Early look ahead to Indianapolis Colts’ 2026 free agents

As the NFL season progresses and teams begin to evaluate their rosters for the future, it is never too early to start looking ahead to potential free agents. The Indianapolis Colts are no exception, as they will have a number of key players hitting the open market in 2026. In this article, we will take an early look at who those free agents are and what their potential impact could be on the team.

One of the biggest names on the Colts’ list of free agents in 2026 is star quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Brissett has been a key player for the Colts since taking over as the starting quarterback in 2019, and he will surely be one of the most sought-after free agents in the league when his contract expires. The Colts will have to make a decision on whether to re-sign Brissett or look for a new quarterback in the draft or free agency.

Another key player who will be hitting free agency in 2026 is wide receiver T.Y. Hilton. Hilton has been a cornerstone of the Colts’ offense for years, but at 36 years old, his future with the team is uncertain. The Colts will have to weigh the benefits of keeping Hilton against the potential cost of re-signing him, as well as the impact his departure could have on the team’s receiving corps.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Colts will have to make decisions on several key players, including linebacker Darius Leonard and defensive end Kemoko Turay. Leonard has been a dominant force on the Colts’ defense since being drafted in 2018, and re-signing him will be a top priority for the team. Turay, on the other hand, has shown flashes of potential but has also struggled with injuries throughout his career. The Colts will have to decide whether to invest in Turay’s potential or look for other options to bolster their pass rush.

In addition to these key players, the Colts will also have a number of role players hitting free agency in 2026. Players like cornerback Kenny Moore, offensive tackle Braden Smith, and running back Nyheim Hines will all be looking for new contracts, and the Colts will have to decide whether to bring them back or let them test the open market. These decisions will be crucial in shaping the Colts’ roster for the future and ensuring that they have the right mix of talent to compete for a championship.

Of course, free agency is not the only way for the Colts to improve their roster in 2026. The team will also have the opportunity to add talent through the draft, trades, and the development of young players already on the roster. General manager Chris Ballard has shown a knack for finding hidden gems in the draft and making shrewd trades to improve the team, and Colts fans will be hoping that he can work his magic once again in 2026.

In addition to the on-field impact of free agency, the Colts will also have to consider the financial implications of re-signing their key players. The team will have to navigate the salary cap and make tough decisions on how to allocate their resources in order to field a competitive roster in 2026. This will require a delicate balance of signing key players to long-term contracts, finding value in free agency, and making tough decisions on which players to let go.

As the 2026 NFL season approaches, Colts fans will be eagerly anticipating the team’s decisions in free agency and how they will shape the roster for the future. With key players like Jacoby Brissett, T.Y. Hilton, Darius Leonard, and others hitting the open market, the Colts will have some tough decisions to make in order to remain competitive in the AFC South and the league as a whole.

In conclusion, the Indianapolis Colts will have a number of key players hitting free agency in 2026, and the team will have to make some tough decisions on who to re-sign and who to let go. With stars like Jacoby Brissett, T.Y. Hilton, Darius Leonard, and others potentially hitting the open market, the Colts will have to carefully navigate the salary cap and make shrewd decisions in order to field a competitive roster for the future. Colts fans will be eagerly anticipating the team’s moves in free agency and hoping that general manager Chris Ballard can work his magic once again to improve the team. The 2026 NFL season promises to be an exciting one for Colts fans, as they watch their team navigate the challenges of free agency and strive to build a championship-caliber roster.

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Source: USA Today