The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2026 offseason with several important roster decisions to make as they prepare for the next season. With some losses to the roster and limited early draft capital, the team is expected to focus on strengthening key position groups such as linebacker, wide receiver and pass rush.
One major factor shaping the Colts’ offseason is the lack of a first-round pick in the 2026 and 2027 draft. The team traded these picks to the New York Jets to acquire star cornerback Sauce Gardnner during the 2025 season. As a result of this, the Colts are going to have to heavily rely on second round picks and beyond to add depth to the roster.
At linebacker, bench depth, or an increase of players at this position, has become an important region of focus. The loss of Zaire Franklin and the underperformance of the linebackers in the 2025 season has hurt the Colts at the linebacker position and created a huge need for a new one in the draft. Strengthening the linebacker position could improve defending both the run and short passing plays.
The Colts are also expected to prioritize improving their pass rush. Applying pressure on the opposing quarterback is key for winning football games, and the Colts seemed to struggle on that in the 2025 season. Adding defensive linemen or edge rushers could help create more sacks and force more turnovers, which can change the outcome of games and create an advantage for the defense.
On the offensive side of things, the Colts have a scarcity of wide receivers. Michael Pittman Jr. was lost in a trade to the Steelers during the early offseason, which has left the Colts with only Alec Pierce, Josh Downs and second year tight-end Tyler Warren. Building depth and adding talent to the receiver room could create many more scoring opportunities and give the quarterback more decisions to pass the ball to.
The Colts are going to have to make some big decisions this offseason and figure out what their biggest priority is to improve. They are struggling with at least three positions, and do not have any first round picks to draft anyone of high value. The Colts are going to have to shine in free agency and the second round of the draft if they want a successful season in 2026-27.