2026 Off-Season Thread

[Colts And Orioles]

o


The Colts’ $60 Million Dilemma Just Left Chris Ballard With No Real Escape

(By Lee Vowel)

https://horseshoeheroes.com/colts-60-million-dilemma-just-left-chris-ballard-no-real-escape

o

[Lov2fish]

If he feels like he should retire, then he should. He knows his own body, and what a normal thought process is versus a distorted one. Hopefully Walley is good to go by training camp. Just hope the injury didn't do more mental damage then physical.

We definitely have to sign Pierce, providing we don't get completely outbid, then you just let him go. You have to be fiscally responsible as well to build a complete team.

Let Smith go, he is overpaid anyway.

Get rid of Zaire. Seriously, sooner than later. Not a fan of Pratt, but wouldn't be mad if he was still here. Carlise can cover. Keep him healthy and see. Did I mention Franklin should be gone, like now?

Gallimore I would keep for the right money. Stewart is the other side of 30. Buck is on the wrong side of 30 with a neck injury/recovery.

I would trade Pittman to keep Pierce. We'll be ok without him.

I have a long wish list, and my reality list for the offseason. Ironically they are completely different of each other. Ya know, Cheap ass Ballard and his Goodwill philosophy.

[Kray007]

o


The Colts’ $60 Million Dilemma Just Left Chris Ballard With No Real Escape

(By Lee Vowel)

https://horseshoeheroes.com/colts-60-million-dilemma-just-left-chris-ballard-no-real-escape

o

Read the article, and I’m not sure he’s right. If Ward retires, and I’ll admit that I’m not an expert capologist, his contract is suspended and the team isn’t on the hook for his $13 Million salary, this year. They also have the right to take him to arbitration and recover $13 Million and change from his signing bonus. I suppose that it could depend on whether he is considered to be retired-injured in which case the team is liable for the part of his contract that was guaranteed against injury.

[Colts And Orioles]

Read the article, and I’m not sure he’s right. If Ward retires, and I’ll admit that I’m not an expert capologist, his contract is suspended and the team isn’t on the hook for his $13 Million salary, this year. They also have the right to take him to arbitration and recover $13 Million and change from his signing bonus. I suppose that it could depend on whether he is considered to be retired-injured in which case the team is liable for the part of his contract that was guaranteed against injury.





o


Big Jim Irsay was a generous guy will his billions, as he never tried to recollect any money from Andrew Luck when he suddenly and abruptly retired, even though he was entitled to ...... I have a sense that Carly will financially compensate Ward if he decides to retire, even if it's money on the side that won't count toward the team's salary cap ...... it would be really cool if Carly did that, even if she were not obligated to do so.

o

[Oldcolt]

Horseshoe Heros is a total click bait group. They never have any real reporting and all of their takes are meant to be controversial and get clicks. I don't believe anything they say and I want Ballard gone. When Ward initially played the defense was so much better. It was an excellent signing. I'm betting he still wants to play but I think he shouldn't. Brain trauma is a real thing.

[Racehorse]

Horseshoe Heros is a total click bait group. They never have any real reporting and all of their takes are meant to be controversial and get clicks. I don't believe anything they say and I want Ballard gone. When Ward initially played the defense was so much better. It was an excellent signing. I'm betting he still wants to play but I think he shouldn't. Brain trauma is a real thing.

As a fan, I would love to see him play, and play well and free of further concussions. However, I do not see players as gladiators there for my amusement, but as people. Therefore, I agree that he should retire while he still has a brain that is not total mush.

Oh, and I totally agree about Horseshoe Heroes. Bogus page that uses clickbait, and has no real substance.

[Puck]

Joel A. Erickson
@JoelAErickson
·
2h
Next fall will be the final Colts training camp at Grand Park. The team is taking it back to W. 56th after 2026.

[YDFL Commish]

Joel A. Erickson
@JoelAErickson
·
2h
Next fall will be the final Colts training camp at Grand Park. The team is taking it back to W. 56th after 2026.

Other than during Covid, has TC ever been held in Indy? I know in the early days it was at some high school field.

[Puck]

Other than during Covid, has TC ever been held in Indy? I know in the early days it was at some high school field.

It is kinda big news because they cannot accommodate fans very well at 56th st

[IndyNorm]

Just checked OTC and that site was us down to $27M in cap space from ~$34M it was showing last week. Anyone know if a roster bonus kicked in or something to that effect? Maybe it was the reserve/future contracts?

[sherck]

It is kinda big news because they cannot accommodate fans very well at 56th st
Yet....

[omahacolt]

D on the thread

[Colts And Orioles]

D on the thread.





o


Thanks for bumping it.

o

[Colts And Orioles]

o


2026 NFL Offseason: Free Agents, Draft Notes, Predictions

(Multiple Contributors)

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47454831/2026-nfl-offseason-guide-every-team-priorities-free-agents-draft-predictions



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



Indianapolis Colts


2025 record: l 8-9

Final FPI Ranking: l No. 21 (Out of 32 Teams)

Estimated 2026 Cap Space: l $36.3 Million

2026 1st-Round Draft Pick: l None (traded to the New York Jets)


What is their top offseason priority ??? ) Resolve their quarterback situation ...... Daniel Jones lit it up in his first season with Indy, but he'll be a free-agent in March, when he'll still be recovering from a torn right Achilles. The Colts seem inclined to run it back with Jones, but they've got to reach a deal and confirm his injury progress.

What is one secondary priority to watch ??? ) Re-tool the defensive line ...... the Colts have stuck with this group for years, but the results have been too intermittent to assume this group returns en-masse. This will be tricky with no 1sst-round pick, but the Colts need more juice on the edge.

Latest on the head coach situation: ) The Colts lost their final 7 games to complete a historic collapse after an 8-2 start ...... but the team's ownership has decided not to make significant changes, with the Colts announcing less than 3 hours after a season-ending loss to the Texans that General Manager Chris Ballard and Head Coach Shane Steichen will return for the 2026 season.


Author: l Stephen Holder

o

[Puck]

https://x.com/ZachHicks2/status/2013720341873315872?s=20

Zach Hicks
@ZachHicks2
·
21h
Under 30 years old Edge rushers set to hit free agency with a pass rush win rate above 12% (per PFF):

Cameron Thomas, CLE (13.1%)
Jaelan Phillips, PHI (18.4%)
Arnold Ebiketie (16.8%)
Malcolm Koonce (14.4%)
Odafe Oweh (16.2%)

[Puck]

https://x.com/PFSN365/status/2013780593360667107?s=20

PFSN
@PFSN365
The NFL cornerbacks who allowed the fewest yards per coverage snap in 2025 (min. 200 cov. snaps):

🔒 Eric Stokes, LV - 0.5
🔒 Pat Surtain II, DEN - 0.6
🔒 Joey Porter Jr., PIT - 0.6
🔒 James Pierre, PIT - 0.6
🔒 Tre’Davious White, BUF - 0.6
🔒 Quinyon Mitchell, PHI - 0.7
🔒 Jamel Dean, TB - 0.7
🔒 A.J. Terrell, ATL - 0.7
🔒 Sauce Gardner, IND - 0.7
🔒 Tariq Woolen, SEA - 0.7
🔒 Marcus Harris, TEN - 0.7
🔒 Jack Jones, MIA - 0.7

[YDFL Commish]

https://x.com/ZachHicks2/status/2013720341873315872?s=20

Zach Hicks
@ZachHicks2
·
21h
Under 30 years old Edge rushers set to hit free agency with a pass rush win rate above 12% (per PFF):

Cameron Thomas, CLE (13.1%)
Jaelan Phillips, PHI (18.4%)
Arnold Ebiketie (16.8%)
Malcolm Koonce (14.4%)
Odafe Oweh (16.2%)

I like Jaelan Phillips, just not his injury history. The Senior Bowl is supposed to be loaded with Edge Rushers. If that turns out to be true, let's get one.

[omahacolt]

I like Jaelan Phillips, just not his injury history. The Senior Bowl is supposed to be loaded with Edge Rushers. If that turns out to be true, let's get one.

Ballard drafting a de


what could go wrong

[Oldcolt]

Ballard drafting a de


what could go wrong

A blind squirrel finds a nut occasionally, that's my hope.

[YDFL Commish]

Ballard drafting a de


what could go wrong

Well, the hope is, that he has learned from his previous mistakes.

[Puck]

34 million


Spotrac
@spotrac
·
6h
Updated 2026 #NFL Cap Space estimates, led by the Titans, Raiders, & Jets, with the Chiefs, Saints, & Vikings bringing up the rear.

176

https://x.com/spotrac/status/2015804372106584307?s=20

[Racehorse]

34 million


Spotrac
@spotrac
·
6h
Updated 2026 #NFL Cap Space estimates, led by the Titans, Raiders, & Jets, with the Chiefs, Saints, & Vikings bringing up the rear.

176

https://x.com/spotrac/status/2015804372106584307?s=20

Jags and Texans have some tough decisions to make.

[Dam8610]

34 million


Spotrac
@spotrac
·
6h
Updated 2026 #NFL Cap Space estimates, led by the Titans, Raiders, & Jets, with the Chiefs, Saints, & Vikings bringing up the rear.

176

https://x.com/spotrac/status/2015804372106584307?s=20

Very easy for the Colts to get to nearly $100 million in cap space.

[Puck]

Very easy for the Colts to get to nearly $100 million in cap space.

When you say easy, does that include cutting players we need?

Elaborate please

[Puck]

SleeperColts

@SleeperColts
·
2h
Top unrestricted free agents available this offseason 👀

• Trey Hendrickson — EDGE
• George Pickens — WR
• Tyler Linderbaum — C
• Daniel Jones — QB
• Jaelan Phillips — EDGE
• Alec Pierce — WR

If you could only sign one, who are you taking and why?

https://x.com/SleeperColts/status/2016887194225438811?s=20

[Racehorse]

SleeperColts

@SleeperColts
·
2h
Top unrestricted free agents available this offseason 👀

• Trey Hendrickson — EDGE
• George Pickens — WR
• Tyler Linderbaum — C
• Daniel Jones — QB
• Jaelan Phillips — EDGE
• Alec Pierce — WR

If you could only sign one, who are you taking and why?

https://x.com/SleeperColts/status/2016887194225438811?s=20

Only 1? That's a hard choice. I say Phillips, and tag Pierce.

[Puck]

Only 1? That's a hard choice. I say Phillips, and tag Pierce.

Gotta have AP. When healthy this offense is arguably the best in the NFL.

SS is very much missed from the Eagles. There is a reason they are looking hard at Jim Bob.

Hopefully Ballard can get AP and DJ done soon.

Then look for LB and another edge

[albany ed]

If you could get a #1 draft choice for JT, would you do it?

[Puck]

Zach Hicks
@ZachHicks2
·
23h
Checked on Sumer Sports to confirm by thoughts a bit. The Colts ranked 10th in the NFL in EPA/play allowed against play-action passes this season.

I find that remarkable with how bad their linebackers were in coverage and how many CBs missed time. Good coaching/communication

https://x.com/ZachHicks2/status/2016594674383732793?s=20

[Oldcolt]

If you could get a #1 draft choice for JT, would you do it?

In a second. If you could get a 2 for the dude I would. He is a running back that disappeared on us the second half of the year, and I am not talking just about his running. Was a stud at blocking the first half of the year, not so much the second half. I have no faith that he will be there when the going gets really tough.

[albany ed]

If you could get a 5th round pick for Pittman, would you do it?

[Oldcolt]

If you could get a 5th round pick for Pittman, would you do it?

If you can't renegotiate his contract to get his cap hit below 29 million probably. There is the issue that Pierce is reported to want to try out free agency. If we lose Pierce, which is entirely possible, we are going to be in a world of hurt.

[Dam8610]

If you could get a 5th round pick for Pittman, would you do it?

You should be able to get way more than a 5th for Pittman.

[sherck]

You should be able to get way more than a 5th for Pittman.
Errrr....I am not sure of that.

Already 29 years old....
Only one year left on his contract.....
$22m cap hit to the new team.....
Only 2 seasons over 1,000 yards in career....
Only 2 seasons over 4 TDs in career....

He has performed as a solid WR2 but is getting paid like a low end WR1 (7th highest cap hit of WRs in 2026 for the Colts....falls to 16th highest cap hit of WRs for a new team without pro-rated signing bonus and roster bonus).

While I am sure a team out there might trade for him if it were put out that he were available, I am not sure many would be willing to pay much for him.

[Dam8610]

Errrr....I am not sure of that.

Already 29 years old....
Only one year left on his contract.....
$22m cap hit to the new team.....
Only 2 seasons over 1,000 yards in career....
Only 2 seasons over 4 TDs in career....

He has performed as a solid WR2 but is getting paid like a low end WR1 (7th highest cap hit of WRs in 2026 for the Colts....falls to 16th highest cap hit of WRs for a new team without pro-rated signing bonus and roster bonus).

While I am sure a team out there might trade for him if it were put out that he were available, I am not sure many would be willing to pay much for him.

Jakobi Meyers got a 4 and a 6 at the deadline. Pittman is better than Meyers. The contract can be renegotiated, so shouldn't really factor into the value. I wouldn't take less than a 3 for him, and given some of the NFL's WR rooms, I think he could get as much as a 2.

[albany ed]

Jakobi Meyers got a 4 and a 6 at the deadline. Pittman is better than Meyers. The contract can be renegotiated, so shouldn't really factor into the value. I wouldn't take less than a 3 for him, and given some of the NFL's WR rooms, I think he could get as much as a 2.

If you could get a 2 for Pittman, I'd love to see you take Ballards job.

[Puck]

Lawrence Owen
@Colts_Law
·
20h
@spotrac
has Kwity Paye's market value at near $18 mil/year!

No thank you.

https://x.com/Colts_Law/status/2016942711815700636?s=20

Here are our other FA's

179

[Racehorse]

If you could get a #1 draft choice for JT, would you do it?

A top ten pick, for sure. A late round pick would be a tough sell.

[Racehorse]

https://x.com/Colts_Law/status/2016942711815700636?s=20

Here are our other FA's

179

Kwity and Smith will not get that here. They are not worth those amounts. The rest seem like manageable amounts for us, given their production.

[YDFL Commish]

Jakobi Meyers got a 4 and a 6 at the deadline. Pittman is better than Meyers. The contract can be renegotiated, so shouldn't really factor into the value. I wouldn't take less than a 3 for him, and given some of the NFL's WR rooms, I think he could get as much as a 2.

We ain't gettin' no stinkin' 2nd round choice for Pittman. If we shop him, then teams already know that we want to unload him, lowering his value. How many WR's have you seen that average 4 TD's per game and 10.8 yds per catch, and become trade commodities.

We got 2nd and 5th for Faulk for crying out loud. Pittman is nowhere near Faulk's talent.

We will ask for 3rd, hope for a 4th, and accept a 5th.

[albany ed]

We ain't gettin' no stinkin' 2nd round choice for Pittman. If we shop him, then teams already know that we want to unload him, lowering his value. How many WR's have you seen that average 4 TD's per game and 10.8 yds per catch, and become trade commodities.

We got 2nd and 5th for Faulk for crying out loud. Pittman is nowhere near Faulk's talent.

We will ask for 3rd, hope for a 4th, and accept a 5th.


Please don't use the Faulk trade as the gauge. That was the one of the stupidest Colts trades of all time. If they kept him, they could have traded their 1st found draft pick to the Saints for all of their choices that year. They wouldn't have had Edge, but they would have had several starters from that draft and still had Faulk. As good as Edge was, I still think Faulk was just a little better.

[YDFL Commish]

Please don't use the Faulk trade as the gauge. That was the one of the stupidest Colts trades of all time. If they kept him, they could have traded their 1st found draft pick to the Saints for all of their choices that year. They wouldn't have had Edge, but they would have had several starters from that draft and still had Faulk. As good as Edge was, I still think Faulk was just a little better.

Not going to debate the trade possibilities with the Saints, because I would have to go cherry pick that entire draft to speculate who the the Colts had a chance to pick.

Yes, I agree that Faulk may have been a little bit better, but he stopped being a productive RB in 2003, when Edge was just beginning his career renaissance.

[ChaosTheory]

Marshall Faulk is a really fun what-if to imagine had he stayed.

But so is pre-ACL Edge. They were head and shoulders the two best backs in the league from 1999 until October 25, 2001.

[albany ed]

Not going to debate the trade possibilities with the Saints, because I would have to go cherry pick that entire draft to speculate who the the Colts had a chance to pick.

Yes, I agree that Faulk may have been a little bit better, but he stopped being a productive RB in 2003, when Edge was just beginning his career renaissance.

2005 was the last year that Edge played for the Colts and 2002 and 2003 were injury plagued years. Don't get me wrong, I loved Edge and he was fantastic, but having Faulk and the entire Saints draft slate for that year would have been similar to when Dallas traded Herschel Walker and went on to win a couple of Super Bowls.

[IndyNorm]

2005 was the last year that Edge played for the Colts and 2002 and 2003 were injury plagued years. Don't get me wrong, I loved Edge and he was fantastic, but having Faulk and the entire Saints draft slate for that year would have been similar to when Dallas traded Herschel Walker and went on to win a couple of Super Bowls.

Agree on '02 but I wouldn't call '03 injury plagued as Edge still rushed for 1,259 yards w/ 292 receiving yards in 13 games.

Totally agree though that we would have been better off keeping Faulk and trading the pick to NO, especially if we could have worked back up and drafted Champ Bailey like Wash did. Also, I also think we would have been better off keeping Faulk and drafting either Bailey or Torry Holt w/ the #4 pick. B/c Faulk+Bailey/Holt >> Edge+Peterson+Scioli.

On a side note - Was looking at Wash's draft trades and didn't realize how much Wash actually gave up in their move to get Bailey, which was the 1st and 3rd they had just gotten from NO (12th and 71st overall), their original 4th and 5th, and their 3rd in '00. Of course they had an over abundance of draft capitol to work w/ from the trade to NO.

[Puck]

Tom Pelissero
@TomPelissero
·
19h
The NFL informed clubs today it is projecting a 2026 salary cap in the range of $301.2 million to $305.7 million per club, per source.

That would represent another significant jump from this year’s $279.2 million cap number, and nearly $100M than the $208.2M cap in 2022.


https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/2017325334840930672?s=20

[albany ed]

Agree on '02 but I wouldn't call '03 injury plagued as Edge still rushed for 1,259 yards w/ 292 receiving yards in 13 games.
...
.

I stand corrected, it wasn't 2002 and 2003, it was 2001 and 2002. 2003 was a nice comeback after two injury plagued years.

[Puck]

Tom Pelissero
@TomPelissero
·
19h
The NFL informed clubs today it is projecting a 2026 salary cap in the range of $301.2 million to $305.7 million per club, per source.

That would represent another significant jump from this year’s $279.2 million cap number, and nearly $100M than the $208.2M cap in 2022.


https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/2017325334840930672?s=20


https://x.com/TheDestinAdams/status/2017368503519490407?s=20


Destin Adams

@TheDestinAdams
·
Jan 30
The NFL’s latest update just made it even more likely that the Colts will be able to re-sign Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce.

[IndyNorm]

Been thinking about the whole Faulk-Edge-'99 draft since I posted earlier, and as much as I hate to say it Polian royally fucked that up big time. He had a HOF dual threat RB on the roster, who he didn't want to pay for some reason. So he traded him away for less than market value and then used the #4 pick in the draft on another HOF RB, who he ended up paying just as much on his rookie deal that it would have cost to extend Faulk. And in order to do this he had to pass on adding a HOF CB or a WR who should be in the HOF.

BAD JOB Polian!!!!!!

[Oldcolt]

I felt like he fucked it up at the time. I loved Faulk. Man was a real running back, could pass block and run routes with the best of them. Edge was the same, maybe a little better running in-between tackles (he has these amazing moves in traffic) but it was a terrible trade nevertheless

[albany ed]

I felt like he fucked it up at the time. I loved Faulk. Man was a real running back, could pass block and run routes with the best of them. Edge was the same, maybe a little better running in-between tackles (he has these amazing moves in traffic) but it was a terrible trade nevertheless

For their careers, these two players were both prolific runners and amassed pretty much the same number of yards. But, Faulk more than doubled Edge when it comes to receiving yards. Not knocking Edge, but if I were ranking the best RBs of all time, IMO, Faulk edges Edge. Not by much, but this trade was Polians' worst move. He made it out of spite.

[YDFL Commish]

Been thinking about the whole Faulk-Edge-'99 draft since I posted earlier, and as much as I hate to say it Polian royally fucked that up big time. He had a HOF dual threat RB on the roster, who he didn't want to pay for some reason. So he traded him away for less than market value and then used the #4 pick in the draft on another HOF RB, who he ended up paying just as much on his rookie deal that it would have cost to extend Faulk. And in order to do this he had to pass on adding a HOF CB or a WR who should be in the HOF.

BAD JOB Polian!!!!!!

By all accounts, both Polian and Faulk were both pricks. Polian has also been known to hold grudges. It just happened to be that the prick with the power traded the prick who had no power.

[albany ed]

By all accounts, both Polian and Faulk were both pricks. Polian has also been known to hold grudges. It just happened to be that the prick with the power traded the prick who had no power.

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I never heard that about Faulk. I know he said he would hold out if he weren't given a new contact and I read that he was considered one of the smartest players (football wise) in the game, but other than Polians' ego feeling "who does he think he is playing chicken with me", I've never read the negative stuff. Got a link?

[YDFL Commish]

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I never heard that about Faulk. I know he said he would hold out if he weren't given a new contact and I read that he was considered one of the smartest players (football wise) in the game, but other than Polians' ego feeling "who does he think he is playing chicken with me", I've never read the negative stuff. Got a link?

My impressions of Faulk are mostly from fellow forum contributors. Whether here or on RATS, I don't recall. I have nothing to confirm this from the media or personal experience.

[sherck]

Using middle ground....

$303.450m = 2026 NFL Salary Cap
$001.940m = Colts 2025 Cap Rollover
$000.100m = Minus adjustment on AD Mitchell LTBE 2025 performance bonus
========
$305.290m = 2026 Colts Salary Cap


$270.338m = Top 51 off season contracts
$001.770m = Spots 52 and 53 on 2026 season roster (at league minimum)
$006.303m = Average of full season 17-man practice squad salary
$001.889m = 2026 Draft Class (projected cap hit minus league minimum per spot)
$002.093m = 2026 Colts Dead Money
$003.000m = In Season "Churn" Space
========
$282.393m = Colts 2026 Cap Obligations

$22.897m real free cap space to sign "new" free agents to the team.

So, Colts are going to need some more cap space to if they intend to sign both DJ and AP.

Only 12 players on the Colts right now have a 2026 cap hit over $5m.

Of those, five do not deliver a cap relief if traded/cut due to their contracts either being newer and still in the mostly guaranteed money phase or on a big rookie deal:

Charvarius Ward
Bernhard Raimann
Camrym Bynum
Sauce Gardner
Anthony Richardson

The Other Seven Contracts:

Michael Pittman Jr (2026 is last season of contract)= $24.000m if traded/cut before the 5th day of the season with roster bonus unpaid or $22.000m if traded/cut after the 5th day of the season with roster bonus paid.

Quenton Nelson (2026 is the last season of contract) = $18.000m if traded/cut before the 5th day of the season with roster bonus unpaid or $16.000m if traded/cut after the 5th day of the season with roster bonus paid.

Jonathan Taylor (2026 is the last season of contract) = $13.000m if traded/cut before the 1st game of season reduced by $0.060m per game if on the Colts active roster.

Grover Stewart (2026 is the last season of contract) = $12.250m if traded/cut before the 1st game of the season reduced by $0.030m per game if on the Colts active roster.

Kenny Moore (2026 is the last season of contract) = $7.060m if traded/cut before the 1st game of the season reduced by $0.023m per game if on the Colts active roster.

DeForest Buckner (2026 is last season of contract) = $5.800m

Zaire Franklin (2027 is the last season of contract) = $5.725m if traded/cut before the 1st game of the season reduced by $0.045m per game if on the Cotls active roster.

The next highest cap relief would be less than $4.000m for any other player on the roster so I am going to stop there. The rest just do not add up fast enough and are making almost JAG levels of salary (Just Another Guy).

A. All 7 of the folks we could restructure / cut / trade to add 2026 cap space are starters with most of them being quality starters (Franklin is my boardline guy on being quality).

B. 6 of 7 (all but Franklin) are in the last season of their current contract. While 2027 Colts free agency sees the Colts have a lot of cap space (currently around $175m), they then also have A LOT of holes to fill.

C. I think the Colts could get both DJ and AP signed for about $35-40m in 2026 cap space. Sure, you could structure something that their combined cap hit this season is $1m but Ballard has not done that in the past and I don't see him doing so now. Realistically, we need at least $35m in free cap space to sign both of them, IMO.

D. Of the 7 players who could deliver relief, I think that Pittman has to be the target. He is a good WR but currently has the 7th highest WR cap hit for 2026 and would still drop to the 14th highest cap hit for 2026 if traded to another team and the Colts have to eat his pro-rated signing bonus. He is not one of the 14th best WRs in the league. While it will hurt, he is expendable at that cap hit, IMO.

E. Of the rest of the list, I think Franklin is the most replaceable with a less expensive player. His is our 12th highest cap hit but I don't feel that his play is 12th best on the team.

F. Next would be Stewart. Our run defense is measurable better with him on the field but, again, while the Colts suck at drafting D-Line, I feel his production could be replaced with cheaper talent.


Trading or cutting those three guys would open up around $42m in free cap space for 2026 to add to our current $23m and allow us to sign DJ and AP while also going after a, hopefully, top tier Defensive End sack master.

One man's opinion.

[Puck]

https://x.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/2018152099868295439?s=20



Dov Kleiman

@NFL_DovKleiman
Uh Oh: Jaguars superstar LB Devin Lloyd will likely hit free agency this offseason, per
@ESPNdirocco


“Linebacker Devin Lloyd is also a free agent, but the estimated franchise tag of $27.5 million is too high and he'll demand a big contract in FA, so the Jaguars are likely out on him.”

Lloyd is one of the best players in the NFL...👀

[Racehorse]

The next highest cap relief would be less than $4.000m for any other player on the roster so I am going to stop there. The rest just do not add up fast enough and are making almost JAG levels of salary (Just Another Guy).

A. All 7 of the folks we could restructure / cut / trade to add 2026 cap space are starters with most of them being quality starters (Franklin is my boardline guy on being quality).

B. 6 of 7 (all but Franklin) are in the last season of their current contract. While 2027 Colts free agency sees the Colts have a lot of cap space (currently around $175m), they then also have A LOT of holes to fill.

C. I think the Colts could get both DJ and AP signed for about $35-40m in 2026 cap space. Sure, you could structure something that their combined cap hit this season is $1m but Ballard has not done that in the past and I don't see him doing so now. Realistically, we need at least $35m in free cap space to sign both of them, IMO.

D. Of the 7 players who could deliver relief, I think that Pittman has to be the target. He is a good WR but currently has the 7th highest WR cap hit for 2026 and would still drop to the 14th highest cap hit for 2026 if traded to another team and the Colts have to eat his pro-rated signing bonus. He is not one of the 14th best WRs in the league. While it will hurt, he is expendable at that cap hit, IMO.

E. Of the rest of the list, I think Franklin is the most replaceable with a less expensive player. His is our 12th highest cap hit but I don't feel that his play is 12th best on the team.

F. Next would be Stewart. Our run defense is measurable better with him on the field but, again, while the Colts suck at drafting D-Line, I feel his production could be replaced with cheaper talent.


Trading or cutting those three guys would open up around $42m in free cap space for 2026 to add to our current $23m and allow us to sign DJ and AP while also going after a, hopefully, top tier Defensive End sack master.

One man's opinion.
Of this list, I could see Franklin as a cap casualty, and Pittman getting a restructure. If Pittman doesn't restructure, he could be a cap casualty. I would hate to see it, but it is a real possibility. No way we keep him and let Pierce walk.

I do not see us doing any cuts to Grover or Buckner. Both are too valuable, even with the age factor. We do not have replacements ready.

It is going to be an interesting off-season, where we either push all the chips in by re-signing DJ and AP, restructure the guys mentioned, and go for one solid free agent piece, or we see them blow it all up and try to get younger for the next core group. I do not see them blowing it all up after the moves made last year.

[Dam8610]

Using middle ground....

$303.450m = 2026 NFL Salary Cap
$001.940m = Colts 2025 Cap Rollover
$000.100m = Minus adjustment on AD Mitchell LTBE 2025 performance bonus
========
$305.290m = 2026 Colts Salary Cap


$270.338m = Top 51 off season contracts
$001.770m = Spots 52 and 53 on 2026 season roster (at league minimum)
$006.303m = Average of full season 17-man practice squad salary
$001.889m = 2026 Draft Class (projected cap hit minus league minimum per spot)
$002.093m = 2026 Colts Dead Money
$003.000m = In Season "Churn" Space
========
$282.393m = Colts 2026 Cap Obligations

$22.897m real free cap space to sign "new" free agents to the team.

So, Colts are going to need some more cap space to if they intend to sign both DJ and AP.

Only 12 players on the Colts right now have a 2026 cap hit over $5m.

Of those, five do not deliver a cap relief if traded/cut due to their contracts either being newer and still in the mostly guaranteed money phase or on a big rookie deal:

Charvarius Ward
Bernhard Raimann
Camrym Bynum
Sauce Gardner
Anthony Richardson

The Other Seven Contracts:

Michael Pittman Jr (2026 is last season of contract)= $24.000m if traded/cut before the 5th day of the season with roster bonus unpaid or $22.000m if traded/cut after the 5th day of the season with roster bonus paid.

Quenton Nelson (2026 is the last season of contract) = $18.000m if traded/cut before the 5th day of the season with roster bonus unpaid or $16.000m if traded/cut after the 5th day of the season with roster bonus paid.

Jonathan Taylor (2026 is the last season of contract) = $13.000m if traded/cut before the 1st game of season reduced by $0.060m per game if on the Colts active roster.

Grover Stewart (2026 is the last season of contract) = $12.250m if traded/cut before the 1st game of the season reduced by $0.030m per game if on the Colts active roster.

Kenny Moore (2026 is the last season of contract) = $7.060m if traded/cut before the 1st game of the season reduced by $0.023m per game if on the Colts active roster.

DeForest Buckner (2026 is last season of contract) = $5.800m

Zaire Franklin (2027 is the last season of contract) = $5.725m if traded/cut before the 1st game of the season reduced by $0.045m per game if on the Cotls active roster.

The next highest cap relief would be less than $4.000m for any other player on the roster so I am going to stop there. The rest just do not add up fast enough and are making almost JAG levels of salary (Just Another Guy).

A. All 7 of the folks we could restructure / cut / trade to add 2026 cap space are starters with most of them being quality starters (Franklin is my boardline guy on being quality).

B. 6 of 7 (all but Franklin) are in the last season of their current contract. While 2027 Colts free agency sees the Colts have a lot of cap space (currently around $175m), they then also have A LOT of holes to fill.

C. I think the Colts could get both DJ and AP signed for about $35-40m in 2026 cap space. Sure, you could structure something that their combined cap hit this season is $1m but Ballard has not done that in the past and I don't see him doing so now. Realistically, we need at least $35m in free cap space to sign both of them, IMO.

D. Of the 7 players who could deliver relief, I think that Pittman has to be the target. He is a good WR but currently has the 7th highest WR cap hit for 2026 and would still drop to the 14th highest cap hit for 2026 if traded to another team and the Colts have to eat his pro-rated signing bonus. He is not one of the 14th best WRs in the league. While it will hurt, he is expendable at that cap hit, IMO.

E. Of the rest of the list, I think Franklin is the most replaceable with a less expensive player. His is our 12th highest cap hit but I don't feel that his play is 12th best on the team.

F. Next would be Stewart. Our run defense is measurable better with him on the field but, again, while the Colts suck at drafting D-Line, I feel his production could be replaced with cheaper talent.


Trading or cutting those three guys would open up around $42m in free cap space for 2026 to add to our current $23m and allow us to sign DJ and AP while also going after a, hopefully, top tier Defensive End sack master.

One man's opinion.


Trade Pittman and Richardson, restructure Buckner, Raimann, and Bynum, and cut Franklin and you're at $100m of cap space. More than enough to do anything the team needs to do this offseason.

[Oldcolt]

Trade Pittman and Richardson, restructure Buckner, Raimann, and Bynum, and cut Franklin and you're at $100m of cap space. More than enough to do anything the team needs to do this offseason.

You aren't going to trade Pittman without him restructuring his contract. If he is willing to do that why wouldn't we just keep him?

[BCN#1]

Coaching changes are one thing but given the various injuries like pulled hammys and the like; it may be bad luck or it make sense to also take a closer look at the strength and conditioning staff. How can they improve their services?

Always need a few good water boys... ya never know, right?

-- Bobby Boucher: Now that's what I call high quality H2O. :eek::D

[Puck]

@jasrifootball
·
1h
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Maxx Crosby’s time with the Raiders is most likely done, per
@JayGlazer
on
@YahooSports


The superstar pass rusher will likely be on a new team next season.



Grok @grok
·
6m
Jay Glazer's Feb 4, 2026 report on Yahoo Sports indicates Maxx Crosby is likely done with the Raiders due to tensions from his Dec 2025 shutdown. He reportedly wants out of another rebuild, with 20+ teams interested in a trade, possibly before the draft. Rumors persist across NBC, SI, and others, but no official confirmation yet.



https://x.com/jasrifootball/status/2019165928026698076?s=20

[apballin]

@jasrifootball
·
1h
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Maxx Crosby’s time with the Raiders is most likely done, per
@JayGlazer
on
@YahooSports


The superstar pass rusher will likely be on a new team next season.



Grok @grok
·
6m
Jay Glazer's Feb 4, 2026 report on Yahoo Sports indicates Maxx Crosby is likely done with the Raiders due to tensions from his Dec 2025 shutdown. He reportedly wants out of another rebuild, with 20+ teams interested in a trade, possibly before the draft. Rumors persist across NBC, SI, and others, but no official confirmation yet.



https://x.com/jasrifootball/status/2019165928026698076?s=20

Well we can’t afford him, he’ll end up on a team with a QB on a rookie contract

[IndyNorm]

Looks like the Phins are releasing Bradley Chubb. He had a pretty good year coming off an ACL - 8.5 sacks, 22 pressure, and 20 QB hits. Not sure if he can play LDE, but if he can then he'd certainly be an upgrade over Paye.

[YDFL Commish]

Looks like the Phins are releasing Bradley Chubb. He had a pretty good year coming off an ACL - 8.5 sacks, 22 pressure, and 20 QB hits. Not sure if he can play LDE, but if he can then he'd certainly be an upgrade over Paye.

Good call. Definitely an improvement over Kwity. Chubb has had 20+ QB hit seasons 3 times. Kwity's career high is 12 QB hits.

[Puck]

https://x.com/SleeperColts/status/2023779298759635289?s=20


SleeperColts

@SleeperColts
·
1h
Colts QB Anthony Richardson is expected to request a trade, per
@HolderStephen
. 👀

“There has been no request just yet, according to team sources, but it is beginning to feel inevitable”

Is this the right move for both sides?

[Oldcolt]

If they trade him (and they won't get much back now even if he can see) it means we lived through Wentz, then a 4-12 season ,got promised the moon and got a cluster fuck. Right move? Hard for me to see it in those terms right now.

[Lov2fish]

https://x.com/SleeperColts/status/2023779298759635289?s=20


SleeperColts

@SleeperColts
·
1h
Colts QB Anthony Richardson is expected to request a trade, per
@HolderStephen
. ��

“There has been no request just yet, according to team sources, but it is beginning to feel inevitable”

Is this the right move for both sides?

Get what you can get. He should have never been drafted. Every single bit of tape available on him showed you exactly what you were getting, and that is what we got. There were so many defensive players we could have gotten with that 4th. pick that could have made a difference. Didn't want any of em, and all the shine is falling off Stroud and his continuing to digress. I said it then, I'll say it now. That QB class was grossly overrated.

[Puck]

https://atozsports.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts-news/colts-dont-have-to-look-far-to-find-a-blueprint-for-what-their-asking-price-should-be-for-a-potential-antony-richardson-trade/


Destin Adams

@TheDestinAdams
·
6h
Rumors are swirling about a possible trade involving Anthony Richardson this offseason.

To evaluate what the Colts might get in return, I decided to dive into recent trades of other QBs taken in the 1st round.

Here is what I found

[Puck]

https://x.com/TheDestinAdams/status/2024202240651575306?s=20

Destin Adams

@TheDestinAdams
I think the Colts will end up trading Anthony Richardson this offseason

I asked my colleagues at
@AtoZSportsNFL
to send in offers from their teams, and I ended up getting 5 to mull over

1 of them definitely stood out among the rest though 👀



https://atozsports.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts-news/5-hypothetical-trades-anthony-richardson-qb-needy-teams-vikings-dolphins-cardinals-steelers-packers/

[albany ed]

Probably won't happen, but if they trade AR and then he ends up being a quality QB for another team, the usual anti Ballard posters will crucify him for making the trade. I'm kind of neutral on Ballard. He's done some good things and he's done some crappy things, but I do believe that drafting AR was more of an Irsay thing than a Ballard thing. I have no evidence of that, just my opinion.

[Oldcolt]

Probably won't happen, but if they trade AR and then he ends up being a quality QB for another team, the usual anti Ballard posters will crucify him for making the trade. I'm kind of neutral on Ballard. He's done some good things and he's done some crappy things, but I do believe that drafting AR was more of an Irsay thing than a Ballard thing. I have no evidence of that, just my opinion.

As a newly converted anti-Ballard AR was my last straw. After 4-12 and the debacle that had become our QB room to me this number 4 draft choice was make or break for him in my mind. That is how I felt in 2023 and it hasn't changed. As far as it being Irsay to me AR is a total Ballard pick. The man loves RAS scores and has drafted a ton of athletes that don't know how to play football, it is his MO. He have a track record and AR was the ultimate Ballard dude (he was thrilled when it was Houston who went ahead of us to pick up Anderson-doesnt look so prescient now).

[albany ed]

As a newly converted anti-Ballard AR was my last straw. After 4-12 and the debacle that had become our QB room to me this number 4 draft choice was make or break for him in my mind. That is how I felt in 2023 and it hasn't changed. As far as it being Irsay to me AR is a total Ballard pick. The man loves RAS scores and has drafted a ton of athletes that don't know how to play football, it is his MO. He have a track record and AR was the ultimate Ballard dude (he was thrilled when it was Houston who went ahead of us to pick up Anderson-doesnt look so prescient now).

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4471375/2023/04/29/jim-irsay-anthony-richardson-colts/

[Oldcolt]

I have no doubt that Irsay was all in on AR. I have heard zero that Ballard wasn’t, not a peep that Ballard wanted to go another way. Not then not since. Maybe Irsay trusted his draft evaluation team who he spent millions putting together. It felt at the time like the entire organization had talked themselves into AR. We will probably never know for sure

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

I have no doubt that Irsay was all in on AR. I have heard zero that Ballard wasn’t, not a peep that Ballard wanted to go another way. Not then not since. Maybe Irsay trusted his draft evaluation team who he spent millions putting together. It felt at the time like the entire organization had talked themselves into AR. We will probably never know for sure


By their actions, I don't think the Colts were "all in" on any of the QB's in that draft - otherwise they would have moved up from the fourth spot. Each of the top three QBs drafted had their weaknesses and I think that Irsay + the front office thought that Steichen and the coaching staff could work with any of the three and hopefully game plan around and minimize their shortcomings.

However, it was clear that Irsay wanted the Colts to draft a QB.

And it would be interesting to see how the front office actually ranked those QBs - although as I stated, clearly they didn't think it was worth it to move up to select their top ranked choice...they stayed put and selected whoever was still on the board.

[Racehorse]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4471375/2023/04/29/jim-irsay-anthony-richardson-colts/

I am not paying for that. Can you give the Cliff's Notes?

[YDFL Commish]

And it would be interesting to see how the front office actually ranked those QBs - although as I stated, clearly they didn't think it was worth it to move up to select their top ranked choice...they stayed put and selected whoever was still on the board.

Other than Levis of course. I can't believe that the mayonnaise in his coffee meathead wasn't even on an NFL roster last season. He's got talent, but has clearly worn out his NFL welcome after just two seasons.

[apballin]

Other than Levis of course. I can't believe that the mayonnaise in his coffee meathead wasn't even on an NFL roster last season. He's got talent, but has clearly worn out his NFL welcome after just two seasons.

He’s still on the Titans, he missed the season due to injury

[Colts And Orioles]

I am not paying for that ...... can you give the Cliff's Notes ???





o


Jim Irsay Opens up on the Process That Led the Colts to Anthony Richardson

(By Zak Keefer)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4471375/2023/04/29/jim-irsay-anthony-richardson-colts/



INDIANAPOLIS — 3 hours before the draft’s first round commenced Thursday night, Anthony Richardson’s phone buzzed. Jim Irsay began with a directive.

“You can’t share this call with anyone,” the Colts owner told him. “The fact that I’m calling you.”

Irsay wanted to know a few things, starting with this: What was Richardson hearing? The Florida quarterback and projected top-10 pick was spending the afternoon of the biggest day of his life doing exactly what most would assume: waiting ...… and waiting …... and waiting.

In a few short hours, he’d find out where his pro career would start.

Richardson told Irsay he’d heard that one team was seriously interested in him.

“Did they call today?” the owner asked.

“No,” Richardson told him.

“Well, there’s a good chance you’re gonna be coming to Indy in three hours,” Irsay said.

He couldn’t guarantee it, not with the Colts picking fourth, but that was the team’s aim, the same as it had been for months. Irsay admitted Saturday he’d zeroed in on Richardson as far back as February, and even if his team owned the first overall pick, the choice would’ve been the same.

For the Colts, it was Richardson all along.

“That young man has something special in his heart and spirit and soul,” Irsay said.

But a little over three hours after that phone call, the Colts’ draft room grew tense. Two quarterbacks — Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud — were already off the board, and the Colts knew Arizona was likely to trade out of the third spot. The fear was another team coming up to get their guy, right in front of them. And Indy’s “dream goal,” Irsay admitted, was to stay at No. 4 and still land Richardson without parting with any compensation.

It was a gamble, and the stakes were immense. Irsay had waited for this night for three years, desperately wanting to revive his franchise around the talents of a young quarterback.

And for a few worrisome moments in that draft room, the thought crossed everyone’s mind. Were the Colts about to lose their shot at him ???

“Of course there was nervousness,” Irsay admitted.

But something in the Colts’ owner oozed calm. He turned to his daughters.

“We’re gonna be OK,” he told them.

Turns out, it was the Texans who’d traded up with Arizona. The pick was Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson.

Irsay was right. The Colts were OK. The room exhaled, and Richardson was theirs.

Nearly 48 hours later, the Colts’ owner relived the night that could end up reshaping his franchise, peeling back the curtain on the process and the conversations that solidified the decision. One noteworthy revelation from the owner: If Richardson wasn’t available at No. 4, the Colts would’ve gone with Kentucky’s Will Levis.

That certainly would’ve saved Levis a lot of waiting. He tumbled all the way into the second round before the Titans took him 33rd.

A critical moment in the process was a lengthy sit-down between Irsay and his new head coach, Shane Steichen, in recent weeks. All throughout the process, Steichen’s’ voice carried considerable weight in the Colts’ thinking — in Irsay’s mind, it’s Steichen’s offense, and he’s calling the plays, so the coach should have his say in who his quarterback of the future is.

“For Shane, it had to be his guy,” the owner said.

In that meeting a few weeks before the draft, Irsay didn’t hold back, pushing Steichen to detail why Richardson would improve as a passer and why he believed his play eventually would catch up to his enormous potential.

The owner had questions, like why Richardson started so few games in college.

Irsay also asked, “Why do you think he can be an outstanding passer in this league ???"

As much as Irsay and everyone in the Colts’ personnel department loves Richardson’s athletic ability — the owner called him “a superhero” multiple times Saturday — this was a crucial layer in the team’s evaluation. The scrambling ability is nice, the busted plays that end up moving the chains and instilling doubt in a defense, but Irsay knows winning from the pocket is still paramount in this league, and he knows Richardson will have to prove he can do that.

“I’ve seen enough to really feel he can become that,” Steichen assured his boss.

Another call Irsay made was to former Colts linebackers coach Brad White, who’s now the defensive coordinator at Kentucky. White had a front-row seat for not only Levis’ two seasons in Lexington but also Richardson’s start against the Wildcats last season, his worst of the year. Richardson finished with 21 incompletions, just 143 passing yards and two interceptions in a 26-16 loss.

White spoke of Richardson’s toughness and maturity. And since he knew plenty of the coaches on Florida’s staff, he shared some of the conversations he’d had with them.

“They just love the kid,” White told Irsay. “They just think the world of that young man, every single one I talk to.”

The final meeting came after the pick, after the Colts had sweated out the third pick Thursday and, then, landed their quarterback of the future. Irsay welcomed Richardson and his family to town, flying them in from Kansas City on his private jet. The quarterback sat in Irsay’s spacious office, a few feet from a half-dozen million-dollar guitars and the glistening Lombardi Trophy the Colts won after the 2006 season.

Also on hand was the last player the Colts picked fourth overall, Edgerrin James. A career that began in 1999 culminated with a spot in the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Irsay looked at Richardson at one point and told him: “You play 12 or 14 years in this league and you’re an outstanding quarterback, you’re gonna make a billion dollars. A billion. A billion.”

But the owner had more to say.

“That’s something for your family, your legacy and generations to go,” he told him, “but what about greatness? What about rings? What about the Lombardi? What about your legacy as a football player ???”

Anthony Richardson's little brother sent a message of support after he was drafted by the Colts.

And big brother gave some advice right back.

He turned to James.

“You know, I was just in Canton with this guy …... ”

Irsay’s point: If it’s your athleticism that got you this far, it’s your quarterback play that’ll define your legacy in this league.

“We talked about being a great quarterback and what that really means in this league,” the owner said Saturday. “We’re not drafting Olympic athletes. We’re drafting football players, and in this case, a quarterback.”

The most relevant question at this juncture is when will Richardson see the field ???

Irsay said it’ll be Steichen’s call ...... but deep down, the owner hinted, he wants a glimpse at the future as soon as possible.

“You get better by playing,” Irsay said Saturday. “You know, that’s the biggest benefit from it. And at the same time, I have to say, our fans have to have patience because it’s hard being a rookie quarterback. It really is.”

Richardson’s time will come, whether it’s in Week 1 or Week 8 or next season. He’s the future, the one Irsay’s been waiting for, the one he hopes changes everything in Indianapolis.

“Him developing into an outstanding, great player in this league is going to determine where we go,” the owner said.

It’s always been about the quarterback around here. The Colts now finally have one to build around.

o

[albany ed]

I am not paying for that. Can you give the Cliff's Notes?

Irsay was Jonesing for AR and it is his money, his team. Ballard works for him.

And to be honest, I was hot for the young stud too. I was tired of the Colts putting used up tires on their hot rod and was anxious for a new, young star. I did however feel he should not have started immediately as many on here recommended. I felt he should have sat behind Minshew for at least the first 6 games. Not sure if that would have made any difference, but he certainly wasn't ready at seasons' beginning.

[Puck]

They better really really love Riley Leonard if they plan to get rid of him. Jones may miss some time before he is back.

If there is a great trade before the draft fine. Otherwise I keep him to start the season then if Jones looks like he's back. trade him to a QB needy team before the trade deadline.

For the record. I do like Riley, but I think AR can still be very very good

[Puck]

Irsay was Jonesing for AR and it is his money, his team. Ballard works for him.

And to be honest, I was hot for the young stud too. I was tired of the Colts putting used up tires on their hot rod and was anxious for a new, young star. I did however feel he should not have started immediately as many on here recommended. I felt he should have sat behind Minshew for at least the first 6 games. Not sure if that would have made any difference, but he certainly wasn't ready at seasons' beginning.

This really should put an end to the idea that it was Ballards decision. I always knew deep down that Irsay pushed for this. And the girls know it. So they were OK to give Ballard and SS time. They saw what could be done with a legit QB and they are staying

Ballard has built a pretty solid team. Need a piece here and there like most teams. But IMO we are "only" a QB away from being elite. Hopefully that is Jones

[Colts And Orioles]

I am not paying for that ...... can you give the Cliff's Notes ???








o


Jim Irsay Opens up on the Process That Led the Colts to Anthony Richardson

(By Zak Keefer)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4471375/2023/04/29/jim-irsay-anthony-richardson-colts/



INDIANAPOLIS — 3 hours before the draft’s first round commenced Thursday night, Anthony Richardson’s phone buzzed. Jim Irsay began with a directive.

“You can’t share this call with anyone,” the Colts owner told him. “The fact that I’m calling you.”

Irsay wanted to know a few things, starting with this: What was Richardson hearing? The Florida quarterback and projected top-10 pick was spending the afternoon of the biggest day of his life doing exactly what most would assume: waiting ...… and waiting …... and waiting.

In a few short hours, he’d find out where his pro career would start.

Richardson told Irsay he’d heard that one team was seriously interested in him.

“Did they call today?” the owner asked.

“No,” Richardson told him.

“Well, there’s a good chance you’re gonna be coming to Indy in three hours,” Irsay said.

He couldn’t guarantee it, not with the Colts picking fourth, but that was the team’s aim, the same as it had been for months. Irsay admitted Saturday he’d zeroed in on Richardson as far back as February, and even if his team owned the first overall pick, the choice would’ve been the same.

For the Colts, it was Richardson all along.

“That young man has something special in his heart and spirit and soul,” Irsay said.

But a little over three hours after that phone call, the Colts’ draft room grew tense. Two quarterbacks — Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud — were already off the board, and the Colts knew Arizona was likely to trade out of the third spot. The fear was another team coming up to get their guy, right in front of them. And Indy’s “dream goal,” Irsay admitted, was to stay at No. 4 and still land Richardson without parting with any compensation.

It was a gamble, and the stakes were immense. Irsay had waited for this night for three years, desperately wanting to revive his franchise around the talents of a young quarterback.

And for a few worrisome moments in that draft room, the thought crossed everyone’s mind. Were the Colts about to lose their shot at him ???

“Of course there was nervousness,” Irsay admitted.

But something in the Colts’ owner oozed calm. He turned to his daughters.

“We’re gonna be OK,” he told them.

Turns out, it was the Texans who’d traded up with Arizona. The pick was Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson.

Irsay was right. The Colts were OK. The room exhaled, and Richardson was theirs.

Nearly 48 hours later, the Colts’ owner relived the night that could end up reshaping his franchise, peeling back the curtain on the process and the conversations that solidified the decision. One noteworthy revelation from the owner: If Richardson wasn’t available at No. 4, the Colts would’ve gone with Kentucky’s Will Levis.

That certainly would’ve saved Levis a lot of waiting. He tumbled all the way into the second round before the Titans took him 33rd.

A critical moment in the process was a lengthy sit-down between Irsay and his new head coach, Shane Steichen, in recent weeks. All throughout the process, Steichen’s’ voice carried considerable weight in the Colts’ thinking — in Irsay’s mind, it’s Steichen’s offense, and he’s calling the plays, so the coach should have his say in who his quarterback of the future is.

“For Shane, it had to be his guy,” the owner said.

In that meeting a few weeks before the draft, Irsay didn’t hold back, pushing Steichen to detail why Richardson would improve as a passer and why he believed his play eventually would catch up to his enormous potential.

The owner had questions, like why Richardson started so few games in college.

Irsay also asked, “Why do you think he can be an outstanding passer in this league ???"

As much as Irsay and everyone in the Colts’ personnel department loves Richardson’s athletic ability — the owner called him “a superhero” multiple times Saturday — this was a crucial layer in the team’s evaluation. The scrambling ability is nice, the busted plays that end up moving the chains and instilling doubt in a defense, but Irsay knows winning from the pocket is still paramount in this league, and he knows Richardson will have to prove he can do that.

“I’ve seen enough to really feel he can become that,” Steichen assured his boss.

Another call Irsay made was to former Colts linebackers coach Brad White, who’s now the defensive coordinator at Kentucky. White had a front-row seat for not only Levis’ two seasons in Lexington but also Richardson’s start against the Wildcats last season, his worst of the year. Richardson finished with 21 incompletions, just 143 passing yards and two interceptions in a 26-16 loss.

White spoke of Richardson’s toughness and maturity. And since he knew plenty of the coaches on Florida’s staff, he shared some of the conversations he’d had with them.

“They just love the kid,” White told Irsay. “They just think the world of that young man, every single one I talk to.”

The final meeting came after the pick, after the Colts had sweated out the third pick Thursday and, then, landed their quarterback of the future. Irsay welcomed Richardson and his family to town, flying them in from Kansas City on his private jet. The quarterback sat in Irsay’s spacious office, a few feet from a half-dozen million-dollar guitars and the glistening Lombardi Trophy the Colts won after the 2006 season.

Also on hand was the last player the Colts picked fourth overall, Edgerrin James. A career that began in 1999 culminated with a spot in the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Irsay looked at Richardson at one point and told him: “You play 12 or 14 years in this league and you’re an outstanding quarterback, you’re gonna make a billion dollars. A billion. A billion.”

But the owner had more to say.

“That’s something for your family, your legacy and generations to go,” he told him, “but what about greatness? What about rings? What about the Lombardi? What about your legacy as a football player ???”

Anthony Richardson's little brother sent a message of support after he was drafted by the Colts.

And big brother gave some advice right back.

He turned to James.

“You know, I was just in Canton with this guy …... ”

Irsay’s point: If it’s your athleticism that got you this far, it’s your quarterback play that’ll define your legacy in this league.

“We talked about being a great quarterback and what that really means in this league,” the owner said Saturday. “We’re not drafting Olympic athletes. We’re drafting football players, and in this case, a quarterback.”

The most relevant question at this juncture is when will Richardson see the field ???

Irsay said it’ll be Steichen’s call ...... but deep down, the owner hinted, he wants a glimpse at the future as soon as possible.

“You get better by playing,” Irsay said Saturday. “You know, that’s the biggest benefit from it. And at the same time, I have to say, our fans have to have patience because it’s hard being a rookie quarterback. It really is.”

Richardson’s time will come, whether it’s in Week 1 or Week 8 or next season. He’s the future, the one Irsay’s been waiting for, the one he hopes changes everything in Indianapolis.

“Him developing into an outstanding, great player in this league is going to determine where we go,” the owner said.

It’s always been about the quarterback around here. The Colts now finally have one to build around.

o

o


The above article, which was originally posted by l Albany Ed, l was written in November of 2023.

o

[ChaosTheory]

By their actions, I don't think the Colts were "all in" on any of the QB's in that draft - otherwise they would have moved up from the fourth spot. Each of the top three QBs drafted had their weaknesses and I think that Irsay + the front office thought that Steichen and the coaching staff could work with any of the three and hopefully game plan around and minimize their shortcomings.

However, it was clear that Irsay wanted the Colts to draft a QB.

And it would be interesting to see how the front office actually ranked those QBs - although as I stated, clearly they didn't think it was worth it to move up to select their top ranked choice...they stayed put and selected whoever was still on the board.

Exactly. Regardless of how they ranked Young, Stroud, and Richardson... they didn't feel strong enough to make a move for one over the others.

They tried the vet QB route for several years, stumbled into an elite pick, and decided they were going to take a shot with one of the top-3 QB. If Young or Stroud were the third QB left, I think the reactions would have been the same.

[YDFL Commish]

Exactly. Regardless of how they ranked Young, Stroud, and Richardson... they didn't feel strong enough to make a move for one over the others.

They tried the vet QB route for several years, stumbled into an elite pick, and decided they were going to take a shot with one of the top-3 QB. If Young or Stroud were the third QB left, I think the reactions would have been the same.

Irsay had visions of Bert Jones...but at the same time was having visions of Jimi Hendrix. Let's just say that he was in a purple haze. Steichen tried to put lipstick on the pig, but alas, he was still a pig.

[apballin]

They better really really love Riley Leonard if they plan to get rid of him. Jones may miss some time before he is back.

If there is a great trade before the draft fine. Otherwise I keep him to start the season then if Jones looks like he's back. trade him to a QB needy team before the trade deadline.

For the record. I do like Riley, but I think AR can still be very very good

I’m all in on Riley, I’ll go on record and say if Jones isn’t ready to start the season Riley may not give him the job back. Or if Jones starts and then misses any time for another injury, Riley will be the starter after that.

All it’s gonna take is for Riley to get out there and lead us to a couple wins

[Hoopsdoc]

Trade AR to Miami for Tua.

[albany ed]

I’m all in on Riley, I’ll go on record and say if Jones isn’t ready to start the season Riley may not give him the job back. Or if Jones starts and then misses any time for another injury, Riley will be the starter after that.

All it’s gonna take is for Riley to get out there and lead us to a couple wins

I'm not all in on Riley like you are, but man, I hope you're spot on. My favorite team being led by a QB from my favorite college team? Let the good times roll.

[Racehorse]

Trade AR to Miami for Tua.

Have you seen Tua's contract?

[ChaosTheory]

I’m all in on Riley, I’ll go on record and say if Jones isn’t ready to start the season Riley may not give him the job back. Or if Jones starts and then misses any time for another injury, Riley will be the starter after that.

All it’s gonna take is for Riley to get out there and lead us to a couple wins

I'm not quite as confident, but was pleasantly surprised with Leonard vs JAX and HOU given the circumstances. On a play for play basis, he was operating and making throws I didn't expect.

I'm very interested to see him with another off-season with Steichen. Not sold yet, but what lottery ticket that would be.

[Oldcolt]

Man I hope this board is right about Leonard. Could happen but not holding my breathe. The football gods owe big us so I have some hope

On another QB note I am thinking there is a really good chance AR still cannot see clear enough to play QB. There hasn't been a peep out of either the Colts or AR except for Holder saying he thinks AR is going to ask to be traded (?). AR and his side haven't complained publicly once and the Colts just don't say shit about the situation. With the Colts history of gaslighting us on injuries I think there is a better than 50% chance AR is still having sight issues.

[YDFL Commish]

Have you seen Tua's contract?

Or have you seen Tua play? He's a statue, who comes unglued when his first read isn't open.

[IndyNorm]

This really should put an end to the idea that it was Ballards decision. I always knew deep down that Irsay pushed for this. And the girls know it. So they were OK to give Ballard and SS time. They saw what could be done with a legit QB and they are staying

Ballard has built a pretty solid team. Need a piece here and there like most teams. But IMO we are "only" a QB away from being elite. Hopefully that is Jones

Maybe there's something in the article that shows differently, but I still call BS that Ballard wasn't at least aligned w/ Irsay on drafting AR. You and your staff don't go from acting like someone shit in your cereal to pure adulation b/c you now get to make a decision that your boss is forcing on you. Especially if that decision could very well be career limiting. Also, drafting AR very much tracks w/ Ballard's drafts up through 2023 since he pretty much drafted purely on physical traits up until 2024.

Exactly. Regardless of how they ranked Young, Stroud, and Richardson... they didn't feel strong enough to make a move for one over the others.

They tried the vet QB route for several years, stumbled into an elite pick, and decided they were going to take a shot with one of the top-3 QB. If Young or Stroud were the third QB left, I think the reactions would have been the same.

Maybe. I'm guessing he and his staff knew that in all likelihood AR would be there at 4 or possibly Stroud would be there. I seriously doubt Ballard would have drafted Young with Young's physical limitations.

[IndyNorm]

Or have you seen Tua play? He's a statue, who comes unglued when his first read isn't open.

And not to mention that Tua is one big hit away from having his career ended.

[IndyNorm]

Probably won't happen, but if they trade AR and then he ends up being a quality QB for another team, the usual anti Ballard posters will crucify him for making the trade. I'm kind of neutral on Ballard. He's done some good things and he's done some crappy things, but I do believe that drafting AR was more of an Irsay thing than a Ballard thing. I have no evidence of that, just my opinion.

If we do trade AR for pennies on the dollar and he develops into a good QB then don't see how it could be looked at in any other way than a big black eye for both Ballard and SS.

[albany ed]

If we do trade AR for pennies on the dollar and he develops into a good QB then don't see how it could be looked at in any other way than a big black eye for both Ballard and SS.

I agree. That's why he shouldn't be traded right now.

[Hoopsdoc]

Have you seen Tua's contract?

You’re talking about a guy who lead the league in passing yards in 2022 and qb rating in 2023. He’s done far more in this league than Daniel Jones ever has.

As far as injuries, Tua has missed 15 games in 4 seasons while Jones has missed 28 games in 7 seasons, so he’s no more injury prone than Jones.

In terms of performance on the field, Tua is objectively better than Jones.

As for the contract, I’m not sure the difference between what Tua is making now and what Jones will end up getting will be enough to be prohibitive. Besides, we have cap space.

[YDFL Commish]

You’re talking about a guy who lead the league in passing yards in 2022 and qb rating in 2023. He’s done far more in this league than Daniel Jones ever has.

As far as injuries, Tua has missed 15 games in 4 seasons while Jones has missed 28 games in 7 seasons, so he’s no more injury prone than Jones.

In terms of performance on the field, Tua is objectively better than Jones.

As for the contract, I’m not sure the difference between what Tua is making now and what Jones will end up getting will be enough to be prohibitive. Besides, we have cap space.

He's not that guy anymore.

[Hoopsdoc]

He's not that guy anymore.

He’s 27 years old. Younger than Jones. What makes you say he’s not that guy anymore?

If Shane Steichen can get a career year out of Jones, he can theoretically do the same with Tua, a guy who is MUCH more talented.

[YDFL Commish]

He’s 27 years old. Younger than Jones. What makes you say he’s not that guy anymore?

He's shell shocked from all of the concussions. Like I said, it's usually 1st read or bust. Watch his footwork or lack thereof. He plays QB like Marvin Hagler use to box. he lock into his stance and the ball is coming out from that platform, come hell or high water. he's terribly inaccurate on swing passes and screens because of this.

[Hoopsdoc]

He's shell shocked from all of the concussions. Like I said, it's usually 1st read or bust. Watch his footwork or lack thereof. He plays QB like Marvin Hagler use to box. he lock into his stance and the ball is coming out from that platform, come hell or high water. he's terribly inaccurate on swing passes and screens because of this.

Maybe, but I don’t buy it. A guy that good doesn’t just suddenly forget how to play.

Give him a good coach, a solid offensive line, and Jonathan Taylor and I’m willing to bet he could be just as good or better than the guy who lead the league in passer rating 2 seasons ago.

I’d be more optimistic with him at quarterback than I would be with Jones.

[apballin]

Maybe, but I don’t buy it. A guy that good doesn’t just suddenly forget how to play.

Give him a good coach, a solid offensive line, and Jonathan Taylor and I’m willing to bet he could be just as good or better than the guy who lead the league in passer rating 2 seasons ago.

I’d be more optimistic with him at quarterback than I would be with Jones.

The thought of giving Jones big money terrifies me honestly

[albany ed]

The thought of giving Jones big money terrifies me honestly

I hope the Colts don't offer either of these two guys big money, especially guaranteed bonus money. I honestly think both are more likely to end up playing less games than they do play due to injury. Be honest, does anyone think that either of these two QBs would lead the Colts deep in the playoffs?

[Hoopsdoc]

The thought of giving Jones big money terrifies me honestly

I agree. But they have to sign SOMEBODY, and at this point I’d be surprised if it isn’t Jones.

If I had the choice, I think Tua would be much better than Jones.

[Oldcolt]

When Luck retired Ballard said something to the effect that you can win with a great team and a mediocre QB, you don't need a franchise QB, QBs are somewhat interchangeable. We are about to test that theory. Main thing is not to overpay for mediocrity to leave money to spend on people who make a difference so you actually have a great team.

[apballin]

I hope the Colts don't offer either of these two guys big money, especially guaranteed bonus money. I honestly think both are more likely to end up playing less games than they do play due to injury. Be honest, does anyone think that either of these two QBs would lead the Colts deep in the playoffs?

No I don’t, Jones looked great until teams decided to ratchet up the pressure on him and then he reverted back to Giants Daniel Jones, they can try and blame it on the injury to his leg but him folding under pressure and becoming a turnover machine is not gonna change. Now he’s coming off an Achilles so it’ll be even worse because his mobility will be limited if he has any at all.

I believe in today’s game you have to be able to move around as a QB unless you’re an elite reader of the defense with elite arm talent (Stafford)

On a franchise built on the theory of reward your own guys we’re on the verge of having to cut 2 captains to afford Daniel Jones.

Just because it worked for Darnold doesn’t mean anything, and what nobody is talking about is clearly in the superbowl the Seahawks didn’t trust Darnold either, they kept running the ball, punting, and just flat playing safe with zero turnovers.

[Oldcolt]

It just comes down to how much you pay these men. If Jones gets paid like a middle of the road QB it will give us some wiggle room to shore up the rest of the team. Not a huge amount but enough to get one or two solid type player which could make a big difference. It is a different road but it is reasonable. Long shot but then everything in the NFL is.

[Puck]

https://x.com/TheDestinAdams/status/2025275572306186698?s=20

Destin Adams

@TheDestinAdams
·
Feb 21
Colts listed as a strong fit to sign a free agent that would fit their defense like a glove, but for that to happen another domino would likely have to fall first.

https://atozsports.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts-news/colts-strong-fit-former-second-round-pick-free-agents-agency-sign-lou-anarumo-cam-taylor-britt-trey-hendrickson/

[Dam8610]

No I don’t, Jones looked great until teams decided to ratchet up the pressure on him and then he reverted back to Giants Daniel Jones, they can try and blame it on the injury to his leg but him folding under pressure and becoming a turnover machine is not gonna change. Now he’s coming off an Achilles so it’ll be even worse because his mobility will be limited if he has any at all.

I believe in today’s game you have to be able to move around as a QB unless you’re an elite reader of the defense with elite arm talent (Stafford)

On a franchise built on the theory of reward your own guys we’re on the verge of having to cut 2 captains to afford Daniel Jones.

Just because it worked for Darnold doesn’t mean anything, and what nobody is talking about is clearly in the superbowl the Seahawks didn’t trust Darnold either, they kept running the ball, punting, and just flat playing safe with zero turnovers.

The pressure wasn't the problem, it was the leg injury. He had less mobility after that, which allowed teams to disregard him as a threat to run. That meant teams were able to maintain their coverage integrity better, and Jones has never been an elite pocket passer. He's at his best when he can threaten to run and cause coverage breakdowns in doing so.

[Colts And Orioles]

When Luck retired Ballard said something to the effect that you can win with a great team and a mediocre QB, you don't need a franchise QB, QBs are somewhat interchangeable. We are about to test that theory. ) l The main thing is not to overpay for mediocrity to leave money to spend on people who make a difference so you actually have a great team.




o


Ballard said that he wanted to build a team that was not overly-reliant on an elite/all-world quarterback, such as Peyton Manning or Andrew Luck. He never said that you could win with a mediocre quarterback. There is a lot of distance between the Peyton Mannings and the Andrew Lucks of the world and mediocre/average QB's who have QB ratings between 80 and 88. Before he broke his leg in the Chiefs game, Daniel Jones was much better than mediocre/average. In fact, of all of the injuries that the Colts' sustained in their 0-7 collapse to finish the season, the injury to Jones (broken leg) was by far that most consequential of them all. Jones had an excellent offensive line protecting him, and he was very mobile before the leg-break. He wasn't Peyton Manning, and he wasn't Andrew Luck, but he was certainly not mediocre either.

Now, the question as to whether or not Daniel Jones is worth the money and the cap-space of extending him to a lucrative, long-term contract is a much more debatable issue, and something that I myself am glad that I DO NOT have to make the decision of ...... especially considering the very real possibility that he may not be ready to start the regular season in 2026, and also considering the fact that he has had only one season in his career in which he has completed without sustaining a significant injury.

o

[apballin]

The pressure wasn't the problem, it was the leg injury. He had less mobility after that, which allowed teams to disregard him as a threat to run. That meant teams were able to maintain their coverage integrity better, and Jones has never been an elite pocket passer. He's at his best when he can threaten to run and cause coverage breakdowns in doing so.

So when are you saying the leg injury occurred?

[albany ed]

When it comes to signing Jones, you just need to be willing to offer a wee bit more than the competiton. What NFL team would be willing to offer big bucks to a ? QB? I really don't see any team offering much to get Jones.

[Colts And Orioles]

When it comes to signing Jones, you just need to be willing to offer a wee bit more than the competition ...... what NFL team would be willing to offer big bucks to a questionable QB ??? I really don't see any team offering much to get Jones.





o


I think that our biggest hope is that Daniel Jones needs the Colts just as much as the Colts need Daniel Jones.

Before coming to the Colts, there were questions as to whether or not Jones' biggest problem was that he had a bad team surrounding him in the first 6 seasons of his career (he did) ...... the first 10 games of the 2025 season prior to him breaking his fibula (which greatly affected his mobility) would tend to point towards the very real possibility that that may have been the case ...... but ultimately, it was only 10 games, and I think that Jones knows that it's important to try to prove that that 10-game stretch to start out the 2025 season was not a fluke. And I think that he also knows that he's probably going to be surrounded by a solid offensive line (which is imperative to almost all quarterbacks), and he also knows that he will be playing within a system and with coaches in which he is already familiar with ...... Daniel Jones' best chance at changing his legacy from the mediocre quarterback that he was with the Giants to a very good quarterback with another team is to stay right where he is, with the Indianapolis Colts.

o

[Oldcolt]

Colts and Orioles. Mediocre was a poor choice of words. Even a mediocre NFL QB is a damn good QB. It would be better to have described him and the type of QB Ballard was talking about as mid tier.

[Colts And Orioles]

Colts and Orioles. Mediocre was a poor choice of words. Even a mediocre NFL QB is a damn good QB. It would be better to have described him and the type of QB Ballard was talking about as mid-tier.





o


I don't think that he meant mid-tier, either.

He said not overly reliant on an all-world QB, such as Manning or Luck. To me, the inference was that he thought that he could win with a good (but not great) quarterback.

A mid-tier quarterback is a middle-of-the-pack quarterback, which would be a mediocre quarterback. I don't think that he was insinuating that he could win with Spencer Rattler, a Mac Jones, a Geno Smith, or a Davis Mills. I think that he was insinuating that he could win with a quarterback who was somewhere between the 5th and 10th best out of 32 in the league.

o

[Puck]

https://x.com/HolderStephen/status/2025830862458098099?s=20

Stephen Holder
@HolderStephen
·
7h
Regarding the negotiations w QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce, they weren’t close as of my last conversations. I would say the franchise tag AND transition tag are in play. Ballard tends to work on deadline, so this isn’t surprising IMO.

The market for Pierce is 📈

[sherck]

https://x.com/HolderStephen/status/2025830862458098099?s=20

Stephen Holder
@HolderStephen
·
7h
Regarding the negotiations w QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce, they weren’t close as of my last conversations. I would say the franchise tag AND transition tag are in play. Ballard tends to work on deadline, so this isn’t surprising IMO.

The market for Pierce is 📈
Worst Case Scenario, IMO, if we have to use the two tags on AP and DJ in order to keep them from free agency.

It drives up the negoiated price and/or ends up in a HUGE one year contract.

Pay AP market value.

Roll with Leonard, AR and draft the best QB choice in the 2nd round if DJ is trying to get all-world money. Let the young guns duke it out to see who wins the starting job.

We cannot overpay DJ just because he is the best choice out there. Look at Miami....they paid Tua top dollar for a non-Top Dollar QB and are in cap he!! because of it.

[Puck]

Worst Case Scenario, IMO, if we have to use the two tags on AP and DJ in order to keep them from free agency.

It drives up the negoiated price and/or ends up in a HUGE one year contract.

Pay AP market value.

Roll with Leonard, AR and draft the best QB choice in the 2nd round if DJ is trying to get all-world money. Let the young guns duke it out to see who wins the starting job.

We cannot overpay DJ just because he is the best choice out there. Look at Miami....they paid Tua top dollar for a non-Top Dollar QB and are in cap he!! because of it.


For perspective. Have you always been against the DJ signing? Or is it after the injury?

[Puck]

https://x.com/esidery/status/2025925094942368005?s=20


Evan Sidery

@esidery
·
4h
This week, the city of Indianapolis plans to make an official bid to host the NFL Draft as soon as 2030.

This year takes place in Pittsburgh, while the 2027 draft is in Washington, D.C.

Since 1987, Indianapolis has hosted the entire NFL each year for the Scouting Combine.

[Puck]

https://x.com/YahooSports/status/2025977278253953372?s=20


Yahoo Sports

@YahooSports
·
1h
Daniel Jones and the Colts have begun discussions on a multi-year contract extension, per
@TomPelissero
.

Jones signed a one-year, $14 million deal with Indy last season and there’s mutual interest on both sides to finalize a new deal.

[Puck]

https://x.com/TheDestinAdams/status/2026004975063650584?s=20

Destin Adams

@TheDestinAdams
·
7m
The Colts can't afford to let Alec Pierce hit the open market.

Getting an extension done is the team's preference, but they can also franchise or transition tag him.

I explain both and what they would mean for the Colts here


https://atozsports.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts-news/colts-more-pressure-keep-alec-pierce-off-free-agency-market-franchise-tag-transition-george-pickens-news/

[Oldcolt]

It is early, both sides are negotiating right now. Both Jones and Pierce will be here next year. I just hope the Colts don't overpay for DJ.

[Colts And Orioles]

o


On a very sad off-season note, l Rondale Moore, l a wide receiver who was born, raised, and went to college (Purdue) in the state of Indiana, has died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The 2nd-round draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, was 25 years-old.




Former Cardinals WR Died of Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound

(By Theo Mackie)

https://removepaywalls.com/https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2026/02/22/rondale-moore-cause-of-death/88814244007/




Rondale Moore’s cause of death was revealed on Sunday, Feb. 22, one day after the former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver died in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana.

Chief Todd Bailey of the New Albany Police Department said that Moore died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was found dead in the garage of a property on the 1600 block of Ekin Avenue in New Albany.

Moore’s autopsy is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 22. The New Albany Police Department is conducting an investigation into his death but did not provide additional information “due to the ongoing nature of this investigation.”

Moore, who was 25 years old, most recently played for the Cardinals in 2023 before a trade to the Atlanta Falcons. He then spent 2025 with the Minnesota Vikings, although he did not play in either of the past two seasons due to a pair of knee injuries.

After his death, tributes poured out from former Cardinals teammates.

“Just spoke to you bro,” quarterback Kyler Murray wrote on Instagram. “Blessed to have been able to share this life with you. I pray you’re in a better place now Ra.”

“Unbelievable,” running back James Conner wrote. “Lil bro was special.”

Michael Wilson, who shared a wide receiver room with Moore as a rookie, echoed that message.

“Truly heartbreaking,” Wilson wrote. “Rest in peace, brother.”

Like Murray, former Cardinals wide receiver Hollywood Brown said that he had recently spoken with Moore. In a follow-up post on X, Brown wrote, “You wasn’t alone bro. I told you I know how you feel.”


Former Cardinals WR died of self-inflicted gunshot wound
Portrait of Theo MackieTheo Mackie
Arizona Republic
Feb. 22, 2026, 1:32 p.m. MT
Rondale Moore’s cause of death was revealed on Sunday, Feb. 22, one day after the former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver died in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana.

Chief Todd Bailey of the New Albany Police Department said that Moore died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was found dead in the garage of a property on the 1600 block of Ekin Avenue in New Albany.

Moore’s autopsy is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 22. The New Albany Police Department is conducting an investigation into his death but did not provide additional information “due to the ongoing nature of this investigation.”

Moore, who was 25 years old, most recently played for the Cardinals in 2023 before a trade to the Atlanta Falcons. He then spent 2025 with the Minnesota Vikings, although he did not play in either of the past two seasons due to a pair of knee injuries.

After his death, tributes poured out from former Cardinals teammates.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
“Just spoke to you bro,” quarterback Kyler Murray wrote on Instagram. “Blessed to have been able to share this life with you. I pray you’re in a better place now Ra.”

“Unbelievable,” running back James Conner wrote. “Lil bro was special.”

Michael Wilson, who shared a wide receiver room with Moore as a rookie, echoed that message.

“Truly heartbreaking,” Wilson wrote. “Rest in peace brother.”

Like Murray, former Cardinals wide receiver Hollywood Brown said that he had recently spoken with Moore. In a follow-up post on X, Brown wrote, “You wasn’t alone bro. I told you I know how you feel.”

J.J. Watt, the former Cardinals defensive end, also posted a message on X.

“I can’t even begin to fathom or process this,” Watt wrote. “There’s just no way. Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in Peace, Rondale.”

Multiple team accounts also shared their condolences, including the Cardinals.

“We are devastated and heartbroken by today’s news concerning Rondale Moore,” read the Cardinals’ statement. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, teammates and everyone who had the privilege of knowing such a special person.”

o

[Oldcolt]

For perspective. Have you always been against the DJ signing? Or is it after the injury?

I don't think he is against DJ, just doesn't want to break the bank for the guy. I agree and think we need a good out in case this injury cannot be come back from.

[Colts And Orioles]

I don't think he is against DJ, just doesn't want to break the bank for the guy. I agree and think we need a good out in case this injury cannot be come back from.











It is early, both sides are negotiating right now. Both Jones and Pierce will be here next year. I just hope the Colts don't overpay for DJ.






o


I've said before that I believe that Daniel Jones will do everything that he can to remain with the Colts in 2026 and beyond ....... he caught a lot of shit when he was playing for the New York Giants in the first 6 seasons of his career, and I think that he's smart enough to know that his legacy is more important than a few million dollars one way or the other ...... he made $108 Million while playing for the Giants between 2019 and 2024, and he got another $14 Million this season playing for the Colts in 2025 ...... that's a grand total of $122 Million that he has already collected before his 30th birthday. Jones originally committed to Princeton and wound up going to Duke, so he presumably has enough wisdom to know that remaining in a situation that is leaps and bounds superior to the one that he was mired in for 6 seasons in New York is more important than a few extra million dollars on the free-agent market.

I'm presuming that brainiac Daniel Jones is well aware of the fact that he probably already has enough money to send his grandkids to college someday ...... if Jones doesn't do everything in his power to structure a contract in a team-friendly way in order to remain with the Indianapolis Colts, then he is a fool whom I wouldn't lift a finger to defend in regard to his career decisions.

o

[Puck]

I don't think he is against DJ, just doesn't want to break the bank for the guy. I agree and think we need a good out in case this injury cannot be come back from.

Yea. Just wondering if this was his take all along, I can agree that after the injury I am a bit hesitant. But still want him.

Just trying to see all thoughts and perspectives. Right now I am not sure there is a right or wrong answer

[Puck]

https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2026088172237525232?s=20

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
·
37m
The NFL competition committee is discussing the possibility of authorizing replay officials to throw flags for specific penalties.

[albany ed]

Yea. Just wondering if this was his take all along, I can agree that after the injury I am a bit hesitant. But still want him.

Just trying to see all thoughts and perspectives. Right now I am not sure there is a right or wrong answer

Before the injury and when he was playing his ass off, I was for franchising him and if he repeated his success, then you could sign him long term. After the injury, my take is a 3 year contract

Year 1 10 million no bonus
Year 2 (provided year 1 was successful 30 million no bonus
year 3 (again, provided successful previous season) 50 million

with a contract like that, if he succeeds he gets his money, if he fails, you can cut him with no dead money. There is give and take, but the bottom line is not to be caught up in long term dead money if he shits the bed.

[Hoopsdoc]

So it sounds as if they are negotiating with both Jones and Pierce on long term deals.

Pierce I am excited about having back. Jones I am less sold on. I think he’ll struggle next season coming off the injury.

[Puck]

https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2026304682788892833?s=20

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
·
7m
Falcons GM Ian Cunningham told 92.9 The Game in Atlanta that the team plans to release Kirk Cousins on the first day of the league year, Wednesday, March 11.

[Puck]

https://x.com/spotrac/status/2026283586127606264?s=20

Spotrac
@spotrac
·
1h
#Colts QB Daniel Jones carries a $43.6M valuation in our model.

Is a 3-year, $135M contract with $60M guaranteed at signing ($90M through 2027) enough to keep him off of the open market?

[sherck]

For perspective. Have you always been against the DJ signing? Or is it after the injury?
I am not against re-signing DJ at all....

I am against re-signing him to a top tier QB contract when he has played 9 games for us at over a 100 QB Rating which is a pretty solid benchmark for good QB play. Of note, of his 4 games under 100 QB Rating, two were solid with scores in the 80s or 90s and two were bad (LAR and JAX 1.0) in the 50s and 60s.

He does not have a long enough track record to demand top dollar and enough guarenteed money to sink the team if he flames out, IMO. It is a HUGE risk to sign him to a contract mentioned above with $60m guaranteed. Sure, with Ballard, he often depleted the majority of guaranteed money in the first two seasons of a contract (1st year and most/all of 2nd year guarenteed) but that would mean giving DJ an average of $30m per season in the first two seasons I think that is way too much for his track record.

A couple things to consider:

A. He has played a complete season one time in his NFl career...
B. His highest QB Rating of his career was based on 13 games with the Colts...
C. His highest completion precentage was based on 13 games with the Colts...
D. His highest yards per game of his career was based on 13 games with the Colts...
E. His lowest stack rate of his career was based on 13 geames with the Colts...
F. He is now coming off his second leg surgery/repair.....a 2026 achilles tear on his righ leg which follows a 2023 ACL tear in his right knee. No one can predict how his mobility and throwing action will be effected by the recovery from the achilles.

On one hand, many will point to his histroically good stats and say, "See! DJ found his team!." On the other hand, I could point to them and say with certain knowledge that even 13 occurances in a change of pattern does not a new pattern make. Statistically, DJ has not yet altered the course of his performance.

Too much risk, IMO, to sign him to a top tier QB contract paying him $30m+ per season. That kind of contract killed Miami with Tua (to be fair, lots of things have killed Miami but Tua's contract does not help) and it can kill the Colts too if DJ does not recover and have better sustained top tier performance than he has shown ever in his career.

So, if DJ is willing to take a team friendly "show me" contract that pays him in bonuses and/or low money for two years with little to no guarantee and than huge 3rd and 4th years? Yeah, I am all over that kind of contract.

But, no real NFL QB agent is going to accept a contract like that, IMO. DJ is going to get paid big money after playing well and leading his team to a 7-1 start. If so, I hope it is not the Colts that pay him well from day one.

[Puck]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
·
1h
Alec Pierce could earn upwards of $30 million annually in free agency, per
@RapSheet
.

Pierce is viewed as one of the NFL’s most coveted potential targets.

Indianapolis will likely utilize the franchise tag on Pierce, if no long-term agreement is reached within the next week.

[Puck]

I am not against re-signing DJ at all....

I am against re-signing him to a top tier QB contract when he has played 9 games for us at over a 100 QB Rating which is a pretty solid benchmark for good QB play. Of note, of his 4 games under 100 QB Rating, two were solid with scores in the 80s or 90s and two were bad (LAR and JAX 1.0) in the 50s and 60s.

He does not have a long enough track record to demand top dollar and enough guarenteed money to sink the team if he flames out, IMO. It is a HUGE risk to sign him to a contract mentioned above with $60m guaranteed. Sure, with Ballard, he often depleted the majority of guaranteed money in the first two seasons of a contract (1st year and most/all of 2nd year guarenteed) but that would mean giving DJ an average of $30m per season in the first two seasons I think that is way too much for his track record.

A couple things to consider:

A. He has played a complete season one time in his NFl career...
B. His highest QB Rating of his career was based on 13 games with the Colts...
C. His highest completion precentage was based on 13 games with the Colts...
D. His highest yards per game of his career was based on 13 games with the Colts...
E. His lowest stack rate of his career was based on 13 geames with the Colts...
F. He is now coming off his second leg surgery/repair.....a 2026 achilles tear on his righ leg which follows a 2023 ACL tear in his right knee. No one can predict how his mobility and throwing action will be effected by the recovery from the achilles.

On one hand, many will point to his histroically good stats and say, "See! DJ found his team!." On the other hand, I could point to them and say with certain knowledge that even 13 occurances in a change of pattern does not a new pattern make. Statistically, DJ has not yet altered the course of his performance.

Too much risk, IMO, to sign him to a top tier QB contract paying him $30m+ per season. That kind of contract killed Miami with Tua (to be fair, lots of things have killed Miami but Tua's contract does not help) and it can kill the Colts too if DJ does not recover and have better sustained top tier performance than he has shown ever in his career.

So, if DJ is willing to take a team friendly "show me" contract that pays him in bonuses and/or low money for two years with little to no guarantee and than huge 3rd and 4th years? Yeah, I am all over that kind of contract.

But, no real NFL QB agent is going to accept a contract like that, IMO. DJ is going to get paid big money after playing well and leading his team to a 7-1 start. If so, I hope it is not the Colts that pay him well from day one.

Cousins will be available. He had the same injury IIRC and seemed t oplay fairly well last yr.

Other possibilities while most won't hit FA are

Tua
Murray
Trubisky
Wilson
T Taylor
Huntley
Flacco
A Rogers
Ehlinger
Minshew
Pickett
Trey Lance
Wilson. HELL NO!!
Sam Howell
Mariota
Driskall
Johnson
Keenum
Malik Willis. Maybe
Rypien
Wentz NEVER HAPPEN
Bridgewater
Jimmy G

Any of these guys over DJ? Even at the 135/60? Knowing that he really "gets' ths offense?

[Puck]

Would you do this?


https://x.com/SleeperColts/status/2026314393542164506?s=20

SleeperColts

@SleeperColts
Mock trade idea from Bengals OnSI’s
@JamesRapien
👀

#Colts receive:
▫️ Trey Hendrickson

#Bengals receive:
▫️ Josh Downs

Fair swap or overpay?

[Puck]

https://x.com/MySportsUpdate/status/2026318981359952174?s=20

Ari Meirov
@MySportsUpdate
·
39m
#Bears GM Ryan Poles says the team has received calls about the potential trade availability of QB Tyson Bagent.

[Puck]

https://x.com/MikeGarafolo/status/2026327718468743248?s=20

Mike Garafolo
@MikeGarafolo
·
6m
Everything on the table, including a trade, for Tua Tagovailoa, as new #Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan said he’s excited about what’s ahead for Quinn Ewers.

[Puck]

Coaching news

https://x.com/ZachHicks2/status/2026033215681532397?s=20

Zach Hicks
@ZachHicks2
·
19h
Brent Stockstill moving to the offensive side of the ball after helping with defense last year. Former college quarterback that worked under Lane Kiffin in 2019 and under his dad Rick Stockstill from 2022-2023

[albany ed]

https://x.com/spotrac/status/2026283586127606264?s=20

Spotrac
@spotrac
·
1h
#Colts QB Daniel Jones carries a $43.6M valuation in our model.

Is a 3-year, $135M contract with $60M guaranteed at signing ($90M through 2027) enough to keep him off of the open market?

IMO, that's a ridiculous contract offer. If that's what it takes to keep him, let him test the open market. I can't think of any team that would make that offer.

[Puck]

https://x.com/Schultz_Report/status/2026031847151464848?s=20

Jordan Schultz
@Schultz_Report
·
20h
The #Chiefs are releasing 2x Super Bowl champion DE Mike Danna.

[Puck]

IMO, that's a ridiculous contract offer. If that's what it takes to keep him, let him test the open market. I can't think of any team that would make that offer.

Cousins got 100 for 2 years after his Achilles

[albany ed]

Cousins got 100 for 2 years after his Achilles

:rolleyes: How'd that work out for the Falcons

2 losing seasons
average QB rating of 86
28 TD passes 21 INTs

Do you think the Falcons got their monies worth or did they just piss away 100 million?

[Puck]

:rolleyes: How'd that work out for the Falcons

2 losing seasons
average QB rating of 86
28 TD passes 21 INTs

Do you think the Falcons got their monies worth or did they just piss away 100 million?

Just showing what teams are willing to pay. DJ may get more than we hope,
But I think Ballard is pretty good with the cap

[albany ed]

Just showing what teams are willing to pay. DJ may get more than we hope,
But I think Ballard is pretty good with the cap

The Cousins contract should make teams even more wary of committing big guaranteed bucks for recovering QBs. And even more so for one that has more poor performances than great performances during healthy times.

I'd rather lose Jones to Free Agency than over pay him.

[Puck]

The Cousins contract should make teams even more wary of committing big guaranteed bucks for recovering QBs. And even more so for one that has more poor performances than great performances during healthy times.

I'd rather lose Jones to Free Agency than over pay him.

Fair enough. Who is your starter then?

[albany ed]

Fair enough. Who is your starter then?

Several options:

1. Jones on a fair but not exorbitant contract
2. Either Leonard or Richardson if it comes to that. A fair competition in camp and preseason
3. One of the other free agent QBs that can be gotten on a fair but not exorbitant contract.

[Racehorse]

Would you do this?


https://x.com/SleeperColts/status/2026314393542164506?s=20

SleeperColts

@SleeperColts
Mock trade idea from Bengals OnSI’s
@JamesRapien
👀

#Colts receive:
▫️ Trey Hendrickson

#Bengals receive:
▫️ Josh Downs

Fair swap or overpay?Even swap? Not sure I would do it for a guy about to decline due to age. If they also threw in a pick, I might think it is a good idea.

[Puck]

Even swap? Not sure I would do it for a guy about to decline due to age. If they also threw in a pick, I might think it is a good idea.

I think I got duped by the post. Trey is a FA so no trade

[Mr. Session]

The Hendrickson discussion disgusts me. It reeks of desperation and it makes sense given the regime is desperate.

I am not sure if Downs is necessarily the next great slot WR but I think he still has a lot of work to put in. More than Hendrickson can for us, at least imo.

I understand we've cleared up this isn't accurate but I still find little comfort in all the energy the universe is putting into getting Hendrickson here. I've had idiot takes before though.

[Oldcolt]

The Hendrickson discussion disgusts me. It reeks of desperation and it makes sense given the regime is desperate.

I am not sure if Downs is necessarily the next great slot WR but I think he still has a lot of work to put in. More than Hendrickson can for us, at least imo.

I understand we've cleared up this isn't accurate but I still find little comfort in all the energy the universe is putting into getting Hendrickson here. I've had idiot takes before though.

Not an idiot take. If Hendrickson was the last piece in a Super Bowl team maybe but that isn't what we are talking about is it?

[albany ed]

competing for Hendrickson is worth pursuing, however, I'm thinking there are teams that can offer him a better contract than the Colts can. As for Downs, he's still under contract.

[Hoopsdoc]

The Cousins contract should make teams even more wary of committing big guaranteed bucks for recovering QBs. And even more so for one that has more poor performances than great performances during healthy times.

I'd rather lose Jones to Free Agency than over pay him.

The problem is the league so quarterback starved that someone will give him what he wants.

[Puck]

Ballard said we need to get younger on the D front. Which to me means no Trey.

Apparently this is a pretty deep DL draft. I am not much of a draft guy so maybe others on here can confirm

[apballin]

Ballard said we need to get younger on the D front. Which to me means no Trey.

Apparently this is a pretty deep DL draft. I am not much of a draft guy so maybe others on here can confirm

I’m gonna go out on a limb and say he was talking about the depth behind the starters, I’ll take an older Hendrickson over a younger faster Kwity Paye anyday of the week

[YDFL Commish]

I’m gonna go out on a limb and say he was talking about the depth behind the starters, I’ll take an older Hendrickson over a younger faster Kwity Paye anyday of the week

If we don't bring back Paye, do we have a starter at LDE? Mind you, I'm not advocating bringing back Paye, in fact the opposite is my opinion on him coming back. LDE will have to come from either free agency or the draft.

[Oldcolt]

Holder I reporting that the Colts have give AR permission to seek a trade given his uncertain status in Indy. So we are going with an injured Jones and Leonard. Anybody excited?

[Hoopsdoc]

I said AR was done in Indy after the tap out, because Steichen was done with him at that point. I stand by that.

As for being excited, it’s impossible to get excited about this guy. He shows just enough to wonder about the possibilities, then he sucks for a much longer time, then he gets hurt. Rinse and repeat.

[apballin]

Holder I reporting that the Colts have give AR permission to seek a trade given his uncertain status in Indy. So we are going with an injured Jones and Leonard. Anybody excited?

I’m excited, what Leonard lacks in athleticism that Richardson has he makes up for it in competitiveness.

[Lov2fish]

I’m excited, what Leonard lacks in athleticism that Richardson has he makes up for it in competitiveness.

If Leonard starts the season and performs how he did at the end of the year, Jones may be excused. I know it is unlikely that it happens, but every time I convince myself that 7th. rounders are not good at football, A few names remind anything is possible and sometimes the professional talent hunters miss on guys

[Puck]

https://x.com/ProFootballTalk/status/2027107134786163198?s=20

ProFootballTalk
@ProFootballTalk
·
8h
Report: Vikings, Anthony Richardson have mutual interest.



My opinion. If he is traded. One day we will look back and say. Damn. Shoulda had more patience. I still think the kid is gonna do some good things in this leagus

[DragonTails]

Might end up with Miami qb with Miami paying his contract.

[Puck]

https://x.com/nerlens_/status/2027161489778344199?s=20

Noah Compton
@nerlens_
2026 Indianapolis #Colts Report Card

The new ownership trio of Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Kalen Jackson, and Casey Foyt and GM Chris Ballard both receive an ‘A.’

Lucas Oil Stadium’s field gets the lowest grade with a ‘D.’

https://x.com/mchappell51/status/2027149502935605318?s=20

Mike Chappell
@mchappell51
·
5h
Colts' grades:

Treatment of Families: B
Home Game Field: D
Food/Dining Area: B
Nutritionist/Dietician: A-
Locker Room: C+
Training Room: B
Training Staff: B+
Weight Room: B
Strength Coaches: A
Position Coaches: B
Offensive Coordinator: B
Defensive Coordinator: B+
Special Teams Coordinator: B+
Team Travel: B-
Head Coach: A-
General Manager: A
Team Ownership: A

[Puck]

https://x.com/spotrac/status/2027084342174834838?s=20

Spotrac
@spotrac
·
9h
Trading QB Anthony Richardson

New Team Acquires
2026: $5.38M (gtd)
2027: $23.5M (proj. option)

#Colts Dead Cap
2026: $5.4M

Richardson's 2027 option must be decided on by May 1st.

[Puck]

https://x.com/SharpFootball/status/2027149556899786862?s=20

Warren Sharp
@SharpFootball
·
5h
NFL players ranking their own stadium field:

Baltimore Ravens: A
Denver Broncos: A
Philadelphia Eagles: A
Kansas City Chiefs: A-
Las Vegas Raiders: A-
Miami Dolphins: A-
San Francisco 49ers: A-
Jacksonville Jaguars: B+
Washington Commanders: B+
Arizona Cardinals: B
Minnesota Vikings: B
Cleveland Browns: B-
Detroit Lions: B-
Chicago Bears: C
Dallas Cowboys: C
Los Angeles Chargers: C
Los Angeles Rams: C
New Orleans Saints: C
Green Bay Packers: C+
Houston Texans: C+
Indianapolis Colts: D
New England Patriots: D
Cincinnati Bengals: D-
Buffalo Bills: F
Carolina Panthers: F
Seattle Seahawks: F
New York Giants: F-
New York Jets: F-
Pittsburgh Steelers: F-
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: F-
Tennessee Titans: F-

[albany ed]

https://x.com/spotrac/status/2027084342174834838?s=20

Spotrac
@spotrac
·
9h
Trading QB Anthony Richardson

New Team Acquires
2026: $5.38M (gtd)
2027: $23.5M (proj. option)

#Colts Dead Cap
2026: $5.4M

Richardson's 2027 option must be decided on by May 1st.

I'm presuming that the 2027 option must be decided by May 1st 2027.

[Puck]

Might end up with Miami qb with Miami paying his contract.

Tua? Here, and Miami pays his contract? Do you have a link?

[Hoopsdoc]

https://x.com/ProFootballTalk/status/2027107134786163198?s=20

ProFootballTalk
@ProFootballTalk
·
8h
Report: Vikings, Anthony Richardson have mutual interest.



My opinion. If he is traded. One day we will look back and say. Damn. Shoulda had more patience. I still think the kid is gonna do some good things in this leagus

You’re probably right, but the dude is made of glass. If he gained enough experience at the position, he would probably turn into a good, if not great, quarterback.

But he just cannot stay healthy long enough to do that.

To be successful he needs to be a Lamar Jackson type dual threat guy. He needs to be a threat running the ball. But he can’t do that without getting hurt.

[Oldcolt]

I agree with Puck on trading Richardson. It was malpractice to draft him if you were not willing to have patience to work with him. I think he will turn into a very good if not great QB. I think the way he personally has handled this has been exemplary. Dude hasn't said shit, not one negative word out of his mouth. When he played I was impressed with his mental makeup. By that I mean he played his best in the 4th quarter, he didn't shrink mentally because the game was on the line. I also thought he had incredible pocket presence and movement that cannot be taught. He knew nothing about playing the position and yet still made plays. I love the thought that we must get rid of him because he is injury prone and are replacing him with Daniel Jones, a guy with a much longer history of being always injured coming off a devastating injury.

[albany ed]

Someday, I'd like to know the whole AR story. Who was the one who wanted him drafted at #4 and who decided he should start right away. I have no evidence but my theory is that it was Irsay who made this call.

I do know that the majority of posters on this board were wanting him thrown into the fire right away.

[ChaosTheory]

I love the thought that we must get rid of him because he is injury prone and are replacing him with Daniel Jones, a guy with a much longer history of being always injured coming off a devastating injury.

If we trade him, it will not just be because he's injury prone. If nothing else, this team gives the full leash to players regarding injuries.

It will be because he's completed barely 50% of his passes. Even if Steichen schemes up Pittman wide open on a 7 yard out, we have to hold our breath because the ball is going to land anywhere from 3ft short to 10ft above Pitt's head.

It will be because he stayed up all night playing video games and eating Skittles instead of hammering the playbook. And then he taps out on a 3rd down and his teammates bench him every bit as much as the coaches did.

Then we can get to the injuries, which are a big deal. Part of his selling point is his athleticism, but how comfortable can you be calling plays with that in the back of your mind?

He seemed to be (working on) fixing some of those issues, but he still missed an elementary blitz read and almost died in the preseason. He was still missing elementary (NFL) throws. And the Colts went back to the vet QB method and finally hit, so they have a better option.

[Hoopsdoc]

I agree with Puck on trading Richardson. It was malpractice to draft him if you were not willing to have patience to work with him. I think he will turn into a very good if not great QB. I think the way he personally has handled this has been exemplary. Dude hasn't said shit, not one negative word out of his mouth. When he played I was impressed with his mental makeup. By that I mean he played his best in the 4th quarter, he didn't shrink mentally because the game was on the line. I also thought he had incredible pocket presence and movement that cannot be taught. He knew nothing about playing the position and yet still made plays. I love the thought that we must get rid of him because he is injury prone and are replacing him with Daniel Jones, a guy with a much longer history of being always injured coming off a devastating injury.

There are a lot of us who think neither AR OR Jones are the long term answer.

Personally, I think it will take completely bottoming out, like a 2-15 or 1-16 season before we have a real chance at solving the quarterback question. And I just hope that doesn’t happen next season.

[rm1369]

If we trade him, it will not just be because he's injury prone. If nothing else, this team gives the full leash to players regarding injuries.

It will be because he's completed barely 50% of his passes. Even if Steichen schemes up Pittman wide open on a 7 yard out, we have to hold our breath because the ball is going to land anywhere from 3ft short to 10ft above Pitt's head.

It will be because he stayed up all night playing video games and eating Skittles instead of hammering the playbook. And then he taps out on a 3rd down and his teammates bench him every bit as much as the coaches did.

Then we can get to the injuries, which are a big deal. Part of his selling point is his athleticism, but how comfortable can you be calling plays with that in the back of your mind?

He seemed to be (working on) fixing some of those issues, but he still missed an elementary blitz read and almost died in the preseason. He was still missing elementary (NFL) throws. And the Colts went back to the vet QB method and finally hit, so they have a better option.

They are trading him because they failed to develop him. They took the rawest QB prospect ever and gave him no mentorship, no accountability, and no leadership. Everyone in the world knew he wasn’t ready to be an NFL QB. They could have let him sit and learn behind someone. Or if they were going to start him immediately they could have given him true mentor - someone who knew their sole reason for a roster spot was to help teach him how to be a QB. In typical Ballard fashion, they did neither and Cleveland Browned their #4 pick. AR deserves criticism, but they are trading him because they fucked up so bad. No one should be surprised AR hasn’t developed with how they “developed” him.

[DragonTails]

Tua? Here, and Miami pays his contract? Do you have a link?

Just google it. Number of sources.

I heard it first from my coworker who is a diehard Miami fan. Lots of different angles some which include Richardson.

It's like swapping glass for glass. lol

So many QB questions heading into March. Par for the course the last 10 years.

[ChaosTheory]

They are trading him because they failed to develop him. They took the rawest QB prospect ever and gave him no mentorship, no accountability, and no leadership. Everyone in the world knew he wasn’t ready to be an NFL QB. They could have let him sit and learn behind someone. Or if they were going to start him immediately they could have given him true mentor - someone who knew their sole reason for a roster spot was to help teach him how to be a QB. In typical Ballard fashion, they did neither and Cleveland Browned their #4 pick. AR deserves criticism, but they are trading him because they fucked up so bad. No one should be surprised AR hasn’t developed with how they “developed” him.

Ah, ok. They just gave him no mentorship and no leadership.

Man, can you imagine how much better his completion percentage would be and how many fewer games he would've tapped out of if they would have given him some mentorship and leadership?

[Oldcolt]

I have no idea if AR would or will turn out to be a great QB or not. My bitch it that I was sold, and like an idiot bought, a load of crap when they drafted the man. To me the question isn't really whose fault ARs failure here was, it is did the Colts do what a quality organization should have done when they pick such a raw young man. Did they have a plan and did it fail? Who exactly was there to mentor him and show hime the ropes? Nobody on this site or in the NFL commentator verse has layed out what that plan was much less why it failed, at least not that I have seen. The whole episode just felt rudderless to me.

[apballin]

I have no idea if AR would or will turn out to be a great QB or not. My bitch it that I was sold, and like an idiot bought, a load of crap when they drafted the man. To me the question isn't really whose fault ARs failure here was, it is did the Colts do what a quality organization should have done when they pick such a raw young man. Did they have a plan and did it fail? Who exactly was there to mentor him and show hime the ropes? Nobody on this site or in the NFL commentator verse has layed out what that plan was much less why it failed, at least not that I have seen. The whole episode just felt rudderless to me.

I believe the shoulder injury derailed everything. Pre Shoulder injury there were flashes that I seen potential and I was excited. Post shoulder surgery he looked like he didn’t belong in the NFL

[IndyNorm]

Ah, ok. They just gave him no mentorship and no leadership.

Man, can you imagine how much better his completion percentage would be and how many fewer games he would've tapped out of if they would have given him some mentorship and leadership?

So you think handing him the starting job from the get go and bringing in a veteran QB in year 2 who had no intention whatsoever in helping AR out were the right moves?

Hindsight's 20/20, but IMO it's pretty obvious AR should have sat either a good portion of if not all of his rookie year, and keeping Matt Ryan around to try to ingrain what it takes work ethic wise to be a successful NFL QB into AR would have been worth its weight in gold.

[Puck]

https://x.com/AndrewMooreNFL/status/2027445929578496276?s=20

Andrew Moore
@AndrewMooreNFL
·
Feb 27
With the cap number set at $301.2M, the Colts will have roughly $33.4M in cap space heading into the 2026 offseason (before the expected Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce extensions).

Top 5 cap hits for 2026 currently (per Over The Cap):

1. Michael Pittman Jr: $29M
2. DeForest Buckner: $26.6M
3. Quenton Nelson: $24.2M
4. Charvarius Ward: $20.2M
5. Bernhard Raimann: $17.5M

Colts will have to make some moves to open up more space if they want to accomplish everything they plan to do.

[DragonTails]

https://x.com/AndrewMooreNFL/status/2027445929578496276?s=20

Andrew Moore
@AndrewMooreNFL
·
Feb 27
With the cap number set at $301.2M, the Colts will have roughly $33.4M in cap space heading into the 2026 offseason (before the expected Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce extensions).

Top 5 cap hits for 2026 currently (per Over The Cap):

1. Michael Pittman Jr: $29M
2. DeForest Buckner: $26.6M
3. Quenton Nelson: $24.2M
4. Charvarius Ward: $20.2M
5. Bernhard Raimann: $17.5M

Colts will have to make some moves to open up more space if they want to accomplish everything they plan to do.

What are the changes Pittman/Indy restructure? He's not even close to being worth 29m. Restructure/extend and get that down to under 15m.

[albany ed]

What are the changes Pittman/Indy restructure? He's not even close to being worth 29m. Restructure/extend and get that down to under 15m.

The base salary is 22,000,000 and the rest is bonus. I'm not an expert, but if you make the 22,000,000 a bonus and extend him for 3 more years beyond 2026, you can divide the entire 29,000,000 by 4. Add to that, a salary that's back loaded and you might get it down to a cap hit of 12 to 15 million. At least I think you could do something like that.

[DragonTails]

Tua? Here, and Miami pays his contract? Do you have a link?

https://horseshoeheroes.com/colts-qb-chatter-just-took-tua-tagovailoa-turn

[Oldcolt]

It is being reported (by Tony Pauline) that the Colts may have to use to franchise tag on Danie Jones as he apparently wants more money than the Colts thought he would. Means they won't have it for Pierce if true. Franchise tag for QBs will be from 44 to 47 million. All of it is guaranteed.

[YDFL Commish]

The base salary is 22,000,000 and the rest is bonus. I'm not an expert, but if you make the 22,000,000 a bonus and extend him for 3 more years beyond 2026, you can divide the entire 29,000,000 by 4. Add to that, a salary that's back loaded and you might get it down to a cap hit of 12 to 15 million. At least I think you could do something like that.

If that is the case, I would have no issues with keeping Pittman.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Franchise tag for QBs will be from 44 to 47 million. All of it is guaranteed.


Franchise tag for QBs will be 43.9 million.

Once the cap is set in stone, the franchise and transition tag values can be calculated.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

https://x.com/SharpFootball/status/2027149556899786862?s=20

Warren Sharp
@SharpFootball
·
5h
NFL players ranking their own stadium field:

Baltimore Ravens: A
Denver Broncos: A
Philadelphia Eagles: A
Kansas City Chiefs: A-
Las Vegas Raiders: A-
Miami Dolphins: A-
San Francisco 49ers: A-
Jacksonville Jaguars: B+
Washington Commanders: B+
Arizona Cardinals: B
Minnesota Vikings: B
Cleveland Browns: B-
Detroit Lions: B-
Chicago Bears: C
Dallas Cowboys: C
Los Angeles Chargers: C
Los Angeles Rams: C
New Orleans Saints: C
Green Bay Packers: C+
Houston Texans: C+
Indianapolis Colts: D
New England Patriots: D
Cincinnati Bengals: D-
Buffalo Bills: F
Carolina Panthers: F
Seattle Seahawks: F
New York Giants: F-
New York Jets: F-
Pittsburgh Steelers: F-
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: F-
Tennessee Titans: F-


Below are the other stadiums with the same turf used at LOS - 3 of the 4 AFC South teams have it.

I wonder if Tennessee's poor grade was because they switched from grass to this turf a few years ago.

Houston Texans: C+
Dallas Cowboys: C
Los Angeles Chargers: C
Los Angeles Rams: C
Tennessee Titans: F-

[albany ed]

It is being reported (by Tony Pauline) that the Colts may have to use to franchise tag on Danie Jones as he apparently wants more money than the Colts thought he would. Means they won't have it for Pierce if true. Franchise tag for QBs will be from 44 to 47 million. All of it is guaranteed.

That was purely speculation. It's being said that prior to his injury, Ballard was planning to use the tag on Jones. I applaud that strategy. Now, I would think a lower contract that is full of incentives should be what is fair to both sides. If Jones plays and is kick ass good, he gets a boat load. If he shits the bed, he does not.

[ChaosTheory]

So you think handing him the starting job from the get go and bringing in a veteran QB in year 2 who had no intention whatsoever in helping AR out were the right moves?

Hindsight's 20/20, but IMO it's pretty obvious AR should have sat either a good portion of if not all of his rookie year, and keeping Matt Ryan around to try to ingrain what it takes work ethic wise to be a successful NFL QB into AR would have been worth its weight in gold.

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.

[albany ed]

I'm amused by the debate on AR. If you were building the ideal QB, you'd probably say: tall, strong, fast and an arm like a cannon. These all fit AR. When you describe what you want between the ears, you would probably want him to be decisive, quick learner, confident, able to read defensive set ups and able to improvise. Anther important intangible is passing accuracy. These are not qualities associated with AR.

You can say Tom Brady, Aaron Rogers and Patrick Mahomes are examples of why you should not start your QB right away, but let him learn.

Or, you can cite Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck or Matthew Stafford and say QBs need to be thrown into the fire, that's the best way to learn.

I say there is no 1 formula for how a QB should be handled. AR has all the physical tools you would want in your QB, but lacks the between the ears skills. Can these skills be developed? I don't have any idea, but I do know that he has to work his ass off if they can. I'm not sure he will ever do that.

[Oldcolt]

Can anyone give me a link from a reputable (or not) reporter that talks about AR having a poor work ethic? Brett Kollman among others raved about how hard of a worker AR was. Not only is it to early to give up on someone this talented that you have so much invested in I have zero faith in the evaluators on this team when it comes to QBs.

[sherck]

I just want to go on record here to say that whatever team ends up paying Daniel Jones what he and the rest of the league appears to believe is his fair wage which is at least $35m+ per season....

....that they will be disappointed.

I may be wrong in this statement but I don't believe I will be.

DJ may end up becoming a franchise QB who can lead his team to the promised land...but no one can say for sure at this point and I believe paying that much for his potential to do so is a HUGE risk that will not pan out for the team paying him.

I hope that I am wrong and that this post can be thrown back into my face if the Colts pay him this contract....but I don't think I will be.

Just too much money tied up into too high of a risk.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48045815/2026-nfl-combine-latest-buzz-news-rumors-free-agency-draft-qbs-trades-offseason

How will the Colts navigate QB Jones and WR Pierce?

Jeremy Fowler: Whether Indianapolis uses the franchise or transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones or wide receiver Alec Pierce was a front-of-mind topic at the combine. The team has made it clear to Pierce that he will be a Colt, either through a tag or a long-term deal, before the new league year. The Colts have work to do to make that happen, but that is the plan. But while Pierce seems like a logical tag candidate, multiple people connected to the situation believe Jones is a prime candidate for it.

Pierce has a good relationship with Jones. If the team tags Pierce but doesn't reach a deal with Jones, for example, that could be an issue for Pierce. Conversely, tagging Jones ensures he will be there in 2026, a move that would appeal to Pierce.

A franchise tag for Pierce would come in around $27 million, while Jones would get $43.9 million on the franchise tag and $37.8 million on the transition. Those numbers are steep but reasonable. The Colts haven't tipped their hand in a possible direction. Pierce would command a massive contract if he hit free agency. In November, we reported his market could hit $20 million. Think higher now.

Dan Graziano: If the Colts can't get a deal done with Jones by Tuesday's tag deadline, it sounds like they'll put the transition tag on him. That means Pierce could hit free agency and another team could sign Jones to an offer sheet (and the Colts wouldn't get draft pick compensation if he were to sign elsewhere). I think the Colts push to get a long-term deal done with Jones to avoid those possibilities, but as of Saturday morning, it doesn't sound close.

[albany ed]

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48045815/2026-nfl-combine-latest-buzz-news-rumors-free-agency-draft-qbs-trades-offseason

If it were me, I'd tag Pierce and just let the chips fall where they may with Jones. Any team that wants to offer him the world is gonna regret it. IMO. Offer him a good deal with incentives but please don't tag him and please don't give him a huge guaranteed contract.

[YDFL Commish]

I cannot count the ways that Ballard could possibly fuck this up!

[albany ed]

I cannot count the ways that Ballard could possibly fuck this up!

If you were Ballard, how would you handle this?

[Hoopsdoc]

If it were me, I'd tag Pierce and just let the chips fall where they may with Jones. Any team that wants to offer him the world is gonna regret it. IMO. Offer him a good deal with incentives but please don't tag him and please don't give him a huge guaranteed contract.

I think the transition tag makes sense for Jones. He’d get a chance to find out if any teams will give him a top level contract and, if they do, the Colts would be able to match.

I’d MUCH rather they sign Pierce long term and put the transition tag on Jones.

[YDFL Commish]

If you were Ballard, how would you handle this?

Franchise tag Jones while still working on a more affordable long term contract. Sign Pierce to a similar contract as MPJ's current deal.

[Racehorse]

I know this will get me a lot of hate, but I wonder if it is best to tag Pierce, and try to work out a contract with Jones that is reasonable. If that fails, let AR and Leonard fight it out for the spot and let Jones walk.

Let the flames that will come my way begin.

[apballin]

I know this will get me a lot of hate, but I wonder if it is best to tag Pierce, and try to work out a contract with Jones that is reasonable. If that fails, let AR and Leonard fight it out for the spot and let Jones walk.

Let the flames that will come my way begin.

No I’m absolutely on board with this

[Lov2fish]

I know this will get me a lot of hate, but I wonder if it is best to tag Pierce, and try to work out a contract with Jones that is reasonable. If that fails, let AR and Leonard fight it out for the spot and let Jones walk.

Let the flames that will come my way begin.

This is a perfect scenario. I don't want AR on this team however. He doesn't have it, and never will have it. A wasted pick

[albany ed]

This is a perfect scenario. I don't want AR on this team however. He doesn't have it, and never will have it. A wasted pick

Someone on here said that about Sam Darnold.

[Hoopsdoc]

I know this will get me a lot of hate, but I wonder if it is best to tag Pierce, and try to work out a contract with Jones that is reasonable. If that fails, let AR and Leonard fight it out for the spot and let Jones walk.

Let the flames that will come my way begin.

Pierce is MUCH MUCH more valuable long term than Jones. Get Pierce locked up long term if it’s at all possible. No need to piss him off by tagging him unless he’s just being completely unreasonable on the money.

[Oldcolt]

Pierce is MUCH MUCH more valuable long term than Jones. Get Pierce locked up long term if it’s at all possible. No need to piss him off by tagging him unless he’s just being completely unreasonable on the money.

Or doesn't want to be here

[Puck]

https://atozsports.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts-news/colts-chris-ballard-told-world-why-anthony-richardson-didnt-work-out-in-indy-trade-request-todd-mcshay-scouting-combine-college-nfl-draft-nil/



The Indianapolis Colts and former first-round pick Anthony Richardson are heading towards a divorce this offseason.

Earlier this week, the Colts reportedly granted Richardson’s request to seek a trade out of Indy. The team’s 2023 first-round pick was never able to figure it out in Indianapolis and will now be looking for his second stop in the NFL.


Colts general manager Chris Ballard recently spoke with NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay on his podcast “The McShay Show” on an episode during the NFL Scouting Combine. One of the topics discussed wasn’t directly about Richardson, but if you listen closely, Ballard’s words apply to the young quarterback perfectly.


Chris Ballard didn’t mean to, but he basically revealed a reason Anthony Richardson wasn’t successful with the Colts
McShay asked Ballard about the most important position in sports, quarterback, and how hard it is to evaluate. Ballard went into detail about his thoughts on playing the position in today’s NFL. He shared advice to college QBs in the NIL era and, without meaning to, also revealed a major reason Richardson wasn’t able to succeed with the Colts.

“One of the real positives I think of NIL, I truly believe that if I were a quarterback, it’s not about being a first-round pick, it’s about having a career. The more snaps you can get in college, the better off you are going to be. Every kid, I don’t care if you are the first pick in the draft, if you have eligibility left, stay and be as prepared as you can, because once you enter the league, the clock starts. And if you have a 1 next to your name, it starts, and it’s ticking twice as fast as any other player in the draft’s clock. So, having those guys with play history and being ready, I think this NIL is going to be very beneficial for both quarterbacks in general, but for us, because now, if they’ll do it, they will have longer careers.

The more play experience you have, the more you’ve seen, the better chance you have for success when you get into our league. No one has cornered the market on exactly what works and what doesn’t work. It takes a little bit of luck, it takes a little bit of a kid who’s failed and struggled, it’s a good thing because they are going to struggle at our level. It’s rare when a quarterback comes in and lights it up right away. They g0tta fail, they gotta go through some hard stuff, they gotta stand on the edge of the abyss and not jump and handle it.” – Colts GM Chris Ballard

Oh man, there’s a lot to unpack there. I think it was a very insightful breakdown of the state of the quarterback position in today’s NFL, in this new era of college football where NIL (Name Image and Likeness) runs the sport. What makes it even more interesting is that Ballard wasn’t speaking about Richardson here. Still, his words apply perfectly to the team’s 2023 first-round pick and explain why he didn’t succeed in Indianapolis.

Richardson had only played in 24 college games before being drafted fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. And he had only one full-time season as the starter at Florida, his final year, when he started 12 games. His inexperience made people view him as a ball of clay that was ready to be molded into the next star quarterback in this league. Instead, his inexperience was evident from the moment he made the jump, and it was clear to everyone that he was not ready for the pro level.

So yes, Richardson would have benefited from returning to college to get more reps as a starter before taking the jump, but the Colts deserve some of the blame here. They elected to use a premium pick on him, knowing how inexperienced he was. And when you apply him directly to Ballard’s words above, it becomes clear that if the team could do it all over again, they would definitely do things differently.

It’s too late to help Richardson work out with the Colts, but I hope that if Ballard is still around as the team’s GM the next time they take a shot on a first-round QB, he takes his own advice when it comes to targeting a quarterback that is truly ready to play at the NFL level. Even if they choose to take one this year, on day two or preferably day three, some very experienced quarterbacks will be better prepared to make the jump to the NFL.

[Oldcolt]

If I am AR, a kid who was dirt poor, how do I look past 30 million dollars that the NFL is offering me. If he had gone back to college and had the same injury he had his first year here it would have cost him tens of millions of dollars. To ask him to stay in college when there is a team willing to choose you at 4th and pay you money that will set you and your family up for generations is nuts. We all work to provide for our future and our families future. If no team was willing to pick him until the third day, maybe he would have stayed in. He absolutely made the correct decision for himself and his family. He had no power to say where he would get chosen, it was totally on the Colts for choosing him and not doing what it took to develop the man.

[Puck]

If I am AR, a kid who was dirt poor, how do I look past 30 million dollars that the NFL is offering me. If he had gone back to college and had the same injury he had his first year here it would have cost him tens of millions of dollars. To ask him to stay in college when there is a team willing to choose you at 4th and pay you money that will set you and your family up for generations is nuts. We all work to provide for our future and our families future. If no team was willing to pick him until the third day, maybe he would have stayed in. He absolutely made the correct decision for himself and his family. He had no power to say where he would get chosen, it was totally on the Colts for choosing him and not doing what it took to develop the man.

Agree. Colts really handled him wrong. I wish he could have stayed healthy last season to see what he had "learned" behind DJ. Especially now if we do sign DJ AR's worth could have been a lot higher. Another reason I am not too excited about getting rid of him just yet

[Puck]

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
·
1h
Commanders have informed former Pro-Bowl CB Marshon Lattimore that they intend to release him before the new league year begins, a move that will save the team $18.5 million in salary cap space, per sources.

[Puck]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
·
1h
Nick Cross is unlikely to re-sign with the Colts as they prioritize retaining Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce in free agency.

Cross, who doesn’t turn 25 until September, has blossomed into a high-caliber strong safety averaging 133 tackles over the past two seasons.

[apballin]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
·
1h
Nick Cross is unlikely to re-sign with the Colts as they prioritize retaining Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce in free agency.

Cross, who doesn’t turn 25 until September, has blossomed into a high-caliber strong safety averaging 133 tackles over the past two seasons.

I figured this was gonna happen

[Puck]

Seth Walder

@SethWalder

·
6h

The Colts promoted Ashleigh Prugh from Football Analytics Fellow to Football Data Analyst, per source.

[Racehorse]

Seth Walder

@SethWalder

·
6h

The Colts promoted Ashleigh Prugh from Football Analytics Fellow to Football Data Analyst, per source.

Championship!

[Puck]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
·
27m
There is no momentum between the Colts and Daniel Jones on a long-term deal, which means a transition tag is now the expected outcome today, per
@RapSheet
.

Indianapolis would pay Jones $37.8 million, but also give him the opportunity to find a bigger contract in free agency.

[Hoopsdoc]

Evan Sidery
@esidery
·
27m
There is no momentum between the Colts and Daniel Jones on a long-term deal, which means a transition tag is now the expected outcome today, per
@RapSheet
.

Indianapolis would pay Jones $37.8 million, but also give him the opportunity to find a bigger contract in free agency.

I’m ok with that.

[sherck]

So....

We can only use one tag per off-season...

Today is the day. By 4pm, we are tagging someone...

DJ or AP ???

Who is getting it?

[albany ed]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Puck View Post
Evan Sidery
@esidery
·
27m
There is no momentum between the Colts and Daniel Jones on a long-term deal, which means a transition tag is now the expected outcome today, per
@RapSheet
.

Indianapolis would pay Jones $37.8 million, but also give him the opportunity to find a bigger contract in free agency.



I’m ok with that.

I'm not. You don't even know if he'll be ready to play on opening day.

[Puck]

Stephen Holder
@HolderStephen
·
1h
Update on Colts free agency:

There’s been some positive movement in the past 24 hours. Talks w Alec Pierce continue and a deal today feels possible. But long way to go. This will likely go down to the franchise tag deadline today at 4 ET.

Daniel Jones’ situation also fluid.

[Hoopsdoc]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Puck View Post
Evan Sidery
@esidery
·
27m
There is no momentum between the Colts and Daniel Jones on a long-term deal, which means a transition tag is now the expected outcome today, per
@RapSheet
.

Indianapolis would pay Jones $37.8 million, but also give him the opportunity to find a bigger contract in free agency.





I'm not. You don't even know if he'll be ready to play on opening day.

There really aren’t any other realistic options though.

[Puck]

I think they need to get DJ done first for this very reason.


Albert Breer
@AlbertBreer
·
57m
Transition-tagging QB Daniel Jones would, by rule, take away the Colts' ability to use either tag on WR Alec Pierce, who'll have a robust market. Meanwhile, Pierce wants to know who his QB will be before doing a new deal ...

More coming in our Tuesday Notes.

[Hoopsdoc]

I think they need to get DJ done first for this very reason.


Albert Breer
@AlbertBreer
·
57m
Transition-tagging QB Daniel Jones would, by rule, take away the Colts' ability to use either tag on WR Alec Pierce, who'll have a robust market. Meanwhile, Pierce wants to know who his QB will be before doing a new deal ...

More coming in our Tuesday Notes.

Yeah, but if they tag Jones, they’ll have zero leverage with Pierce and he can pretty much just go to the highest bidder.

It’s a pretty sticky situation for the Colts and why they should have extended Pierce last year.

[albany ed]

It costs way less to tag Pierce than it does to tag Jones. I also believe the competition to sign Pierce will be keener than the competition to sign Jones. If you tag Jones, you're saying bye bye to Pierce. If you tag Pierce, you still can sign Jones. IMO

[sherck]

It costs way less to tag Pierce than it does to tag Jones. I also believe the competition to sign Pierce will be keener than the competition to sign Jones. If you tag Jones, you're saying bye bye to Pierce. If you tag Pierce, you still can sign Jones. IMO

100% agree.

My vote would be to tag AP if he will not sign a new contract prior to 4pm today and still try and get DJ on a reasonable (for the team) contract knowing that he might get signed away by someone willing to pay more money.

[Hoopsdoc]

It costs way less to tag Pierce than it does to tag Jones. I also believe the competition to sign Pierce will be keener than the competition to sign Jones. If you tag Jones, you're saying bye bye to Pierce. If you tag Pierce, you still can sign Jones. IMO

If we’re just comparing players, I’d agree. Pierce is a MUCH better receiver than Jones is quarterback.

But the NFL is so starved for competent quarterback play that Jones will be almost as sought after as Pierce, in my opinion.

Some team like the Jets will give Jones a crazy deal if he gets to the market.

[Puck]

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
Another tag: The Colts are placing the transition tag on QB Daniel Jones, per sources. The transition tag is $37.833M, more than $6M cheaper than the QB franchise tag, but gives Jones the opportunity to sign an offer sheet with another team that Indianapolis would then have the right to match.

[Puck]

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
·
26m
Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson is not being tagged and now will become an unrestricted free agent.

[Puck]

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
Another tag: The Colts are placing the transition tag on QB Daniel Jones, per sources. The transition tag is $37.833M, more than $6M cheaper than the QB franchise tag, but gives Jones the opportunity to sign an offer sheet with another team that Indianapolis would then have the right to match.

Tom Pelissero
@TomPelissero
·
10m
The sides will continue to work toward a long-term deal with Daniel Jones. Meanwhile, the focus now turns to getting a deal done with Alec Pierce, who is set to be the top WR hitting free agency — if he gets there.

[Puck]

Spotrac
@spotrac
·
12m
QB Daniel Jones' $37.833M transition tag comes with a bit of risk, but for now, it acts as a placeholder deal to keep him off of the open market, while also securing their QB1 as they work to finalize a long-term extension with WR Alec Pierce.

[Puck]

https://x.com/JustinRTBColts/status/2028892868887085328?s=20

Justin Aufiero
@JustinRTBColts
·
2h
Maybe
@Colts
can work something out here with Anthony Richardson involved?

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
·
2h
Vikings are now open to trading Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Geeenard, per sources.

They would like to keep Greenard, but they also have salary cap issues they’re working through that have led to these trade conversations.

[Puck]

Dianna Russini
@DMRussini
·
25m
Alec Pierce’s reps and the Colts continue to negotiate at this hour, one other note that helps Indy: Alec’s brother Caden, a standout basketball player for Princeton, recently transferred… to Purdue.

[Puck]

For those of you that are good with contracts and draft crap. If DJ does sign with another team, would we get a comp pick in next yrs draft?

[sherck]

Alas, a $37m deal with DJ now puts us over the cap by about $12m once in season amounts are factored in (slots 52 and 53 on roster, practice squad, rookie contracts over vet minimum, etc).

This, IMO, now means that it is either Alex Pierce or Michael Pittman on the Colts in 2026...unless Ballard does something out of character and signs AP to a ballooning contract with low money now and huge money later or re-structures MPJ the same.

Ugh...QBs make too much of the cap. If you have one of those elusive top 5 QBs then it is worth it. If you don't, then you are paying WAY too much of a premium in cap space for a tier 2 or tier 3 guy.

Honestly? I hope someone comes along and offers DJ a contract that we cannot match. We cannot tie up that much cap space in a guy who is not a true franchise QB.

(( And yes, some of you will argue that DJ is a true franchise QB and I will counter to say he is not. While he MAY develop into one, he is not right now and we will pay him as if he is. ))

[sherck]

For those of you that are good with contracts and draft crap. If DJ does sign with another team, would we get a comp pick in next yrs draft?
No.

If we had Franchised tagged him, then yes.

But the Transisition tag does not give picks as compensation.

[albany ed]

If we’re just comparing players, I’d agree. Pierce is a MUCH better receiver than Jones is quarterback.

But the NFL is so starved for competent quarterback play that Jones will be almost as sought after as Pierce, in my opinion.

Some team like the Jets will give Jones a crazy deal if he gets to the market.

The Jets? :D. That is where QBs go to die.

[Puck]

No.

If we had Franchised tagged him, then yes.

But the Transisition tag does not give picks as compensation.

Not a straight up pick. A comp pick. Like when we lose any other FA If they play a certain amount. etc etc etc We could get between a 3-7 or something

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

For those of you that are good with contracts and draft crap. If DJ does sign with another team, would we get a comp pick in next yrs draft?


Nope, transition tagged players do not factor into the comp pick formula.

In the past, they were included, but the NFL and NFLPA changed the rule about 10 years ago.

[Puck]

Not a straight up pick. A comp pick. Like when we lose any other FA If they play a certain amount. etc etc etc We could get between a 3-7 or something

I got the answer. Yes we could get up to a 3rd. depending on the money he signs for etc. But if we sign someone in FA. Lets say Trey. Then we would lose that.


I forgot about the last part about us signing anyone.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

I got the answer. Yes we could get up to a 3rd. depending on the money he signs for etc. But if we sign someone in FA. Lets say Trey. Then we would lose that.


I forgot about the last part about us signing anyone.


Where did you get the answer?

You may have read outdated info because the rule has changed over the years.

[Puck]

Where did you get the answer?

You may have read outdated info because the rule has changed over the years.

UGH. I was wrong.

No, Team A (the original team) would not be entitled to a compensatory draft pick the following year if they use the transition tag on an NFL player and that player ultimately signs with another team.Here's the breakdown based on current NFL rules:The transition tag gives the original team the right of first refusal — meaning they can match any offer sheet the player signs with another team.
If the original team declines to match and the player signs elsewhere, no draft-pick compensation is awarded to the original team. This is a key difference from the non-exclusive franchise tag, where the original team would receive two first-round picks as compensation in that scenario.
Additionally, placing the transition tag on a player generally disqualifies them from generating a compensatory free agent (CFA) pick for the original team under the standard compensatory pick formula (which rewards teams for net losses of high-value unrestricted free agents in free agency). The tag itself blocks the compensatory pick avenue, and there's no automatic comp pick if the player leaves after the tag is applied.

This is why the transition tag is used much less frequently than the franchise tag — it's cheaper (based on the average of the top 10 salaries at the position rather than top 5), but it carries significantly more risk with zero guaranteed compensation if the player departs.Sources confirming this include the official NFL operations site, recent franchise/transition tag explanations from 2026 coverage (e.g., Colts on Daniel Jones), and analyses from OverTheCap, CBS Sports, and others. Rules have been consistent on this point since at least a 2016 CBA adjustment that removed prior limited precedents for transition tag comp picks.

[Oldcolt]

I find it quite disturbing that this is the situation we find ourselves in as a team. Does not feel like a well run organization. We could lose both Pierce and Jones. These are supposedly cornerstones of the franchise and yet here we are with both apparently able to negotiate with other teams. WTF Ballard. He must be absolutely positive he going to be able to sign these guys.

[apballin]

Alas, a $37m deal with DJ now puts us over the cap by about $12m once in season amounts are factored in (slots 52 and 53 on roster, practice squad, rookie contracts over vet minimum, etc).

This, IMO, now means that it is either Alex Pierce or Michael Pittman on the Colts in 2026...unless Ballard does something out of character and signs AP to a ballooning contract with low money now and huge money later or re-structures MPJ the same.

Ugh...QBs make too much of the cap. If you have one of those elusive top 5 QBs then it is worth it. If you don't, then you are paying WAY too much of a premium in cap space for a tier 2 or tier 3 guy.

Honestly? I hope someone comes along and offers DJ a contract that we cannot match. We cannot tie up that much cap space in a guy who is not a true franchise QB.

(( And yes, some of you will argue that DJ is a true franchise QB and I will counter to say he is not. While he MAY develop into one, he is not right now and we will pay him as if he is. ))

I’ll quote Shane Steichen here but this season it’s intended for Riley Leonard


“You’re 1 play away”

[sherck]

UGH. I was wrong.

No, Team A (the original team) would not be entitled to a compensatory draft pick the following year if they use the transition tag on an NFL player....
I repeat my earlier answer....

No.

:)

[Racehorse]

The Jets? :D. That is where QBs go to die.

I was going to counter that Rodgers did not die there and had a decent season in PITTSBURGH, but then remembered the injury four plays into his first season in a Jests uniform.

[Racehorse]

I find it quite disturbing that this is the situation we find ourselves in as a team. Does not feel like a well run organization. We could lose both Pierce and Jones. These are supposedly cornerstones of the franchise and yet here we are with both apparently able to negotiate with other teams. WTF Ballard. He must be absolutely positive he going to be able to sign these guys.
I think the Pittman contract is an obstacle. If we could restructure it ASAP, it would help with negotiations with Pierce. However, we need to find a contract for Pierce to know what we need to do with other contracts to make it all work within the cap. I think we will see a couple of expensive vets cut to save on the cap (Franklin comes to mind), but that can happen later, as we do not have to be under the cap until much later in the year.

[Oldcolt]

I think the Pittman contract is an obstacle. If we could restructure it ASAP, it would help with negotiations with Pierce. However, we need to find a contract for Pierce to know what we need to do with other contracts to make it all work within the cap. I think we will see a couple of expensive vets cut to save on the cap (Franklin comes to mind), but that can happen later, as we do not have to be under the cap until much later in the year.


ASAP came and went months ago. They have known since training camp last year that Pittmans contract needed restructuring. We are risking losing Pierce by this play. I do not like it, to risky.

[Colts And Orioles]

The Jets ??? l :D. l That is where QB's go to die.





o


In 1967, Joe Namath became the first QB in professional football history to throw for over 4,000 yards in a season (he threw for 4,007 yards.)

Namath did that in a 14-game season, and when the rules for defensive backs were stacked overwhelmingly IN FAVOR of the defense.

To this day, even with the 17-game season and with the rules STACKED AGAINST the defense in regard to the passing game, no Jets QB has thrown for 4,000 or more yards in a season.

o

[Puck]

Up & Adams
@UpAndAdamsShow
·
22m
"I love Indy... but at this point, I've kind of earned the right to explore free agency. See what's out there."

Colts WR Alec Pierce on his impending free agency

[Puck]

Thoughts?


Jordan Schultz
@Schultz_Report
Sources: The #Giants have informed LB and defensive captain Bobby Okereke that he will be released.

The team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year amassed 385 tackles in 3 seasons with the Giants (143 last season), but now will get a head start on free agency. Okereke was entering the final year of a 4-year $40M contract and was due to make $9M.

[Colts And Orioles]

o


In 1967, Joe Namath became the first QB in professional football history to throw for over 4,000 yards in a season (he threw for 4,007 yards.)

Namath did that in a 14-game season, and when the rules for defensive backs were stacked overwhelmingly IN FAVOR of the defense.

To this day, even with the 17-game season and with the rules STACKED AGAINST the defense in regard to the passing game, no Jets QB has thrown for 4,000 or more yards in a season.

o

o



NEW YORK JETS QB's lll (Passing YDs in a Single Season)



Joe Namath - 4,007 Yards (1967)

Ryan Fitzpatrick - 3,915 Yards (2015)

Aaron Rodgers - 3,897 Yards (2024)

Ken O'Brien - 3,888 Yards (1985)

Vinny Testaverde - 3,772 Yards (2000)

Ken O'Brien - 3,690 Yards (1986)

Richard Todd - 3,478 Yards (1983)

Mark Sanchez - 3,474 Yards (2011)

Brett Favre - 3,472 Yards (2008)

Boomer Esiason - 3,421 Yards (1993)

Joe Namath - 3,379 Yards (1966)

Chad Pennington - 3,352 Yards (2006)

Ken O'Brien - 3,346 Yards (1989)

Richard Todd - 3,329 Yards (1980)

Ken O'Brien - 3,300 Yards (1991)

Mark Sanches - 3,291 Yards (2010)

Vinny Testaverde - 3,256 Yards (1998)

Richard Todd - 3,231 Yards (1981)

Joe Namath - 3,147 Yards (1968)

Chad Pennington - 3,120 Yards (2002)

Geno Smith - 3,046 Yards (2013)

Sam Darnold - 3,024 Yards (2019)

o

[Hoopsdoc]

Up & Adams
@UpAndAdamsShow
·
22m
"I love Indy... but at this point, I've kind of earned the right to explore free agency. See what's out there."

Colts WR Alec Pierce on his impending free agency

I’m afraid that dude is gone. I guess it could be a negotiating ploy, but that sounds like a guy who fully expects to be leaving.

[Oldcolt]

I’m afraid that dude is gone. I guess it could be a negotiating ploy, but that sounds like a guy who fully expects to be leaving.

The guy can most likely have his pick of team and QB that he wants. It boggles the he may hit free agency.

[Puck]

I’m afraid that dude is gone. I guess it could be a negotiating ploy, but that sounds like a guy who fully expects to be leaving.

I'll never be upset with a guy that gets his payday. He's earned it. I just hope if the offers are close he chooses here.

I'd like to know sooner than later so they can decide on MJP. I don't think they keep both We should be able to trade MJP fairly easily for a decent return IMO

[albany ed]

He should have been franchised. I hope I'm wrong but I'll be surprised if we get more than half a season out of Jones.

[Hoopsdoc]

I'll never be upset with a guy that gets his payday. He's earned it. I just hope if the offers are close he chooses here.

I'd like to know sooner than later so they can decide on MJP. I don't think they keep both We should be able to trade MJP fairly easily for a decent return IMO

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.