and contribute right away.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Any guesses why the Pittman trade has not been officially announced?


Probably waiting on a physical.

[Puck]

B/R Gridiron

@brgridiron
Teams with the most cap space, per
@Jason_OTC


Commanders - $66.3M
Chargers - $63.5M
Ravens - $54.9M
Colts - $50.5M
Titans - $50.2M

[Puck]

Probably waiting on a physical.

Yea I guess that could be it

[Puck]

Another DE is off the market that I thought the Colts might go after once the Trey thing fell through

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
Former Falcons free-agent LB Arnold Ebiketie is signing a one-year, $7.3 million max deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, including $4.3 million fully guaranteed, per Damarius Bilbo of
@KlutchSports
. Ebiketie had eight sacks the past two seasons, and the Eagles are hoping for more of the same.

But this may mean the Eagles may be out on Sweat and/or Greenard

Let's do something Ballard You have some cap space.

[Oldcolt]

Puck, from Ballards comment it seems he has done what he wants. He likes our guys and thinks they will take the next step and become monsters. Thinks the worst lineman (by PFF so I know) in the NFL was just used incorrectly so we will turn it around with him (like we have done with zero players). Typical bullshit from our GM (I'm still waiting for Kwitty ,Dayo's etc next step). What a shock.

[Hoopsdoc]

I’d much rather have Paye and Ebukam than Key and Clemons. That’s an obvious downgrade in my opinion.

Ballard has a lot of work to do, that’s for sure.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Puck, from Ballards comment it seems he has done what he wants.


That Ballard quote wasn't real.

[Oldcolt]

That Ballard quote wasn't real.

Thanks, freaking AI. They nailed the sentiment however

[Dam8610]

I’d much rather have Paye and Ebukam than Key and Clemons. That’s an obvious downgrade in my opinion.

Ballard has a lot of work to do, that’s for sure.

Key is the Ebukam replacement, Clemons is the Tyquan Lewis replacement, and both are upgrades on the player they're replacing, as they're both younger and more productive at the respective roles they're being asked to do. Key's 11.2% pressure rate is much better than Ebukam's 9.8% rate, and in raw number terms he generated close to a pressure per game more than Ebukam. Clemons is a better run defender than Lewis and also generated a higher pressure rate. Key and Clemons also cost less than Paye combined.

I don't think the Colts have obtained their EDGE2 yet. There are still many options that would be an upgrade over Paye.

[Hoopsdoc]

Key is the Ebukam replacement, Clemons is the Tyquan Lewis replacement, and both are upgrades on the player they're replacing, as they're both younger and more productive at the respective roles they're being asked to do. Key's 11.2% pressure rate is much better than Ebukam's 9.8% rate, and in raw number terms he generated close to a pressure per game more than Ebukam. Clemons is a better run defender than Lewis and also generated a higher pressure rate. Key and Clemons also cost less than Paye combined.

I don't think the Colts have obtained their EDGE2 yet. There are still many options that would be an upgrade over Paye.

Ebukam was coming off a season ending injury last year. His career pressure rate is higher than 9.8.

I’m not sure where you got that Clemons is a better run defender than Lewis.

Clemons and Key are both downgrades from their predecessors or, at best, equal to them.

They’re in no way clearly better.

[Puck]

Pittman trade done

Indianapolis Colts

@Colts
·
1h
🚨TRADE🚨

we have acquired a 2026 sixth-round pick in trade with @steelers.

[Puck]

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
·
1h
Titans are releasing CB L'Jarius Sneed, which will save Tennessee $11.4 million against the cap, per sources. Titans informed Snead’s agents, the Katz Brothers, of their decision today; Sneed now will become a free agent.

[Puck]

Salary cap updated with the new signings

$23,697,488 / 13th for the top 51

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/overview

[Puck]

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
·
26m
Former Bears free-agent S Jonathan Owens is signing a one-year deal with the Colts, per
@SunnyTheAgent
.

[Puck]

Indianapolis Colts

@Colts
we have re-signed TE Drew Ogletree.

[Puck]

Jordan Schultz
@Schultz_Report
·
17m
Sources: The #Colts are signing former #Cowboys S Juanyeh Thomas.

Thomas played in 36 games with Dallas, recording 62 tackles, 5 PBUs and 1 forced fumble.

[Puck]

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
·
26m
Former Bears free-agent S Jonathan Owens is signing a one-year deal with the Colts, per
@SunnyTheAgent
.



James Boyd
@RomeovilleKid
My bad!

New #Colts S Jonathan Owens is the husband of the GOAT, Simone Biles.

She is better at gymnastics than Tom Brady is at football and Michael Jordan is at basketball. No, that is not hyperbole. Biles has moves named after her because no one else in history can do them.

[Puck]

BZY day for the Colts

Andrew Moore
@AndrewMooreNFL
·
20m
Fourth signing of the day for the Colts as Laquon Treadwell is back in the fold at WR.

Treadwell as mostly been on the PS during his time in Indy, but could add depth on the active roster with Michael Pittman Jr. now with the Steelers.

[Puck]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
·
14m
The Colts are in trade discussions with multiple teams on Anthony Richardson, which could lead to a deal happening this weekend.

The Buccaneers, Chiefs, Lions, Packers, Rams, and Ravens are among the teams who checked in.

Richardson’s value is believed to be a late Day 3 pick.

[Oldcolt]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
·
14m
The Colts are in trade discussions with multiple teams on Anthony Richardson, which could lead to a deal happening this weekend.

The Buccaneers, Chiefs, Lions, Packers, Rams, and Ravens are among the teams who checked in.

Richardson’s value is believed to be a late Day 3 pick.

I hope there is a plan to back up Jones. There is a damn good chance we will need to have someone QB us to a win or two this year besides Jones. Relying solely on Leonard seems dangerous. He showed enough to be intriguing but not enough, in my opinion, to warrant having him be the primary back up on a team wanting the playoffs starting a QB with Jones injury history.

[Thorgrim]

James Boyd
@RomeovilleKid
My bad!

New #Colts S Jonathan Owens is the husband of the GOAT, Simone Biles.

She is better at gymnastics than Tom Brady is at football and Michael Jordan is at basketball. No, that is not hyperbole. Biles has moves named after her because no one else in history can do them.

Great. Maybe she can beat out her husband at safety.

[sherck]

Great. Maybe she can beat out her husband at safety.
Are you kidding me? She is 4'8" tall.

WAY to easy to high point her.... :)

[apballin]

James Boyd
@RomeovilleKid
My bad!

New #Colts S Jonathan Owens is the husband of the GOAT, Simone Biles.

She is better at gymnastics than Tom Brady is at football and Michael Jordan is at basketball. No, that is not hyperbole. Biles has moves named after her because no one else in history can do them.

I could care less who a guy’s married to especially a special teams player

[Puck]

I hope there is a plan to back up Jones. There is a damn good chance we will need to have someone QB us to a win or two this year besides Jones. Relying solely on Leonard seems dangerous. He showed enough to be intriguing but not enough, in my opinion, to warrant having him be the primary back up on a team wanting the playoffs starting a QB with Jones injury history.

Oldcolt. I like you You are no nonsense and say what you think. I am not directing all of this straight at you. directly,


Did Manning have a backup plan?

How about Luck ?

THERE IS ONLY SOOOO MUCH you can do.

There is NOT A BETTER OPTION FOR THE COLTS this season! NONE!!!!!!!


BITCH ALL YA WANT. but you cant argue that fact



SO WHY???? The doom and gloom??

Yea Leonard is next in line. Do you really want to send him into the fire.. like we did AR? NEITHER ARE READY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What other option do the Colts have? Not mythical options. Legit options??


But it is a constant on this board that Ballard should be some kind of magician and should be able to get Mahomes and JJ Jefferson with a click of a mouse

I speak from experience I own multiple businesses. If I thought like some of the folks on here I would be broke in MINUTES!


There is SOOOO much that goes on behind the scenes that you me and my dog don't know about. RELAX

Ballard. as much as some hate him... knows WAY more than
any of us

Just like I do with my companies


And again. IT'S A GAME. no reason to lose your shit over this

[Oldcolt]

Puck don't worry about making me feel bad. Its football, I have opinions but I recognize its a game means zilch in the end. Having said that you miss my biggest point. Luck, Manning never approached the injury history that Jones has. The guy has made it through one entire season in his career and is coming off a horrendous injury. It doesn't take a genius to anticipate that this man will most likely not make it through the year without missing time. Ballard has known Jones was the man for a long time. When Jones get invariably hurt or has a setback people will say 'injuries' doomed Ballard. I think it is lack of foresight. We have no better options, I agree. Why the hell is that?

As far as the doom and gloom I could ask why live in a fantasy pollyanna world. The doom and gloom is, for me, living in the reality of the last 9 years and the belief I am looking at the damn same thing this year.

Still rooting for the Colts and hope Jones leads us to glory as I believe that this is the best that can be done under the circumstances. I just happen to hate the circumstances and blame the people who have been managing us for the last 9 years for putting us in them.

[Racehorse]

Puck don't worry about making me feel bad. Its football, I have opinions but I recognize its a game means zilch in the end. Having said that you miss my biggest point. Luck, Manning never approached the injury history that Jones has. The guy has made it through one entire season in his career and is coming off a horrendous injury. It doesn't take a genius to anticipate that this man will most likely not make it through the year without missing time. Ballard has known Jones was the man for a long time. When Jones get invariably hurt or has a setback people will say 'injuries' doomed Ballard. I think it is lack of foresight. We have no better options, I agree. Why the hell is that?

As far as the doom and gloom I could ask why live in a fantasy pollyanna world. The doom and gloom is, for me, living in the reality of the last 9 years and the belief I am looking at the damn same thing this year.

Still rooting for the Colts and hope Jones leads us to glory as I believe that this is the best that can be done under the circumstances. I just happen to hate the circumstances and blame the people who have been managing us for the last 9 years for putting us in them.
This rationale is why I don't understand trading AR.

[sherck]

This rationale is why I don't understand trading AR.
Because AR is bad at football?

Look, all the physical gifts in the world will not make up for the fact that NFL QBing's most important muscle is the 8" between a QBs ears.

Jacoby Brissett, IMO, is a perfect example of that. He had every physical skill in the world but I am convinced that his problem was that he made decisions just 0.1 of a second slow. However, when you add up all the tasks that are needed to deliver a perfect NFL strike, those tenths of a second added up to where he was consistently delivering the ball a half second late and in the NFL, that gives defenders time to adjust.

AR, again IMO, does not have the mental traits needed to be a top NFL QB. Perhaps he will prove me wrong if allowed to go to a team who has an expereinced starter and allowed to sit for a season or three (same as both Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love) and then be able to come out and show us we were wrong and he was right.

But, I don't think that is going to happen. Right now, AR is bad at football.

[Hoopsdoc]

Because AR is bad at football?

Look, all the physical gifts in the world will not make up for the fact that NFL QBing's most important muscle is the 8" between a QBs ears.

Jacoby Brissett, IMO, is a perfect example of that. He had every physical skill in the world but I am convinced that his problem was that he made decisions just 0.1 of a second slow. However, when you add up all the tasks that are needed to deliver a perfect NFL strike, those tenths of a second added up to where he was consistently delivering the ball a half second late and in the NFL, that gives defenders time to adjust.

AR, again IMO, does not have the mental traits needed to be a top NFL QB. Perhaps he will prove me wrong if allowed to go to a team who has an expereinced starter and allowed to sit for a season or three (same as both Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love) and then be able to come out and show us we were wrong and he was right.

But, I don't think that is going to happen. Right now, AR is bad at football.

Even if he does figure out the mental part and somehow manages to get to 60 percent completion rate, he’ll still be incredibly injury prone.

It’s not impossible that he becomes great, but the odds are very slim.

Either way, he’s done in Indy because Steichen is done with him.

[Oldcolt]

I agree about AR not being very good at football right now. I do, however, believe he gives us a chance to win games. Leonard may do the same but I would like to keep options open, especially at QB were my trust in management is low from how they have managed the position the last decade.

Sherck you may be correct about AR not having the correct mental traits. If you are iI think it is probably blind luck. I say this because it is hard enough to know what your own mental capabilities are, harder even to know the capabilities of someone else you happen to know (I am surprised all the time with people) and I would say impossible to know about someone you have never even had a conversation with. I get why you are done with him but think we should keep option open. I understand we will not go this route and management (who have met him) agrees with you.

[albany ed]

Even if he does figure out the mental part and somehow manages to get to 60 percent completion rate, he’ll still be incredibly injury prone.

It’s not impossible that he becomes great, but the odds are very slim.

Either way, he’s done in Indy because Steichen is done with him.

If all. you can get for AR is a late day 3 pick, why bother? If Jones gets hurt and Leonard hasn't shown much, maybe AR comes in and does well. Then, his trade value goes up. Odds are a late day 3 pick doesn't make the final 55.

If you lose him to Free agency, won't they receive a compensation pick in the 2027 draft?

[Lov2fish]

If all. you can get for AR is a late day 3 pick, why bother? If Jones gets hurt and Leonard hasn't shown much, maybe AR comes in and does well. Then, his trade value goes up. Odds are a late day 3 pick doesn't make the final 55.

If you lose him to Free agency, won't they receive a compensation pick in the 2027 draft?

Leonard has shown more than AR even in a small sample size. Why hang onto a liability who has peaked? He is just not good at football. Look through history at talented guys who are driving trucks now. Life sucks sometimes. If he was smart he invested the several million he has made and can have an easy life without football.

[Oldcolt]

Leonard has shown more than AR even in a small sample size. Why hang onto a liability who has peaked? He is just not good at football. Look through history at talented guys who are driving trucks now. Life sucks sometimes. If he was smart he invested the several million he has made and can have an easy life without football.

You make good point. You cn also look at talented dudes that teams gave up on and made them regret it (we could start with Unitas but it also is a long list). I think there are decent arguments both ways. We have the cap space, AR doesn't appear to be a locker room cancer and I, weirdly considering how I feel about the direction of the team, find hope in his physical abilities and who he seems to be as a human being. I wish we would keep him.

[rm1369]

Oldcolt. I like you You are no nonsense and say what you think. I am not directing all of this straight at you. directly,


Did Manning have a backup plan?

How about Luck ?

….

THERE IS ONLY SOOOO MUCH you can do.

There is NOT A BETTER OPTION FOR THE COLTS this season! NONE!!!!!!!

BITCH ALL YA WANT. but you cant argue that fact

…..

Ballard. as much as some hate him... knows WAY more than
any of us.

"I've always said this: organizations win, teams win, coaches win — it's not just the quarterback". Among other quotes.

There was a distinct philosophy with Manning and Luck where it was clearly known that if they went down the team was screwed. Ballard pitched a different philosophy from the beginning. I’ve never believed in it, but he started this journey with that philosophy. That’s part of my frustration with people defending him because he’s not had a superstar QB. HE said the QB wasn’t everything for winning. HE has mostly treated the position accordingly. My two initial complaints about Ballard were his stated view on vets and culture, and his willingness to slow roll a rebuild with Luck on the roster.

So it’s particularly frustrating to hear him constantly described as some sort of victim. He’s only a victim of his own philosophy. I’ve never expected him to find the next Mahomes and Jefferson, that’s complete BS. I’ve expected him to either 1) recognize the importance of the QB position and do whatever it takes to find one (like most teams), or 2) follow his philosophy and build an actual complete fucking team. Instead I’ve watched him pussy foot around the QB position looking for any scrap that may be decent while leaving giant holes year after year on the rest of the roster. And then I have to hear him and his fan boys say how hard it is to win, how nothing is his fault, and if Luck hadn’t retired we’d be a dynasty by now. After year 5 or 6 it starts getting pretty damn frustrating as a season ticket holder to keep spending the money watching other teams ascend past the Colts. Hell at this point I’ve watched teams above us bottom out and pass us again. Yet to hear several on this board that’s impossible or simply luck. No skill in being a GM apparently.

Which brings us to you being right that Ballard knows more than me. I mean I’ve accurately predicted where the team was headed with him at the helm since he told us those two parts of his philosophy. And I’ve been right about many specific rosters moves. But I’ve been wrong as well and I can acknowledge he certainly knows more than me. Curtis Painter can throw the ball better than me, and can read a D better than me. That doesn’t stop me from knowing he’s not an NFL starting level QB. The idea we can’t be critical of him because he knows more is asinine when we clearly have the results of his “genius” to use as a guide.

DJ is the best option for the Colts this season and while I’m not convinced he’s worth the money they paid, I’m thankful the contract is largely escapable. That is one thing I did have confidence in Ballard on. But to ignore his injury history and the difficulty of the injury he’s recovering from would be classic Ballard. Remember HIS philosophy is that its organizations (meaning him, the GM), teams, and coaches that win. Pretty easy shit to say and believe when you inherit a franchise QB. It’s been a hell of a lot harder for him to live up to. Or he was simply right and the organization, teams, and coaches have been truly mediocre for the entire time he’s been here. I’m sure it has nothing to do with him or his philosophy though. Just more bad luck. Regardless asking what it looks like when the guy who has never played a full season and is coming off a major injury is your QB is a very valid question. One I’m sure Ballard won’t have a plan for because it will be completely unexpected if DJ gets injured. Or having the franchise QB is the only way to win. I’m not sure, I get so confused in the Ballard logic…

[Oldcolt]

Puck you cannot believe it is wrong to judge and argue over GMs in the NFL. It is what every fan base does and is an integral part of being a fan. It is a good argument for why you are correct, as you may be. However saying Ballard knows more than me is not only obvious and true, it is irrelevant since I am not arguing with him but with other ill informed (I assume) fans. Been judging GMs and players since I was 11 years old. They don't seem to give a shit.

[ChoppedWood]

Ballard fucking sucks.

[Racehorse]

I agree about AR not being very good at football right now. I do, however, believe he gives us a chance to win games. Leonard may do the same but I would like to keep options open, especially at QB were my trust in management is low from how they have managed the position the last decade.

Sherck you may be correct about AR not having the correct mental traits. If you are iI think it is probably blind luck. I say this because it is hard enough to know what your own mental capabilities are, harder even to know the capabilities of someone else you happen to know (I am surprised all the time with people) and I would say impossible to know about someone you have never even had a conversation with. I get why you are done with him but think we should keep option open. I understand we will not go this route and management (who have met him) agrees with you.
IYAM, his mental failings are about maturity. That can be fixed.

[YDFL Commish]

IYAM, his mental failings are about maturity. That can be fixed.

Maybe, but at the end of the day, you are either a football player, or you're not.

[Racehorse]

Maybe, but at the end of the day, you are either a football player, or you're not.

rue. I was jest remembering him saying that the NFL was easy when he first started with us. Then we have an apparent lack of work ethic. And then there is the tapping out. I think it is a little overblown, but he has to understand how his words and actions affect his leadership on the team. Maybe with a fresh start, he could fix those things I mentioned.

[Oldcolt]

AR has big issues but what I’m talking about is being second or third string here. Any QB we have at that spot would have huge issues. Sounds like it’s a moot point anyway.

We resigned Mo. I like him in a blocking backup role.

[albany ed]

AR may always be worthless, but I still can't wrap my brain around a trade at this time. Getting a draft pick that is almost a certainty to end up getting cut? Doesn't the cap hit remain the same whether he's on the team or not? Wouldn't we get a conditional pick next year if he's a free agent loss?

I don't see his being on the team a problem for DJ or Leonard. If anything, I would think Leonard would work harder if he felt he had competition for #2 from AR.

Bottom line, AR may never be a solid pro, but since there's nothing to gain by dumping him and the slightest of chances he may yet be productive, I say wait til next year to decide.

========================

OOPS, I JUST LOOKED IT UP, AND IF AR IS TRADED THE COLTS SAVE 5 MILLION, SO I WAS WRONG. I STILL DON'T THINK THEY SHOULD TRADE HIM.

[Hoopsdoc]

If all. you can get for AR is a late day 3 pick, why bother? If Jones gets hurt and Leonard hasn't shown much, maybe AR comes in and does well. Then, his trade value goes up. Odds are a late day 3 pick doesn't make the final 55.

If you lose him to Free agency, won't they receive a compensation pick in the 2027 draft?

This is kind of what I’ve decided. If you’re only getting a 6th or 7th round pick, just keep his ass. But I don’t think you get comp picks for back ups. I think the player has to be a starter or play a lot.

The Colts aren’t going to pick up his 5th year option either. I don’t know if that figures in or not.

[YDFL Commish]

I’d much rather have Paye and Ebukam than Key and Clemons. That’s an obvious downgrade in my opinion.

Ballard has a lot of work to do, that’s for sure.

The devil that you know vs the devil you don't?

[YDFL Commish]

Joel A. Erickson
@JoelAErickson
·
2h
Colby Wooden says he played out of position a bit last year. He was Green Bay's NT, but he's not a nose tackle naturally.

Wooden's more of a 3-tech who can slide out and play 5-tech DE in 3-man fronts, the way the Colts used Gallimore last year.

This is true. But, we still need a backup NT for Grove, or Wooden will still have to play some NT.

[Oldcolt]

It is early but I cannot see how we have improved at all. We are now weaker at linebacker (hard to believe), wide receiver, have no swing tackle and still don't have a pass rusher. That a lot of stuff to address. Been here before many times with this particular group that runs us now, thought they had a plan and turned out there was none. I hope there is one now but I believe that there probably isn't (not trying to be negative but I have believed so many times before and was always disappointed).

[ChoppedWood]

It is early but I cannot see how we have improved at all. We are now weaker at linebacker (hard to believe), wide receiver, have no swing tackle and still don't have a pass rusher. That a lot of stuff to address. Been here before many times with this particular group that runs us now, thought they had a plan and turned out there was none. I hope there is one now but I believe that there probably isn't (not trying to be negative but I have believed so many times before and was always disappointed).

The linebacker group- oh my God that is poverty shit.

Ballard eats balls!

[Hoopsdoc]

It is early but I cannot see how we have improved at all. We are now weaker at linebacker (hard to believe), wide receiver, have no swing tackle and still don't have a pass rusher. That a lot of stuff to address. Been here before many times with this particular group that runs us now, thought they had a plan and turned out there was none. I hope there is one now but I believe that there probably isn't (not trying to be negative but I have believed so many times before and was always disappointed).

Hard to disagree with this. The only place we are objectively better is defensive tackle. Everything else is the same or worse.

[ChaosTheory]

Hard to disagree with this. The only place we are objectively better is defensive tackle. Everything else is the same or worse.

How you frame it in your mind matters. A lot of people will say, as they have in years past, that Ballard sat on his hands and didn't get any difference makers. Because for some reason, Free Agents don't count if they were on your team last year.

The more accurate framing is that you likely got the #1 QB and the #1 WR available in the '26 FA class. Just pretend one came from Cincinnati and one came from Tampa Bay if it helps. And to do stuff like that, you don't get to keep your other $20m+ WR.

---

Anyway, to the substance of the point... I fucking hate losing Cross. As excited as I was for Wohler, that one will probably sting. Hopefully he's the rare type to be reliable right away.

LB is funny... Because it's simultaneously the biggest unknown and also one of the least worrisome positions to me personally. I guess it's the combination of ease of transition from college to pro, Lou's emphasis on DBs, and Ballard's track record at LB.

I think DL will be hammered in the draft. May luck into Grover's replacement, otherwise depth behind him and Buckner.

[Mr. Session]

It is early but I cannot see how we have improved at all. We are now weaker at linebacker (hard to believe), wide receiver, have no swing tackle and still don't have a pass rusher. That a lot of stuff to address. Been here before many times with this particular group that runs us now, thought they had a plan and turned out there was none. I hope there is one now but I believe that there probably isn't (not trying to be negative but I have believed so many times before and was always disappointed).

I see the same

I guess it makes the draft interesting. I don't know how they fill the holes either.

[Hoopsdoc]

How you frame it in your mind matters. A lot of people will say, as they have in years past, that Ballard sat on his hands and didn't get any difference makers. Because for some reason, Free Agents don't count if they were on your team last year.

The more accurate framing is that you likely got the #1 QB and the #1 WR available in the '26 FA class. Just pretend one came from Cincinnati and one came from Tampa Bay if it helps. And to do stuff like that, you don't get to keep your other $20m+ WR.

---

Anyway, to the substance of the point... I fucking hate losing Cross. As excited as I was for Wohler, that one will probably sting. Hopefully he's the rare type to be reliable right away.

LB is funny... Because it's simultaneously the biggest unknown and also one of the least worrisome positions to me personally. I guess it's the combination of ease of transition from college to pro, Lou's emphasis on DBs, and Ballard's track record at LB.

I think DL will be hammered in the draft. May luck into Grover's replacement, otherwise depth behind him and Buckner.

Or, you could frame it as we resigned two of the guys who helped lead us to an 8-9 record and no playoffs while letting their supporting cast get significantly worse.

That’s a more accurate representation.

[Oldcolt]

I thought the idea of free agency was to improve your team. I am not sure how assuring you bring back the exact same players improve your team. I am glad (sort of , not thrilled about Jones but it is the best we can do) we signed who we wanted to but doing that isn't improving your team, it is making sure it doest get worse.

[Puck]

Spotrac
@spotrac
·
1h
6 Indianapolis #Colts players had contract triggers vest this weekend:

CB Charvarius Ward’s $12.9M 2026 salary now guaranteed

DL DeForest Buckner earned a $10M roster bonus

S Cam Bynum’s $10M 2026 salary now guaranteed

$8.3M of OL Bernhard Raimann’s 2027 salary now guaranteed

OL Quenton Nelson earned a $2M roster bonus

WR/KR Ashton Dulin earned a $340,000 roster bonus

[ChaosTheory]

Or, you could frame it as we resigned two of the guys who helped lead us to an 8-9 record and no playoffs while letting their supporting cast get significantly worse.

That’s a more accurate representation.

The entire Colts universe just shit their pants for a month at the thought of Alec Pierce being lost to free agency. Are we going to act like he's a mediocre cog now?

And Daniel Jones did not lead us to 8-9. We were 8-2 before the leg break and just about every advanced metric had him at least top-5, if not leading.

---

As far as the supporting cast - I agree, we lost some guys that I hated to see go. Particularly Pittman, Cross, Smith, and even Paye (run D will be missed).

But saying "let" implies something that isn't there. Keep in mind, this is the GM and FO that constantly gets mocked for the "we like our guys" mantra. Not like don't try to keep them. It's a zero-sum game and QB/WR are two of the big-3 paid positions.

Not directed at you, but I do find it amusing to read a lot of guys who like to mock the "we like our guys", but are now complaining when we have to let our guys go.


I thought the idea of free agency was to improve your team. I am not sure how assuring you bring back the exact same players improve your team. I am glad (sort of , not thrilled about Jones but it is the best we can do) we signed who we wanted to but doing that isn't improving your team, it is making sure it doest get worse.

I think the natural thinking makes it feel counterintuitive to consider them "additions"... but neither Jones nor Pierce were on the team after the season ended. That's your starting point.

Without that starting point, all of the subtractions and comparatively smaller signings are out of context. Then it looks like you just let a bunch of starters walk out the door for no reason other than to sign a bunch of smaller contract guys. That's not the case.

[Oldcolt]

Chaos, I was comparing the team we put on the field last year with the team we will put on the field next year, not a hypothetical team that has 'lost' every free agent. Keeping the best players on your team is now what we cheer for? For me the question is, and it is the ONLY one that counts in my opinion, is have you actually improved the team you put on the field last year? These moves (Pierce, DJ) didn't move the needle an inch, they just kept it from nosediving. I am glad we got it done, it would have been a disaster otherwise. I am rooting for you to be correct. There is still time and I am just venting on how I think it is going so far, which is not so great.