Early Look Into Colts' 2026 Free Agents: Who Gets Paid, Who Walks?

The full list is as follows:

DE Kwity Paye

DE Tyquan Lewis

DE Samson Ebukam

RT Braden Smith

LT Bernhard Raimann

IOL Wesley French

IOL Danny Pinter

WR Alec Pierce

WR Laquon Treadwell

WR D.J. Montgomery (Restricted)

TE Mo Alie-Cox

TE Andrew Ogletree (Restricted)

TE Jelani Woods

TE Sean McKeon

TE Albert Okwuegbunam

RB Khalil Herbert

RB Tyler Goodson (Restricted)

QB Daniel Jones

S Nick Cross

S Rodney Thomas II

CB Samuel Womack III

CB Corey Ballentine

CB David Long

LB Isaiah Land (Restricted)

LB Segun Olubi (Restricted)

LB Cameron McGrone (Restricted)

DL Neville Gallimore

A few names certainly stick out more than others. On the front seven, Paye, Ebukam, and Lewis have all made impacts over the past few years for the Colts. In 2023, the three of them combined for 21.5 sacks while leading the franchise to an Indianapolis-era record for most sacks in a season.

Smith and Raimann stick out on the offensive line as two more starters who could find new teams. Smith missed a chunk of 2024 due to personal issues, while Raimann played in 14 games as Indy's blindside protector. Pinter and French have both seen action, specifically due to injuries to starters.

Eight pass catchers have expiring contracts, most notably among them are Pierce, Alie-Cox, Ogletree, and Woods. Pierce had a breakout season in 2024, catching 37 passes for 824 yards and seven touchdowns while leading the league in yards per reception. The tight ends haven't had as much impact through the air, and that's likely to stay the same with the introduction of Tyler Warren.

On the ground, Herbert and Goodson are unlikely to see the field often, with Jonathan Taylor spearheading the group. Behind Taylor will be DJ Giddens, making it even more unlikely.

Jones signed a one-year deal to have a chance at starting, but could leave the team if Richardson wins the job over him.

In the secondary, Cross has become a major piece at safety. The Colts have developed him into a budding star, but it's unclear if they'll give him another contract. His 2025 performance will likely decide his future.

The bottom line is that the Colts have multiple difference-makers on expiring contracts. It'll be interesting to see which players reserve a spot on the future roster as the Colts head into a make-or-break year.

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