The Colts started 8-2 in 2025 before a catastrophic late-season collapse (lost 7 straight to finish 8-9) driven by injuries to Daniel Jones (torn Achilles), DeForest Buckner (neck), Sauce Gardner (calf), and Charvarius Ward (concussions). They've re-signed Jones and Alec Pierce to massive deals and are committed to competing in 2026, but lost significant defensive starters in free agency.
| Round 2 | #47 |
| Round 3 | #78 |
| Round 4 | #113 |
| Round 5 | #156 |
| Round 6 | #214 (from Steelers) |
| Round 7 | #249, #254 |
Traded 2026 and 2027 first-round picks plus WR Adonai Mitchell to Jets for CB Sauce Gardner (Nov 2025). Traded 2026 6th-round pick to Vikings for CB Mekhi Blackmon (Aug 2025). Acquired 2026 6th-round pick from Steelers in Michael Pittman Jr. trade.
Critical Needs
Trading Zaire Franklin to the Packers and letting Germaine Pratt reach free agency (unsigned as of March 16) has gutted this position.
Lost both Kwity Paye (Raiders, 3yr/$48M) and Samson Ebukam (Falcons) in free agency.
Important Needs
Lost both Nick Cross (Commanders, 2yr deal) and Rodney Thomas II (Seahawks) in free agency.
Trading Michael Pittman Jr.
DeForest Buckner (32, returning from neck surgery, final year of his $26.6M cap hit contract) and Grover Stewart (32) are both aging and entering the final years of their deals.
Depth Needs
Braden Smith departed to the Texans, and 2025 4th-round pick Jalen Travis is expected to step into the starting RT role.
On paper, the CB room is strong: Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward, and Kenny Moore II in the nickel.
- Re-signed QB Daniel Jones (2yr/$88M) — QB not a need, franchise committed
- Re-signed WR Alec Pierce (4yr/$116M) — WR1 locked in, but traded Pittman so still need WR depth
- Traded WR Michael Pittman Jr. to Steelers for 6th-round pick swap — creates WR2 void
- Traded LB Zaire Franklin to Packers for DT Colby Wooden — massively increases LB need
- Lost EDGE Kwity Paye (Raiders, 3yr/$48M) — critical edge loss
Lou Anarumo's defense is a Cincinnati-style 4-3 that relies heavily on man coverage and disguised zone schemes. Full scheme analysis →
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