Colts 2026 Free Agency Tracker: Latest Signings, Losses, News & Rumors

The Indianapolis Colts are approaching a critical free agency cycle this year, as CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon's patience has dwindled with general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen to succeed.

The Bigger Needs

Defensive end
Linebacker
Offensive line
Wide receiver

With everything free agency-related in mind, here's what you need to know about what's happening in this regard with the Colts.

Exclusive Rights Free Agents

Colts linebacker Austin Ajiake (blue and white uniform) celebrates after making a big play. — Indianapolis Colts linebacker Austin Ajiake (58) celebrates a hit on the quarterback Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, against the Arizona Cardinals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Colts have one player on the roster labeled as an exclusive rights free agent, linebacker Austin Ajiake. He was already signed to a one-year, $1.005 million deal on January 5th of this year.

Ajiake is locked in for the 2026 season after getting his first action since joining Indianapolis in 2023 as a member of the practice squad.

Ajiake put up 32 tackles and two quarterback hits through 16 games in 2025. Don't expect a lot of meaningful playing time from Ajiake, but he'll be a valuable depth piece who could see time on special teams.

Restricted Free Agents

Colts wide receiver D.J. Montgomery (blue and white uniform) celebrates after making a play on the field. — Aug 11, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver D.J. Montgomery (2) points to the fans after a long run during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Currently, Indianapolis has five restricted free agents on the roster. For context, restricted free agents are players with three accrued seasons whose contract has expired but whose team still holds certain rights over them.

DJ Montgomery | Wide receiver

The Colts can choose to tender them, and if they do, the player can negotiate with other teams, similar to the situation with Daniel Jones. If an offer sheet is signed, Indy has a chance to match it. If not, depending on the tender level, the Colts could receive draft compensation.

Re-Signings

Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (blue uniform) celebrates after a first down is achieved. — Dec 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) looks for a pass interference call during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images | Grace Hollars-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Blake Grupe | Kicker
Alec Pierce | Wide Receiver
Daniel Jones | Quarterback
Drew Ogletree | Tight end
Laquon Treadwell | Wide receiver
Mo Alie-Cox | Tight end
Cameron Mitchell | Cornerback
Luke Tenuta | Offensive tackle

Kicker Blake Grupe joined Indianapolis in 2025 after being released by the New Orleans Saints. The Colts started with Spencer Shrader, but his season ended after just five games against the Las Vegas Raiders with an ACL/MCL injury.

After an underwhelming showing from veteran Michael Badgley, the Colts turned to Grupe as a last-ditch solution. Grupe took this seriously, finishing with 11/11 field goals and 10/10 extra points.

Now, a kicking competition is set to take place between Grupe and Shrader for the 2026 season.

As for Alec Pierce, the Colts reached a blockbuster four-year, $114 million deal with $60 million guaranteed to retain his services in 2026 and beyond.

Jones finally inked a contract to make him the Colts quarterback for the next two seasons. Jones and Indianapolis agreed to a two-year, $88 million deal that could be worth up to $100 million.

This is the largest two-year contract in NFL history, and Jones will get $50 million in guaranteed money for the 2026 season.

Now, Indianapolis will look to make adjustments to round out the rest of the roster.

The Colts agreed on a one-year deal with tight end Drew Ogletree, who is primarily a blocker for Shane Steichen's offense. Ogletree had just four catches for 27 yards and a touchdown in 2025.

The Colts have traded two wide receivers over the past five months: Michael Pittman Jr. and Adonai Mitchell. Indy did agree to an extension with Alec Pierce, but the room still needed some depth.

On Friday, the Colts and Laquan Treadwell finalized a one-year deal to bring the veteran and former first-round pick back for Year 11. He'll play a leadership role in the Colts' young wide receiver room.

Veteran tight end Mo Alie-Cox will stay with the Colts for another season after agreeing to a new one-year deal.

Alie-Cox is well-respected by the locker room and provides the offense with capable run-blocking abilities and serves as a serious red zone threat (16 career touchdowns).

Cornerback Cameron Mitchell didn't make much of an impact with the Cleveland Browns, who waived him in 2025. However, Indianapolis saw something more.

Mitchell got opportunities to play once the Colts' cornerback room was plagued with injuries, and the former fifth-rounder didn't disappoint. He broke up four passes and secured 18 tackles, including two for loss.

He finished with eight games played and one start in a Colts uniform. He'll fight for a roster spot this offseason in what's become a crowded cornerback room.

After appearing in four games toward the end of the 2025 season, the Colts liked what they saw enough from offensive tackle Luke Tenuta to offer him a new deal.

The signing comes a week after the Colts lost starting right tackle Braden Smith to the Houston Texans. Tenuta won't step in as a starter, but he can fight for a roster spot as a depth piece on the line.

Restructures

Colts tackle Bernhard Raimann (blue and white jersey) blocks an edge rusher from getting to the quarterback. — Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann (79) blocks Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu (45) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Bernhard Raimann | Offensive tackle (converted $11 million of original $13 million base salary in 2026 into a signing bonus. Opens up $8.25 million in cap space.)

Rumors

Vikings edge rusher Jonathan Greenard (purple and white helmet) tackles Justin Herbert. — Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) gets pressure on Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Colts lost the Trey Hendrickson sweepstakes after the trade between the Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders for Crosby fell apart. This means they still need a true starter who can make a different to pair with Laiatu Latu.

A name that ESPN's Jeremy Fowler brought up as a name to watch is Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jonathan Greenard.

Vikings EDGE Jonathan Greenard is a name to watch this week. A lot of teams have been in on this one. Will likely involve a Day 2 pick if a trade gets done.

One variable: Teams know he wants a new contract as part of the deal. He’s got two years and $38M left on current deal. pic.twitter.com/itRSTJQQMs
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 9, 2026

The Colts are a team that should be heavily considering this trade, as there aren't many more edge rushers available at Greenard's caliber.

An update recently came from the Vikings' head coach Kevin O'Connell. O'Connell stated, "Yeah, I expect him to be part of our team.

"I know there's always conversations. There's conversations this week. There's conversations throughout the offseason, and we'll continue to kind of attack things at the different phases."

It sounds like the Vikings intend to retain Greenard, but anything can happen, especially if Minnesota appreciates the trade offer put on the table from a defensive end-needy team like Indianapolis.

Anthony Richardson Sr. found his name in some rumors regarding his potential trade destination.

The Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams have been floated as trade suitors, but ESPN's Stephen Holder announced that the Green Bay Packers could also be in play.

Richardson, who has been given permission by the Colts to seek out a deal, would be attracted to a situation that pairs him with a proven QB developer. There are several coaches out there that check that box, including Matt LaFleur.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 14, 2026

Several teams will be willing to take a swing on Richardson's traits, but the Packers weren't initially a team brought up as a possible solution.

We'll see how the Richardson trade saga continues playing out.

New Signings

Colts defensive end Arden Key (light blue uniform) celebrates after a game finishes up. — Tennessee Titans linebacker Arden Key (49) celebrates the victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. | Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Arden Key | Defensive end
Micheal Clemons | Defensive lineman
Derrick Nnadi | Defensive lineman
Jonathan Owens | Safety
Juanyeh Thomas | Safety
Jerry Tillery | Defensive lineman
Carson Towt | Tight end
Cam Taylor-Britt | Cornerback
Akeem Davis-Gaither | Linebacker
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine | Wide receiver
Nasir Adderley | Safety

Indianapolis' first external free agent signing was veteran edge rusher Arden Key.

Key has eight years in the NFL and played the last three years with the Tennessee Titans. While he's not a star, he'll give the pass rush valuable depth. Through his 116 games, he's stacked 30.5 sacks and 39 tackles for loss.

Next, Indianapolis continued to pad the defensive line by signing former New York Jets defender, Micheal Clemons.

After trading for Colby Wooden, Indianapolis brings on Clemons to back up Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner on a three-year, $17.5 million contract with upside to hit $18.5 million.

Clemons has four years in the NFL and has put up 8.5 sacks, 119 tackles, 20 quarterback hits, and 13 tackles for loss.

Derrick Nnadi was inked to a fresh contract to add more to the defensive interior. Indianapolis has now added Wooden through a trade, Clemons, and Nnadi, further solidifying their defensive tackle depth.

Once Nick Cross departed for the Washington Commanders, the Colts had a starting spot to fill. They didn't make any big-splash signings, but they brought on Jonathan Owens and Juanyeh Thomas as depth pieces who could compete for the starting job.

Both Owens and Thomas have experience on special teams. They'll undoubtedly make an impact in the third phase if they don't get many defensive snaps.

Indianapolis added defensive lineman Jerry Tillery to continue bolstering the defensive front. Tillery has seven years in the NFL and has stacked 14.0 sacks, 195 tackles, and 17 tackles for loss.

While not a starter-level signing, Tillery will be utilized as a depth piece all over the defensive line.

Carson Towt is an interesting add, as he's never played football. However, his 6'7" frame intrigued the Colts after what he accomplished as a basketball player with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Towt will be put into the tight end role, and has a similar story to teammate Alie-Cox. With no football experience, it will be a bit of an uphill battle for Towt. We'll see if he can defy the odds in a crowded Colts tight end room.

The Colts showed they are taking their cornerback depth seriously after signing Cam Taylor-Britt.

Taylor-Britt played under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo for three of his four years with the Cincinnati Bengals.

His 2023 and 2024 seasons were the best we've seen from him, securing seven picks, two interception returns for scores, and 27 pass breakups.

Following a Lisfranc injury that kept him to eight games in 2025, he'll look to bounce back in a big way by reuniting with Anarumo.

Indianapolis took to free agency to acquire linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, a player who knows Anarumo well.

Davis-Gaither is a starter-quality defender who's coming off a solid year with the Arizona Cardinals, stacking 117 tackles, five pass breakups, and an interception.

Given the state of the Colts' linebacker position, it's assumed that Davis-Gaither will earn another starting role in 2026.

Indianapolis started the process of bolstering their wide receiver corps after the Pittman trade by signing veteran red zone threat Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.

The Colts know Westbrook-Ikhine well during his five years with the Tennessee Titans. While Westbrook-Ikhine isn't a pure replacement for Pittman, he's a weapon to score on any red zone trip.

During his last year with the Titans in 2024, Westbrook-Ikhine secured nine scores on just 32 receptions, showcasing his ability to find the end zone.

After an underwhelming year with the Miami Dolphins in 2025, Westbrook-Ikhine will look to right the ship as a member of the Colts' offense.

Nasir Adderley has come out of retirement to continue his playing days. He spent the entirety of his rookie contract with the Los Angeles Chargers before abruptly retiring following the 2022 NFL Season.

After recently expressing his desire to return to the NFL, the Indianapolis Colts have taken a flier on his services.

Adderley is more or less viewed as a depth piece who can prove himself as an active roster candidate.

Departures

Texans offensive tackle Braden Smith (blue and white uniform) gets ready to block an edge rusher. — Nov 2, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Braden Smith (72) looks to block Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images | Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Kwity Paye | Defensive end (Las Vegas Raiders)
Braden Smith | Offensive tackle (Houston Texans)
Michael Pittman Jr. | Wide receiver (Pittsburgh Steelers via trade)
Nick Cross | Safety (Washington Commanders)
Neville Gallimore | Defensive tackle (Chicago Bears)
Zaire Franklin | Linebacker (Green Bay Packers via trade)
Rodney Thomas II | Safety (Seattle Seahawks)
Samson Ebukam | Defensive end (Atlanta Falcons)
Segun Olubi | Linebacker (Las Vegas Raiders)
Danny Pinter | Interior offensive line (Baltimore Ravens)
Tyler Goodson | Running back (Atlanta Falcons)

Kwity Paye wasn't expected to re-sign with the Colts, thus opening the door for the Las Vegas Raiders to ink him to a three-year, $48 million deal.

Braden Smith spent eight seasons with the Colts, but struggled with injuries along the way. After seeing Jalen Travis play well during Smith's four games missed in 2025, Indy was content letting him walk.

The Houston Texans signed him to a two-year deal worth up to $25 million, with $13 million guaranteed.

As for Michael Pittman Jr., the Colts freed up $24 million in cap space by trading him to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Indianapolis received a sixth-round pick from Pittsburgh, but gave the AFC North contender a seventh-rounder in the process.

After spending four years with the Colts, safety Nick Cross found a new home through free agency with the Washington Commanders.

Cross signed a two-year, $14 million deal, which opens up another defensive need for the Colts to address.

Neville Gallimore spent just one season with Indianapolis but was productive in his depth role, recording 3.5 sacks and 38 tackles, both career highs. He's now a member of the Chicago Bears.

Long-time Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin was dealt off to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for defensive tackle Wooden.

After spending eight years with the Colts and earning a Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro nomination, the Colts felt it was time to part ways with Franklin.

Indianapolis freed up $5.75 million in cap space for the 2026 season with this trade.

Rodney Thomas II found a new home with the Seattle Seahawks after spending four years with the Colts.

After some underwhelming performances following a promising rookie year, Indianapolis will look to add new safety depth.

Ebukam was signed to a three-year deal by the Colts in 2023 and immediately paid off. Ebukam finished with 9.5 sacks to lead the team.

Sadly, an Achilles injury took away his 2024, and he was a ghost of himself in 2025 (2.0 sacks).

Now Ebukam joins the Atlanta Falcons as Indianapolis morphs its defensive end position around Laiatu Latu.

Segun Olubi may not have been a massive contributor as a pure linebacker, but his presence on special teams will be missed by coordinator Brian Mason.

Olubi put up 16 special teams tackles and two blocked punts throughout his four seasons with Indianapolis. He now joins defensive end Paye as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Danny Pinter wasn't a full-time starter, but he was often used as an insurance policy for the interior of the Colts' offensive line. He'll take on the starting job in Baltimore, and he leaves behind more depth issues for the Colts.

Tyler Goodson was never a massive difference-maker in the running back room, but he still provided value when it was needed behind Jonathan Taylor.

Goodson was most valuable as a gunner on special teams, making plays when it mattered and tacking on 11 special teams tackles.

Indianapolis now has DJ Giddens and Ulysses Bentley IV behind Taylor and might decide to re-sign Ameer Abdullah after a solid showing in the running back rotation.

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