The first day of free agency is always loud. Big names fly off the board, contracts come in fast, and timelines are flooded with reactions. For the Indianapolis Colts, Day One wasn’t about chasing headlines — it was about setting the table.
Now, as the dust settles and the league moves into the next two waves of free agency, the Colts’ priorities are coming into focus. With key departures already shaping the roster — including the losses of DeForest Buckner and Kenny Moore — Indianapolis has clear areas that must be addressed if this team is going to remain competitive and continue building toward a playoff push.
Here’s a breakdown of the Colts’ remaining needs as free agency rolls on.
Tight End Depth: A Must-Fix, Not a Luxury
The Colts’ tight end room is currently thin — and that’s being generous.
Modern offenses demand tight ends who can do more than just block or run check-down routes. They need players who can stress defenses vertically, occupy linebackers, and serve as reliable safety valves on third down. Right now, Indianapolis lacks depth and versatility at the position.
This doesn’t necessarily mean the Colts need a splash signing. What they do need is competence and reliability — a veteran who understands spacing, can block well enough to stay on the field, and gives the quarterback another trusted option when plays break down.
In the next two waves of free agency, this is one of the easiest needs to address and one of the most important. Depth here directly impacts offensive flexibility.
Another Wide Receiver: More Help on the Outside
The Colts also need to add another wide receiver to the mix. Only rostering four currently they need to add 2-3 in the draft and free agency.
While the top of the receiver room may be serviceable, the offense lacks consistent secondary threats — particularly someone who can win one-on-one matchups when defenses tilt coverage toward the primary option. That doesn’t mean Indianapolis needs to overspend on a marquee name, but they do need a receiver who brings a different skill set.
Whether it’s size on the boundary, speed to stretch the field, or a dependable possession target, the Colts need options, not just bodies. Depth at wide receiver is no longer optional in today’s NFL — it’s survival.
The middle tiers of free agency are filled with experienced receivers who can still contribute meaningful snaps without crippling the cap.
Defensive Tackle: Filling the Buckner Void
There’s no replacing DeForest Buckner outright — but the Colts still need to address the position.
Buckner’s departure leaves a massive hole in the defensive tackle room, both in production and leadership. The interior pass rush now lacks a true anchor, and opposing offenses will notice immediately if that void isn’t addressed.
The Colts don’t need to find the next Buckner in free agency — they need stability, rotation, and youth. Adding one or two defensive tackles who can absorb snaps, hold up against the run, and provide interior pressure by committee is the realistic approach.
Expect Indianapolis to look for value signings who fit the scheme and can grow into larger roles as the season progresses.
Strong Safety: Youth and Long-Term Vision
Another quiet but significant need sits on the back end of the defense: strong safety.
The Colts need youth at the position — players who can grow into the system and eventually take on larger responsibilities. In today’s game, strong safeties must be physical enough to support the run while athletic enough to hold up in coverage against tight ends and slot receivers.
This is a position where the Colts can afford to be patient, but not inactive. Adding a young, moldable safety in the next wave of free agency would allow the coaching staff to develop talent without rushing them into uncomfortable roles.
Nickel Corner: Life After Kenny Moore
The departure of Kenny Moore creates one of the most underappreciated holes on the roster.
Nickel corner is no longer a situational position — it’s a starting role. Moore’s ability to cover, blitz, and tackle in space was a cornerstone of the Colts’ defensive identity. Replacing that skill set will not be easy.
The Colts now need to find a nickel corner who can survive in space, handle quick-twitch slot receivers, and contribute against the run. Whether that player comes from free agency or later through the draft, it’s a need that cannot be ignored.
Expect Indianapolis to target versatility here — someone who can move inside, communicate coverages, and stay on the field in high-leverage situations.
The Big Picture: A Calculated Approach
Through one day of free agency, the Colts have remained true to their philosophy: measured, disciplined, and forward-looking. They aren’t chasing headlines, but they also aren’t standing still.
The next two waves of free agency are where teams like Indianapolis thrive — finding value, plugging holes, and positioning themselves to attack the draft without desperation.
If the Colts can:
- Add tight end depth
- Bring in another wide receiver
- Reinforce the defensive tackle rotation
- Inject youth at strong safety
- Address the nickel corner role
then this roster will look far more complete heading into the heart of the offseason.
Final Thoughts
Day One of free agency doesn’t define a season — but it does reveal priorities. For the Colts, the mission is clear. The foundation is there. The needs are identifiable. And the opportunities still remain.
Now comes the important part: finishing the job.
How Indianapolis navigates the next two waves of free agency will go a long way in determining whether this team simply competes… or truly contends.
