Man, Ballard is a bad ass! He is so great, he's got all these retired dudes coming back to play for him.

We are so fucked...

3-years, 44 games started

PFF rated him as 62.2 pass defense grade (60.0 is average) in 2022
PFF rated him as 68.1 rush defense grade

Nick Cross rated as 59.8 pass defense grade in 2025
Nick Cross rated as 62.1 pass defense grade in 2025

Upgrade....perhaps.

I don't trust PFF's grades. Do you have access to the raw numbers they produce amd his rankings for the year in each category? I find those to be much better evaluation tools. Also, it's pretty clear that Anarumo values versatility pretty highly in safeties. Bynum's biggest strength is versatility, and it seems like it may be one of Adderley's biggest strengths as well.

Looking at what's available on Pro Football Reference, if he plays anything like his 25 year old self, we'll have a really good starting safety.

I don't mind the signing, but 3 years away from the league is a REALLY long time. If he provides good competition in preseason, and wins the starting job then brilliant, at the very least i suspect he is going to push the other guys, and that is great way to improve play development generally. But it wouldn't be a huge surprise if he doesn't get past the first couple of weeks of training camp and is cut or retires again.

Safety depth is now looking quite good, with hopes that one of them is at least a league average starter.

Agreed. Unless we signed him for much more than the vet minimum, which I doubt, then it can't hurt to bring him in. Of course I won't be holding my breath in hopes that he'll be any good after sitting out for 3 years.

o


2026 NFL Free Agency Grades: Dexter Lawrence II, Kirk Cousins

(By Seth Walder and Ben Solak)

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/...-draft-outlook




The Steelers Trade for WR Michael Pittman


The Steelers Receive: ) WR Michael Pittman, 2026 7th-Round Draft Pick

The Colts Receive: ) 2026 6th-Round Draft Pick


The Steelers' Grade: ) C

The Colts' Grade: ) B



For the 2nd straight offseason, the Steelers added a wide receiver via trade. Last year, it was DK Metcalf. This time, it's Pittman in a late-round draft pick swap with the Colts.

The Steelers are giving Pittman a new three-year, $59 Million contract, per NFL Network. Because the trade compensation is so small, we can evaluate this as basically being a free agent deal at that price.

Pittman, 28, fits with the Steelers because he runs short routes, averaging only 8.1 air yards per target. And quarterback Aaron Rodgers ...... who is a free agent but seems likely to be back in Pittsburgh again ...... does pretty much one thing in the late stage of his career: throw short. Seventy-six percent of Rodgers' pass attempts went under 10 air yards last season, the highest rate in the league.

Pittman recorded his best season in 2023, grabbing 109 receptions for 1,152 receiving yards and 2.2 yards per route run. But he hasn't been able to match that since, with his yards per route run dropping to 1.8 in 2024 and 1.6 in 2025 (just 1.2 vs. man coverage). He totaled 784 receiving yards last season on 80 receptions.

His player-tracking based metrics in ESPN's receiver scores tell a similar story. This was most noticeable in his open score, which hit a career-high 67 in 2023 but fell to 53 in 2024 and 49 in 2025.

My biggest issue with this move is wondering why the Steelers didn't go after Wan'Dale Robinson instead. Robinson is three years younger and a better player at this point. Robinson cost $19.5 Million per-year ...... almost exactly the same amount that Pittman does after his new deal.

Why did the Colts make this trade? Pittman was slated to make $24 Million in 2026, and I imagine they didn't think he was worth that ...... especially considering they're giving Alec Pierce a bump to $29 million per year to bring him back. I don't think it would have been unreasonable for them to cut Pittman, so getting just a 6-7 flip is perfectly fine. ) (Seth Walder)

o

o


2026 NFL Free Agency Grades: Dexter Lawrence II, Kirk Cousins

(By Seth Walder and Ben Solak)

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/...-draft-outlook




The Packers Trade for LB Franklin


The Packers Receive: ) LB Zaire Franklin

The Colts Receive: ) DT Colby Wooden


The Packers' Grade: ) B

The Colts' Grade: ) B



2 days after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Colts were seeking to deal Franklin in order to help get under the salary cap, Indianapolis found a trade partner in Green Bay. The Packers added Franklin via a player-for-player trade involving Wooden.

Franklin, who will turn 30 this summer, presumably will slot in next to Edgerrin Cooper at linebacker, with Quay Walker departing in free agency. Franklin's deal calls for $7 Million in cash in 2026, which the Colts will save and the Packers will take on. His contract also includes a $9 million non-guaranteed salary in 2027.

Franklin is most known for his 2024 season in which he led the NFL in tackles (173). That's not a particularly great indicator of linebacker skill on its own, and probably overstates his contribution that season, but he was certainly a solid player that year. His metrics took a step back last season. In 2025, Franklin's run stop win rate dropped to the 28th percentile (down from 59th the year prior), along with a 28th percentile tackle rate among linebackers and a worse-than-average missed tackle rate, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

There are a number of linebacker options in free agency, though many of them might end up being a few million more in salary. Franklin brings some risk if his play last season was a signal of decline, but if the Packers believe 2025 was an outlier, then he becomes a player who fills a need with a very reasonably priced contract. ) (Seth Walder)

o

In addition to releasing Moore we also released Nasir Adderley today. Guess he wasn't primed for a comeback after all :cool:

The Haulcy pick looks even better now.

o


From Uncle Phil to Uncle Albert/Admiral Haulcy.

o

The Packers got the short end of that stick.

o


I think that you're right, even though both teams got a "B" from the author ...... that said, I'll be happy if Franklin bounces back and has a good season with the reigning NFC North champion Packers.

o

https://www.colts.com/news/colts-ann...fl-draft-picks

Two interesting choices. CJ Allen is wearing 53, hopefully he's as successful as a rookie as Darius Leonard with a longer career. George Gumbs Jr. is wearing 52, hopefully he's much better than Kemoko Turay.

And hopefully Curry hits QBs as hard as Session used to hit everyone

o


The Biggest Winners of Indianapolis Colts Rookie Minicamp

(By Noah Compton)

https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/onsi/bi...okie-minicamp-


The Indianapolis Colts' rookie minicamp is in the books following the weekend. The coaching staff and front office had its first look at their 2026 draft class, a group made up of eight draft selections and 12 undrafted free agent signings.

The minicamp's roster also featured 31 undrafted free agents who were invited to tryout.

It's technically still a camp, but don't confuse this minicamp with a training camp. This was more of a glorified orientation of sorts, but there are still some winners to be had from the brief two-day introduction. Let's break down who stood out most.



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



Seth McGowan and Jordon Vaughn | RB's

The Indianapolis Colts desperately need to find a complementary back alongside Jonathan Taylor, and these two additions fit a bill larger than we've seen in their running back room as of recent.

Head coach Shane Steichen is looking forward to what they can bring to the table as bigger, more physical backs.

“Look, when we watched the tape, those guys were good players. And Seth (McGowan) was a really good player. He is a big back, physical, runs really hard, always falls forward. Brings a lot to the table from a physicality standpoint," Steichen explained.

"Same thing with (Jordon) Vaughn. Those two guys are big, physical runners that I think will help us.”

Either of McGowan (6'0", 223 lbs) and Vaughn (6'3", 235 lbs) would beef up a Colts' running back whose biggest rostered player outside of Taylor is 2025 fifth-round pick DJ Giddens (6'0", 213 lbs.)


West Weeks and Tahj Chambers | LB;s

The two former SEC linebackers turned undrafted free agents have already made a strong first impression on Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds, with Weeks standing out most.

"With West (Weeks), we were like, I know for a fact he's going to make an impact on special teams because he's big and fast and he's done that before," Dodds explained their initial line of thinking regarding a player of his profile.

"He's looked good out here. He's moving even better out here than he was on the LSU tape. Kinda excited about that linebacker room -- with Weeks and Tahj Chambers both."

Weeks feels like the most likely undrafted free agent signing to make the active roster thanks to his combination of special teams potential and baseline production for an option on the bottom of the depth chart, especially the former.


Carson Towt | TE

The Colts have potentially found their next Mo Alie-Cox in Towt, a former Notre Dame basketball player who Indianapolis signed earlier this offseason.

“Yeah I think Tommy Manning, our tight end coach, does a hell of a job with that. I believe Tommy was here with Mo (Alie-Cox) his first year. So, he’s been through that process – our tight end coach – and he did a hell of a job with Mo. And now he’s back here coaching Mo and now he’s got another one in Carson (Towt) to do the same thing. So, we’re excited about Carson and his abilities," Steichen explained the line of thinking behind taking a shot on Towt.

Towt has been given the exact mentor that Alie-Cox had in TEs coach Tom Manning. The next step is determining whether or not he has any legitimate football skills, and Steichen explained that he does after getting a good look at him during minicamp.

"He’s done some good stuff. I know we’re routes on air and stuff right now, but he’s got some good movement skills. He catches the ball well. So, it’ll be good to get him going and get him in pads and blocking and all of that stuff.”

Towt is 6'5", 250 lbs, so there's definitely a solid canvas to work with. Now it's up to the combined mentorship of Mo Alie-Cox and Tom Manning to replicate their previous success story.


Seth Henigan | QB

Henigan may have technically been a prospect from the 2025 draft class, but the fact he has stuck around since being signed to the practice squad late last season is noteworthy.

The Colts had been trying to trade 2023 fourth-overall pick QB Anthony Richardson Sr. throughout the offseason thus far, but after failing to find a trade partner in the NFL Draft, he remains on the roster for the foreseeable future.

An earlier Richardson exit would've slotted Henigan in as the de factor emergency third quarterback, but instead he remains the practice squad's go-to guy. Nonetheless, Henigan still being in the mix, and being provided reps along the way, is important for his outlook.

o

Wait a minute. One of our TEs is a Twot and another is Cox? Who makes this stuff up?

o


The Colts Have an Easy Schedule on Paper ...... Here’s What Really Matters

(By Noah Compton)

https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/onsi/th...really-matters



Based on final records from 2025, the Indianapolis Colts have the T-4th easiest schedule heading into the 2026 season.

Tied with the Atlanta Falcons for opponent win percentage (.465), Indianapolis has a prime opportunity to continue what it started a season ago. They had a similar strength of schedule heading into last season, a .464 percentage (8th-lowest in 2025) that the Colts took advantage of, at least early on.

Below are the Colts' 2026 opponents. On top of their usual six-game slate against the AFC South, Indianapolis is also slated to play against the NFC East and the AFC North. When they'll play said matchups comes later this week during the official release on Thursday, May 14th, at 8 PM EST on NFL Network.



HOME: ) Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens


AWAY: ) Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles



The Colts famously took the league by storm in 2025, quickly getting hot to the tune of an 8-2 start behind quarterback Daniel Jones, and have been riding that high ever since, despite a brutal 7-game losing streak to finish the season.

This hot start came off the heels of a lively training camp battle between quarterbacks Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones, the latter of which won the starting job and hasn't looked back since.

Jones' reclamation had doubters second-guessing themselves, as well as provided a new perspective on head coach Shane Steichen.

People were reminded that Steichen was brought in to right the ship on offense and provide stability at the quarterback position, and such a reminder was in the form of a historically great start to the season, one that featured such levels of efficiency that had previously not been met.

That is, until Daniel Jones was hit with a wave of serious injuries ...... a fractured fibula that he played with until an Achilles tear in early December ended his season entirely. After he initially became injured, the Colts made a blockbuster move by trading their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks plus wide receiver Adonai Mitchell for star cornerback Sauce Gardner.

Although this move reeked of desperation, especially when using hindsight bias, general manager Chris Ballard was finally allowed to make a big splash in his first season under new ownership, providing support from above in his attempts to right his wrongs.

With their backs against the wall, Chris Ballard and Co. have put all their eggs into the basket that is Daniel Jones, rewarding his efforts in 2025 with a 2-year, $88M extension earlier this offseason. This move is the last line of defense for this regime, as quarterback stability is something they've been looking to achieve since Andrew Luck abruptly walked out the door ahead of the 2019 season.


What Really Matters


This year's schedule may technically be just as easy as last season, but the year-to-year turnover is but a mere projection, as teams are constantly outplaying or underperforming their seasonal expectations.

The Colts are entering a season with true make-or-break aspirations, at least from the managerial side of things. Indianapolis has made it to the playoffs just twice in nine seasons under general manager Chris Ballard, winning just one contest in three games.

Outside of proving that they're a legitimate contender, and not something that rivals the last several seasons of the Pittsburgh Steelers ...... aka limping to the playoffs just to lose to glorious fashion ...... the Colts desperately need to reclaim the throne that is the AFC South.

Finally winning the division under Chris Ballard would certainly be an achievement in itself, but the Colts need to establish themselves as the AFC South's top dog to ensure playoff involvement.


Best/Worst Case Scenarios


Last season, the easy part of the Colts' schedule came during the aforementioned hot start that resulted in an 8-2 record before all hell broke loose. The Colts finished the season at 8-9, with the collapse in question serving as yet another footnote to the team's inability to finish under Chris Ballard.

Although last year's outcome may suggest otherwise, the best scenario for the Colts' schedule is that it is once again backloaded.

With Daniel Jones set to return from rehab during training camp, and with nothing but hope that has him as the Week 1 starter, the Colts would be best off having their easier part of the schedule come early and all at once, like last season.

This would provide Daniel Jones the opportunity to slowly but surely return to form, and if he's not 100% healthy when the regular season arrives, then either Anthony Richardson or Riley Leonard would fill the void in the meantime. You'd much rather resort to your backup early in the season, against 'easier' competition, as opposed to being forced to try and right the ship entirely if Jones were to reinjure.

The worst-case scenario would be the opposite ...... not only would the Colts' situation benefit from running back a similar schedule in terms of health, but this team needs to prove it can go the distance that is a 17-game season. Getting to the playoffs is the lowest bar for this regime at the point, and solidifying themselves as true contenders as opposed to just squeaking in is what matters most.

o

o


The Colts Schedule Release Leaks: Confirmed Opponents and Dates

(By Noah Compton)

https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/onsi/co...pponents-dates



Week 4 ...... The Indianapolis Colts vs. The Washington Commanders


The NFL announced its international slate of games earlier this morning, a nine-game slate that features the Colts traveling across the pond to take on the Washington Commanders in Week 4 on October 4th, 2026.

This makes 3 international trips for the Colts in four seasons, with wins against the New England Patriots in 2023 (Frankfurt, Germany) and the Atlanta Falcons in 2025 (Berlin, Germany) preceding this trip back to London.

The Colts last played in London in 2016, a lively divisional matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars that went down to the wire, but ultimately fell to the Jaguars by a score of 30-27. That game was played at Wembley Stadium, whereas this upcoming matchup against the Commanders will be played at Tottenham Stadium.

Indianapolis has not beaten Washington since they re-branded from the Redskins to the Commanders ahead of the 2022 season. Prior to their matchup in 2022, a game that Washington won by a score of 17-16, the Colts had won 4 straight. The previous matchup featured quarterbacks Sam Ehlinger and Taylor Heinicke, whereas this rematch will feature Daniel Jones and Jayden Daniels.

The Colts have won both of their international matchups in the 2020s, each of which featured running back Jonathan Taylor leading the way. Even if Daniel Jones is fully healthy by the time Indianapolis goes wheels up for Europe, leaning on Taylor may just be the best course of action for leaving with a win. After all, history suggests that jet-lag does not affect the talented running back.

Unlike last year's trip across the pond, the Colts' international matchup in 2026 will technically be an away matchup, making the rest of their 16-game schedule a quick trip to the past ...... a schedule that includes 8 home and away games each. Here's a quick look at the Colts' opponents in question:


Home Opponents


Houston Texans
Tennessee Titans
Jacksonville Jaguars
Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants
Cincinnati Bengals
Miami Dolphins
Baltimore Ravens


Away Opponents


Houston Texans
Tennessee Titans
Jacksonville Jaguars
Minnesota Vikings
Kansas City Chiefs
Pittsburgh Steelers
Cleveland Browns
Washington Commanders l (London, UK)
Philadelphia Eagles



Strength of Schedule


The Colts' strength of schedule for the 2026 regular season is eerily similar to theirs from a season ago.

Indianapolis had the 8th-easiest regular-season schedule heading in 2025, a frontloaded schedule that the Colts took advantage of, at least early on. Their opponents presented a collective .464 win percentage, which is almost identical to Indy's strength of schedule (.465 ...... tied with Atlanta) for the upcoming season, but is viewed as even easier this time around, as it's the NFL's 4th-easiest schedule overall.

A big reason for this consistently 'easy' schedule is that the Colts reside in the AFC South, one of the NFL's weakest divisions on a per-year basis. This not only gives the Colts a slate of six games to look forward to, but reminds them that winning the AFC South is no longer an option that they haven't achieved in a decade ...... it's necessary if this regime wants to right the ship.

The Colts have a great opportunity to take advantage of their relatively easy schedule, even if said off-season projections don't always predict a team's rise or fall from what they present before the regular season kicks off. This time, however, they must finish the season on a high note, regardless of how difficult their latter half of the season is, nor how injured they may end up.

o

o


One thing that I am grateful for as a Colts fan is that the last time that they went into a season with virtually no hope at all of contending for a playoff berth was the disastrous 2011 season, when Peyton Manning was injured and Andrew Luck was still at Stanford. Ever since then, there has not been one single season in which Colts fans were thinking to themselves "We are completely fucked ...... we'll be lucky to win 4 or 5 games."

Even the 2019 season in which Andrew Luck abruptly retired right before Opening Day would not qualify for that category ...... aside from the fact that Jacoby Brisset still managed to lead the team to a mediocre (but far from awful) 7-9 record, I don't think that most Colts fans thought that there was no possible way that they could manage to win 10 games and make the playoffs that season, even if it was a long-shot.

We did have the disastrous 2022 season when we went 4-12-1 when Ballard shit the bed and trotted out one of the worst offensive lines in recent memory ...... but even in that forgettable season, I don't think that most Colts fans thought that we were doomed before a single game was played.


So, I suppose I'm asserting that I am grateful that as frustrating as our mediocre Colts have been these last few years, I am grateful and appreciative that they never devolved into a hopeless franchise such as the Jets, who have (largely) been without hope since Mark Sanchez led them to back-to-back AFC Championship games in 2009 and 2010.

o

o


I broke my own record for the most floors climbed after the completion of the race ....... after the race, they allow runners to continue running the stairs, and they keep track of it. The record was 250 floors. I did 550 floors (the race, plus 21 additional climbs of the building) ...... I was going to do 600 floors, but the race director had to leave early, so they stopped me at 550.



MEN

Patrick Colon - 572 Flights ll (Course Record)


WOMEN

Michelle Colman - 364 Flights



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


11) Stephen Marsalese 2:01.6

12) Sebastian Marsalese 2:19.9

13) Michelle Colman 2:20.3

14) Logan Recchia 2:37.2

15)Patrick Colon 2:46.5

16) Jeff Otieno 3:04.2


https://www.facebook.com/stairlifesi...4858710647164/

o

Well done indeed! I was reading this and mentally started getting dizzy with chest pains.... I will stick with walking to my fridge for another cold beer. :p:D

o


2026 NFL Offseason ...... AFC Teams’ Best and Worst Deals, Picks

(By Bill Barnwell)

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/...icks-contracts




INDIANPOLIS COLTS




Best


Signing l Arden Key l to a 2-year, $16 Million contract. GM Chris Ballard has tried to draft and develop edge-rushers with limited success, and the Colts moved on from the likes of Kwity Paye and Tyquan Lewis this offseason. Laiatu Latu took a big step forward as a pass-rusher last year, and the Colts will hope for a breakthrough season from 2025 2nd-rounder JT Tuimoloau, but Indianapolis needed another edge-rusher in its rotation and didn't have a first-round pick to go after one.

Landing on Key was a solid move at the right cost. The 30-year-old journeyman has been a consistently solid rotational player on the edge. He has managed double-digit quarterback knockdowns in each of the past 6 seasons while playing for 4 different teams. In his one year as a full-time starter in 2024, Key racked up 6.5 sacks, 15 knockdowns and 11 tackles for loss. He can be a bit of a freelancer at times as a run defender, which might make him a liability at times on early downs, but Key has able to win one-on-one against tackles and create splash plays. He should be a useful player for 400 snaps in 2026.



Worst


Guaranteeing l Daniel Jones l nearly $50 Million for 2026. It was inevitable that the Colts would keep Jones after his incredible first half in 2025, even if that run ended with him tearing his Achilles and sitting out the final four games of the season. That came with a $37.8 Million transition tag, which seemed reasonable enough for a player with Jones' track record of inconsistency and the uncertainty surrounding his ability to return from the Achilles injury to begin the 2026 season.

But when the Colts eventually came to terms with Jones on an extension, the actual price to get him under contract and onto the field in 2026 had ballooned up. Ballard probably wanted to restructure that $37.8 Million figure to reduce Jones' cap hit in 2026, and had obviously hoped to get him under contract past this upcoming season ...... at least for one more year ...... without making a multiyear commitment.

To get that done, though, the Colts had to guarantee Jones $49.5 Million in 2026. They weren't able to tie more than $510,000 of that into per-game roster bonuses, which would have protected the Colts if Jones was unable to play to start the year, or benched by the end of his 2nd season.

Was anyone else really going to pay $37.8 Million or more to trigger the transition tag, and force the Colts into a difficult decision ??? If that was a real concern, why didn't the Colts give Jones the $43.9 Million franchise tag, which would have made an outside deal even more unlikely ??? And if there was no market for him, the Colts needed to do more to produce a friendlier contract for their quarterback, either by reducing the guarantee or by putting more of the money into per-game roster bonuses.

The Giants got fooled by one good year from Jones, and made a franchise-altering mistake. The Colts are desperate for a solution at QB after cycling through option after option following Andrew Luck's retirement, but this deal might not afford them any sort of stability or upside.

o

How do we feel about the offseason at this point?

I feel like the team has improved overall. I think the offense has been downgraded a little, specifically the pass catching unit with the loss of Michael Pittman and no player on a similar level to replace him, but in exchange the defense has gotten much better.

On offense, the Colts are going to find out if Daniel Jones can be the answer at QB. Yes, he tore his Achilles in December, but every report indicates that he's ahead of schedule on rehab and participating in football activities. I don’t buy into the idea that the injury will prevent him from participating even in training camp until it happens. If he performs on the same level he did in September and October last year, this team will be tough for anyone to beat. Of course, his health is also a major concern. At RB, hopefully the duo of D.J. Giddens and Seth McGowan will be able to take some of the workload off of Jonathan Taylor, who played ~80% of the team’s offensive snaps last year. The Colts lost Tyler Goodson and Ameer Abdullah, but there are several RBs of that quality available to sign at the end of camp or during most weeks of the season. Reducing Taylor's workload without having the offense drop off should be the main goal here. WR is the biggest downgrade of the roster this offseason. The Colts wanted to keep Alec Pierce, and it cost them Michael Pittman Jr., who realistically was likely to not be extended after the 2026 season anyway. I don't understand why the Colts weren't able to get more than a late round pick swap for him, but what's done is done. This is the one area of the roster where I feel like the team did not do enough to improve the talent of the position. The team has to replace 80 catches, and I don't see the group of Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Ashton Dulin, Deion Burks, and Anthony Gould getting that done. There should be a way to replace the production in the aggregate, in part by Pierce and Downs getting more targets and therefore more catches, in part by the aforementioned group of WRs taking some of the load, and hopefully in part by Tyler Warren making a big Year 2 leap, but it seems like the WR3 position is going to be a weakness on this team. Speaking of Warren, he pretty much is the TE position for this team. Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, and Will Mallory are still on the team, but given the leaguewide shift to heavier personnel and the Colts downgrading the WR position, it feels like not upgrading the TE2 spot was a missed opportunity. The OL lost Braden Smith, but with the addition of Jalen Farmer I feel like it still got better, partially because Jalen Travis played well in Braden's place last year, and partially because I feel like Farmer makes the Colts OL more versatile. Goncalves is capable of playing OT, and will now likely be battling for the RG job. If he loses it, he's still one of the best swing tackles in the league and can back up 4 of the positions on the OL. Braden is also at the age where he's likely to start declining, and he's missed a few games a year for the past few seasons.

On defense, I felt there was a lot of addition by subtraction, starting with the trade of Zaire Franklin. Getting anything of value for Franklin feels like a win, but getting a 25 year old 3T with a ton of room for growth is a masterclass in value acquisition. The Packers misused Colby Wooden last year, playing him at NT in a 3-4. Despite that, he was not completely disastrous in that role, which does not suit his playstyle at all. I'm excited to see what he can do in a role that allows him to play the 1 gap attacking style that suits his game much better, and we also know he's not likely to be a liability against the run as a 3T, which is huge. Starting at the EDGE position, Laiatu Latu is the key here. He was very productive in 2025, and the hope is he will take another step toward becoming an elite pass rusher in 2026. For the rest of the group, the Colts lost Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis, but signed Arden Key and Michael Clemons. For me, Key and Clemons are roughly equal to Ebukam and Lewis, and the Colts seem to think Tuimoloau is primed to step in and become an effective second pass rusher, and there seems to be some late 2025 season statistical backing to that claim. I also like the additions of Caden Curry and George Gumbs Jr. in the draft. I would love to see the Colts sign Joey Bosa before camp, but I think this is a group that can improve either way. On to IDL, this group went from one with depth concerns to one that will likely cut quality players. The Colts can't keep all of the following on the roster: DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Adetomiwa Abedawore, Colby Wooden, Tim Smith, Derrick Nnadi, Jerry Tillery, and Cameron Ball. Three of those players will likely have to be cut. My guess is Nnadi and Tillery end up with rotational spots on other NFL rosters, and Ball ends up on the practice squad. At LB, getting rid of Zaire Franklin was itself an upgrade, but Germaine Pratt was a loss as he played fairly well. The Colts signed Akeem Davis-Gaither and drafted C.J. Allen and Bryce Boettcher. Allen will be a huge upgrade over Franklin at MIKE and one of Davis-Gaither, Boettcher, and Jaylon Carlies should be able to play a solid WILL. At CB, the Colts lost Kenny Moore II and signed Cam Taylor-Britt. Taylor-Britt and Walley are likely better fits in the slot in Anarumo's defense than Moore, and both are younger. On the outside, Gardner and Ward both have All-Pro potential and Jaylon Jones is quality depth. At S, the Colts lost Nick Cross and replaced him by selecting A.J. Haulcy in the draft. Haulcy is not as good of an athlete as Cross, but is again a better fit for Anarumo's scheme and has a knack for creating turnovers. I think he will pair with Cam Bynum to make a strong starting tandem at the position that will allow the Colts to be more flexible than they could be with Cross. Overall, this is a much deeper defense than last year with similar high end talent.

All that said, it seems like the national NFL media generally seems to think the Colts got worse this offseason. I think that could be as simple as those people looking at a long list of 2025 starters leaving while not seeing much in the way of talent outside of the draft (where most people seem to think the Colts did exceptionally well) being added to the roster and drawing the conclusion that the team will be worse from that. To be fair, I can absolutely see a scenario in which the 2026 Colts are appreciably worse than the 2025 Colts, but I think that involves either an injury or a decline in performance from Daniel Jones. Assuming Jones is healthy and performs well, this is likely a playoff team and possibly a division winner that could make a deep playoff run.

I mentioned in another thread the 2011 Top-100 Players list when Manning was ranked 50th. It made me realize that the perception of the Colts going into 2026 strikes me the same way.

If you thought Manning's neck was his demise, he was omitted from your ranking. If it wasn't, you probably ranked him top-5 as he always was. I doubt anybody seriously ranked him like 17/20 on their cards. With that formula... he ends up at 50th which is a nonsense ranking.

Juxtapose that with the perception of the Colts going into '26. Most expect a 7-8 win season. Some say it's because they're uncertain about Jones returning to form from the Achilles. But in that case... shouldn't the projection be bottom feeders?

And others think that even if he does return to form... still an 8-win team. Which implies that the 0-7 finish was more-or-less expected. Regardless of Jones' broken leg and eventual Achilles or Buckner missing the second half of the season or Ward and Gardner being fucked up, etc.

I mean, to me, that seems like a goofy ass take, but what do I know? I do think people pretend we played the Titans 8 times to start the season and didn't light up the #2 and #5 defenses in the NFL... not to mention, despite Adonai Mitchell's two suicide plays, LAR still needing our 6th option at CB to trip on his own feet and allow a WR his sole catch of the game to be an 88-yard game-winner.

-----------

I agree that Pittman is probably the biggest impact we'll feel. All things considered, that's probably the best spot to absorb a big hit because we still have Pierce, Downs, and Warren.

Even though I like Travis and it was the right move... I also feel worse about losing Braden Smith than most people. Particularly in the run game, where he was a monster, that's just an oak solid RT we're losing. People have talked about him approaching that point of diminishing returns for a couple of years... I hope that the Texans get that version.

Before we drafted Haulcy, Nick Cross would have been my biggest impact loss. Haulcy is still my favorite pick of the draft. I loved Cross, so I'm surprised I feel as good about Safety as I do. But fit-wise, Haulcy will allow Anarumo interchange responsibilities with Bynum more and disguising will have more potential.

I know Walley is unproven, but it's hard to deny the word of mouth from the coaches. Between him, Allen, and Haulcy + Buckner, Ward, and Gardner returning... I'm excited to see the defense.

I'm higher on our TE room than most I guess. I think they offer the organization a nice skill set and I'm a sucker for the run game and I appreciate all of those guys are completely find with force feeding a defender some turf. If Warren goes down they might be fucked though, so I concede that.

I am wondering what's going to happen with Taylor's contract. The team/organization doesn't need that drama imo, just pay that guy in a way that's good for us or that makes it easier to trade him. I really don't want to see his agent talking shit again.

I think that a health Downs is going to replace Pittman's production. I don't think he'll block like Pitt but I think he'll put up #'s in the pass game.

To me, the Defense still has the most question marks. Anarumo facilitating growth in that regard, to me at least, is highly important. If there is regression that is going to be awful, awful, awful for Ballard. I am excited to see what LB's we trot out there next year. We should see a whole new crew at this piont.

The problem with Downs replacing Pittman’s production is that someone else would have to replace Downs's production.

Like I said before, I think it can be done in the aggregate, but it will be something like Pierce catching 15 more, Downs catching 20 more, Warren catching 20 more, and 35 more catches going to that other group of 4 WRs I mentioned previously. That's how the team could conceivably replace Pittman’s 80 catches without bringing another high end receiver in.

Or just give Pierce 80-100 more targets and call it a day

WTF Levis???

Bad enough that your mother has to be an attention whore and raise this up for all to see....

https://nypost.com/2026/05/25/sports...-tape-go-away/

:eek:

Speaking of dumpster fire teams... Guess I can´t blame blame him for at least pushing for a raise.

https://nypost.com/2026/05/23/sports...-as-otas-loom/

Either way between Brisket starting and Minshew as back up - (in my best Mr T voice) "I pity the fools" ( the fans)

o


That's terrible strategy by Levis, to have his mother publicly defend her son's sex life ...... awful strategy.


When I fucked my cousin Jeanine and word of it got out to the public, I simply told everybody that our incestuous relationship was nobody's business but the people in our inner cir ...... eh, never mind.

o

All young athletes should be aware of this

Good interview with Riley Leonard on Colts website/app. He’s a very like able down to earth guy, they asked who would be his number 1 pick (anyone ever form the Colts organization) to take on a golf outing, his #1 pick was Jim Irsay.

He also talked about the first time he had ever thrown to the #1s was against Jacksonville and he had 3 practices with the #1s the week he started vs the Texans. He said after the Texans game he felt like he belonged and he knew he could play in this league

Still rooting for him. I just don't think he is quite ready.

Pretty fucking wild seeing all the videos on X of Daniel Jones practicing. I saw a quick glimpse yesterday of guys catching passes...

But these vids today are him doing drop backs, play-action reps, deep balls, quick shuffle bag drills.

Less than 6 months removed. This new Achilles technique is crazy.

https://youtube.com/shorts/UPBq3IWb_...lZAgJas-jrzC_W

A guy that can do that is not going to miss a start over his Achilles tear.

The marketing machine is in full gear, for sure.

I'll admit though, I did not expect to see him back this soon like that.

This is probably the one that stood out to me most...

https://x.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/2059691654253060179

it's one thing to have PLANNED mobility, but in a real game, he has to make split second manuevers and a tender achilles might have a problem with these unanticipated moves. I like what I'm seeing, but I'm cautiously optimistic.

o


This Colts Roster Hopeful Is Flying Under the Radar

(By Noah Compton)

https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/onsi/th...nder-the-radar



The Indianapolis Colts are entering the 2026 season with a new-look defense led by star-studded players at numerous spots.

Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is entering his 2nd season as the Colts' leader of the defense, and his trio of cornerback Sauce Gardner, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, and safety Cam Bynum presents a promising outlook from the top.

Other key contributors, such as defensive end Laiatu Latu, cornerback Charvarius Ward, and defensive tackle Grover Stewart fill out the Colts' defensive frame quite nicely, which gives the remaining five new starters a solid base to work with.

Moving down some rungs of the ladder, however, provides a sneak peek at the projected new-look depth and suggests the Colts are deeper on defense than they were a season ago, particularly at cornerback.


Positive Outlook


The early stages of the Colts' 2025 training camp showcased a new-look cornerback room that was deeper than in any of the previous 8 seasons under general manager Chris Ballard.

The Colts had finally found a true lockdown cornerback on the outside in Charvarius Ward after they signed him to a 3-year, $54 Million deal. Kenny Moore II was set to continue operating from the slot on the inside, whereas the starting boundary spot opposite Ward was up for grabs.

2025 3rd-round pick Justin Walley and cornerback Jaylon Jones were battling it out throughout training camp until injuries set them both back. Walley's torn ACL ended his rookie season before it could begin, while Jones's hamstring injury forced the team to place him on injured reserve after he reaggravated it in the Colts' season-opener.

Couple these early-season blows with the beginning of Ward's string of concussions, and it makes even more sense why the Colts sent a blockbuster haul to the New York Jets for superstar cornerback Sauce Gardner.

Given that the Colts are set to return each of the previously discussed players ...... outside of Kenny Moore II, who was released earlier this offseason ...... who were either injured in 2025 or were brought in to alleviate the issue caused by it, 2nd-year cornerback Johnathan Edwards is flying under the radar as a result.


Johnathan Edwards' Place in Rotation


Johnathan Edwards was a member of the Colts' 2025 UDFA class, and ended up making the team's initial 53-man roster after the aforementioned string of injuries to the cornerback room created an avenue for him to pounce on.

He had a strong training camp for an undrafted rookie and looked to belong in the NFL, but the reasoning for his active roster designation was more so viewed as a necessity rather than a preference.

Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo had garnered a reputation for prioritizing veteran experience over potential during his 6 seasons in Cincinnati, which only added a layer to the Colts rolling with Edwards, but the way that he used the UDFA rookie throughout the 2025-26 season said otherwise.

o