Why ESPN’s Shocking Verdict on the Colts’ 2026 Free Agency Could Change Everything

Juanyeh Thomas and Jonathan Owens aren’t going to draw headlines as impact free agent safety signings, although Thomas may have some untapped potential, while Owens is more of a key special teamer, but the two Colts safeties they may be replacing, Rodney Thomas II (*who signed with the Seattle Seahawks) and Daniel Scott haven’t exactly lit the world on fire as of late either. The latter has constantly been injured in his early career with the Colts.

More concerning may be at linebacker, regarding who appears to be the starter alongside Davis-Gaither, with Zaire Franklin having been traded to the Green Bay Packers and fellow veteran Germaine Pratt still a free agent. The Colts could easily turn to ‘Day 2’ of the NFL Draft to help fill the void, but it’s not as though Davis-Gaither is firmly entrenched as a starting linebacker either.

Of equal concern is the starting defensive end spot opposite Laiatu Latu, as both veterans Kwity Paye (Las Vegas Raiders) and Samson Ebukam (Atlanta Falcons) departed in free agency as well. The Colts did sign veteran Arden Key, but he appears to be more of a rotational edge, while Michael Clemons serves as their 4th defensive end.

Lastly, replacing WR2 Michael Pittman Jr. shouldn’t be overlooked either. His receiving production and explosiveness had been down recently, perhaps because of injuries, but he was a good football player, who did a lot of little things to help an offense. The Colts did add former Tennessee Titans castoff Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, but more work may need to be done from a perimeter blocking standpoint—as Pittman Jr. was always a willing, physical blocker along the outside that won’t be easily replaced, particularly for workhorse Jonathan Taylor.