Indianapolis Colts make big decision on Alec Pierce

The NFL offseason is a crucial time for teams as they evaluate their current roster and make decisions that will shape the future of their franchise. With the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine underway, teams are not only focused on scouting potential future stars, but also on making tough roster decisions for players currently under contract or set to become free agents. One team facing these difficult decisions is the Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts, like many teams in the NFL, are in a constant state of evaluation when it comes to their roster. They must assess the performance of their players, their contract situations, and how they fit into the team’s long-term plans. This process can be challenging and often involves tough decisions that can impact the team’s success in the upcoming season.

As the Colts navigate through the 2026 offseason, they are faced with several key roster decisions that will have a significant impact on the team’s future. One of the most pressing decisions for the Colts is the impending free agency of several key players. The team must decide whether to re-sign these players or let them test the open market, which can be a difficult decision to make.

Among the players set to become free agents for the Colts are star quarterback Andrew Luck, veteran wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, and standout defensive end Justin Houston. These players have been instrumental in the Colts’ success in recent years, and losing them to free agency could be a major blow to the team. The front office must weigh the financial implications of re-signing these players against the potential impact on the team’s salary cap and future roster flexibility.

In addition to the impending free agency of key players, the Colts must also make decisions on players currently under contract who may not be living up to expectations. This can be a difficult and sometimes unpopular task, as it may involve releasing or trading players who were once considered key contributors to the team. However, in order to build a competitive roster, the Colts must be willing to make tough decisions that are in the best interest of the team’s long-term success.

One player who may be on the chopping block for the Colts is veteran running back Marlon Mack. Mack has been a solid contributor for the team in recent years, but injuries and inconsistent play have raised questions about his future with the team. The Colts must decide whether to keep Mack on the roster and hope for a bounce-back season, or to move on and allocate resources to other positions of need.

Another player who may be facing a pivotal offseason with the Colts is defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Buckner was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the San Francisco 49ers last offseason and was expected to be a game-changer for the Colts’ defense. While Buckner had a solid season in 2025, his performance did not quite live up to the expectations set for him. The Colts must decide whether to give Buckner another chance to prove himself or to explore other options to improve the defense.

The Colts’ roster decisions extend beyond just player personnel, as the team must also make coaching decisions that will impact the team’s performance in the upcoming season. Head coach Frank Reich has been at the helm of the Colts since 2018 and has led the team to two playoff appearances during his tenure. However, the team’s lack of success in the postseason has raised questions about Reich’s ability to lead the team to a Super Bowl. The front office must decide whether to stick with Reich and give him another chance to prove himself, or to make a change at the head coaching position.

In addition to the coaching staff, the Colts must also evaluate their front office and scouting department to ensure that they have the right personnel in place to make sound roster decisions. The team’s success in the NFL is not solely dependent on the players on the field, but also on the front office and coaching staff that make crucial decisions that impact the team’s performance.

As the Colts navigate through the 2026 NFL offseason, they are faced with a myriad of decisions that will shape the future of the franchise. From impending free agency to underperforming players to coaching decisions, the team must make tough choices that will impact the team’s success in the upcoming season and beyond. The Colts’ ability to make sound roster decisions and build a competitive team will be critical to their success in the highly competitive NFL landscape.

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Source: The Big Lead