標籤: colts

Last year, the Indianapolis Colts gave their fans reason to celebrate, both with a 7-1 start and by acquiring an NFL superstar in Sauce Gardner. Unfortunately, it all collapsed when breakout star quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a knee injury. The Colts went 1-8 the rest of the trip, so much so that they turned to 44-year-old Philip Rivers in desperate times.

Jones is still recovering from his concussion, but eventually, the Colts will be back at full strength. We saw how capable Shane Steichen’s offense was last season, and the Colts spent a lot of money keeping their group intact, retaining Jones and receiver Alec Pierce in free agency. Still, there might be a way to further weaponize the offense in Indianapolis.

Recently, ESPN’s Matt Bowen said the Colts are the “best team fit” for former All-Pro and Pro Bowler, free agent receiver Deebo Samuel.

The 30-year-old Samuel spent last season with the Commanders, where he appeared in 16 games and recorded 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns. Still, the Commanders didn’t utilize him as much as a rusher, where Samuel had only 17 rush attempts for 75 yards and one touchdown, both rushing totals his lowest since 2020.

Samuel’s last season with over 1,000 all-purpose yards came in 2023, yet he has only had one season with fewer than 800 yards from scrimmage. This could make him an ideal complementary weapon to Warren, Pierce, Downs and Westbrook-Ikhin.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings after Aaron Rodgers rejoins the Steelers

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

After an offseason of roster-building, the Indianapolis Colts are preparing for a new year. Before they open the season for Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens on September 13, Colts general manager Chris Ballard will have several difficult decisions to make.

Currently, the Colts have a roster of 90 players. On August 26, they will have to reduce that number from 90 to 53 players. In doing so, the Colts may be forced to release a recent first-round pick.

Recently, Bleacher Report’s Mo Moton suggested that, instead of finding a trade partner, the Colts could release Anthony Richardson. This is what we saw them do with former Pro Bowl cornerback Kenny Moore, who still hasn’t found a new team.

Richardson would certainly prefer to be released rather than traded elsewhere. This will give the 23-year-old player a chance to choose his next team.

On the surface, it seems hard to believe that the Colts would have to release a player who was selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Still, with the Colts likely considering very small trade returns for a player who will be a free agent at the end of the season, it would not be unprecedented for them to decide it would be best to release Richardson.

For now, Richardson is set to return as the backup to Daniel Jones, who signed a two-year, $88 million extension this offseason. The Colts also have 2025 sixth-round pick Riley Leonard and 2025 undrafted free agent Seth Hennigan.

With Jones recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, the Colts may like the additional insurance provided by Richardson, and there’s always a chance he opts out in the preseason, leading to a trade offer from an interested team.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings after Aaron Rodgers rejoins the Steelers

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

While the 2025 season was a great one for the Indianapolis Colts, not so much for quarterback Anthony Richardson. A raw talent who needed more experience in the game, he didn’t even get a chance to touch the field while dealing with a broken orbital bone during pregame warmups.

It was a crushing blow not only for the former first-round pick, but also for the Colts, who have not indicated they are ready to part with the 23-year-old. But after declining to pick up Richardson’s fifth-year contract option, it’s clear the Colts are not ready to commit further to the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Recently, the Colts have been open to trading the cannon-armed, dual-threat QB. Those discussions were expected to heat up during the 2026 NFL Draft, when teams realized they wouldn’t be able to land the QB prospect they wanted. Yet, here we are, two weeks after the draft, and Richardson is still a member of the Colts.

Now, ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter has indicated that the team is not eager to move on from Richardson, and a trade could happen later in training camp or even during the season if another team’s QB suffers an injury.

We’ve seen teams take this approach before. With how often injuries can occur, and how quickly they can derail a season, there’s always the possibility that the Colts could benefit from another franchise’s downfall later on. For now, they have a backup QB with star potential, who could also help Indianapolis as Daniel Jones works his way back from a torn Achilles.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings: From the NFL’s worst starting QBs to the best

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

We’ve reached the part of the offseason where the Giants are starting to see the writing on the wall. Last year, the Indianapolis Colts traded two picks in the first round to make Sauce Gardner their new No. 1 CB. This did not change the role of Kenny Moore, who served as the team’s nickelback, but it did mean there was a new defensive leader in the clubhouse.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Moore requested and was granted his release by the Colts on Thursday.

Moore, a one-time Pro Bowler in 2021, has started 111 of the 132 games he appeared in with the Colts in 2017, when he arrived as an undrafted rookie free agent. Now 30, Moore feels he still has something to offer, just not to the Colts.

Still valued as one of the better nickelbacks in the NFL, Moore will be in high demand as a free agent. Which teams should sign a veteran corner?

RELATED: 2026 NFL Power Rankings: Evaluating the worst, best teams after the NFL Draft

tennessee titans

While Moore will likely want to join a contender, we can’t completely rule out the Titans hiring Gus Bradley as their defensive coordinator. Bradley was Moore’s defensive coordinator for three seasons from 2022 to 2024, and we think both sides would welcome a reunion under the right circumstances.

tampa bay buccaneers

After saying goodbye to franchise icon Lavonte David, the Buccaneers would benefit from more experienced defensive leadership. Additionally, the team should still be looking for an upgrade considering the Buccaneers ranked near the bottom in points allowed, passing yards allowed and passing touchdowns allowed, and Tampa Bay hasn’t made many additions to its secondary this offseason.

san francisco 49ers

As mentioned, Moore may want to join a contender, and the 49ers could provide a comfortable home. The 49ers’ defensive coordinator is Matt Eberflus, who was the Colts’ defensive coordinator from Moore’s second season through his fifth season, including Moore’s only Pro Bowl season in 2021. After recording career-highs in interceptions (4) and tackles (102) in 2021, Moore will certainly welcome the chance to play for Eberflus again.

dallas cowboys

The Cowboys entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a need to improve at the cornerback position. While safety Caleb Downs would help in the secondary, the Cowboys did not select a corner until the fourth round. While Devin Moore could be part of the long-term solution in Dallas, the Cowboys may prefer to hire a veteran like Kenny Moore to help coach them.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings: From the NFL’s worst starting QBs to the best

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

At times, the Indianapolis Colts looked to be one of the NFL’s best teams last season. Nevertheless, in the weeks before Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, the Colts began to slip. But that didn’t stop them from trading their first-round pick in 2026, as well as their top selection in 2027, in exchange for All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner.

Now, as we approach next Thursday’s 2026 NFL Draft, the Colts find themselves in a tough situation, with no selection in the first round and no selection until No. 47. Indianapolis’ only other selection in the top 116 selections is in the third round at No. 78.

This makes it incredibly difficult to predict who will be available once the Colts reach time, but Indianapolis has taken a liking to some elite mid-round prospects. Now we also know who.

According to NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports, the Colts are “very high” on Caleb Ellers-Orr. The TCU linebacker’s stock is rising, and he is currently projected to land on Day 2, where the Colts have the 47th and 78th picks.

Pauline wrote, “Ellers-Orr is a pure off-ball linebacker whose game and draft stock have risen over the past nine months.” “Entering the season classified anywhere from the late round to the middle of the third day, Allarms-Orr turned in a stellar senior campaign and then stood out at pre-draft scouting events like the Senior Bowl and Combine. He has solidified himself as a second-day pick and could be among the early 60 picks.”

Pauline says the Broncos, Texans, Panthers and Vikings are also “very high” on Almers-Orr and they have all interviewed him, as have the Colts. Elmers-Orr has received strong marks for his athleticism and quickness, but negative marks for his football IQ, which can develop with NFL coaching.

RELATED: 2026 NFL mock draft: Trades that captured the first round of the NFL draft

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

Andrew Luck shocked the National Football League nearly seven years ago when he abruptly retired at the age of 29, walking away from his NFL career just weeks before the 2019 season. Fast forward to 2026, and one of his former teammates commented claiming to know what was causing it behind the scenes.

Former Indianapolis Colts tight end Eric Ebron, who played for the team from 2018–19, said on my soul Podcast that then-Colts general manager Chris Ballard had pressured Luck into retirement after issuing a mandate that he play despite chronic pain.

RELATED: Colts GM says team could make surprise decision on Anthony Richardson

The comments resulted in Luck, who rarely speaks publicly, sending an email to FOX 59 Indianapolis’ Mike Chappell to correct the record. He shared that he still has a strong relationship with Ballard to this day and that what Ebron said on the podcast is a lie.

“Chris and I had a wonderful partnership, especially through my decision to retire, and we remain close. Any notion of internal pressures influencing my decision is unfounded.”

Former Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck on rumors that pressure from then-GM Chris Ballard led him to retire

RELATED: Indianapolis Colts urged to trade for Pro Bowl edge rusher

It’s not entirely surprising that Ebron, who never even spent two full seasons as Luck’s teammate, might not have the most accurate information about what happened in Indianapolis. We’re also in an era where players are making podcast appearances more regularly or hosting their own, and viral clips bring attention and views to podcasts that they might not otherwise get.

Detailed reporting on Luck’s career in August 2025, primarily by Jack Keefer of The Athletic, revealed why he retired. The 6-foot-4 quarterback’s body had already begun to deteriorate rapidly, and the rigors of football and rehabilitation from all the injuries took a heavy toll on both him personally and his family. Now serving as general manager of his alma mater Stanford, Luck is happier and living the life he wants.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

When the Indianapolis Colts signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a multi-year extension, it was seen as a foregone conclusion that former first-round pick Anthony Richardson would be traded this offseason. Now it appears another option is on the table.

Speaking to reporters at the NFL’s annual league meetings this week, Colts general manager Chris Ballard said there is a “scenario” where the team keeps Richardson through the 2026 season.

RELATED: Indianapolis Colts urged to trade for Pro Bowl edge rusher

“There’s definitely a scenario there. He’s a good guy and he’s talented. I mean, I still want good for Anthony, man. I still think he’s got a lot of potential in him. He’s had a lot of bad luck, but I still think Anthony has a lot of potential and he’s maturing and growing.”

Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard if the team can keep Anthony Richardson

Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, appeared in only two games with 14 combined offensive snaps last season. In October, he fractured his orbital bone during pregame warmups when a resistance band he was using broke and hit him in the face.

At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, the Colts gave Richardson’s agent permission to make a trade. Various reports have linked the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers to the dual-threat quarterback.

However, Kansas City has acquired quarterback Justin Fields from the New York Jets. Meanwhile, the Packers are among the teams interested in signing free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​to serve as a backup next season.

The trade market for Richardson may not be as strong as his representation expected, or the Indianapolis club may not be satisfied with the draft-pick compensation the club is offering for him. With Jones recovering from his Achilles tendon, it’s obviously possible that the Colts keep Richardson through training camp and see if he can be the starting option until Jones is ready.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

Earlier this week, future Hall of Famer and New England Patriots icon Tom Brady revealed in an interview with CNBC that he had recently seriously considered returning to the field. However, the 15-time Pro Bowler also revealed that the NFL “didn’t like the idea very much.”

It wasn’t because they didn’t want to see the 48-year-old make a spectacular return to the NFL. This was because he wanted to do so and retain his minority ownership in the Las Vegas Raiders. Which is a big no-no. Still, he clearly has a desire to play, and that’s probably why he was the driving force behind creating the Fanatics Flag Football Classic this year.

But for a man who ruined his marriage just to play one more season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it may not be enough. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio added to that thought on Sunday. He wrote, “Still got the itch. He can still play. He’ll be better right now than some of the players who are going to be starters in 2026.”

“Will the itch go away? Possibly. If not, selling his stake back to Mark Davis could be an easier path out of a situation in which his role doesn’t match the franchise’s expectations.”

On the outside chance that Tom Brady surprisingly gives up his stake in the Raiders for another season in the league, let’s take a look at five teams he would be willing to play for.

las vegas raiders

Obviously, the most likely option would be to suit up for the team he was signed to. Las Vegas was rumored to be a landing spot when he left New England several years ago, and he clearly has a bond with majority owner Mark Davis. While the Raiders are no closer to a title contender, Brady would have unheard of power as their starting QB.

This would be a dream scenario for the franchise. They’ll be getting a year from, arguably, the greatest QB ever, and they’re projected to have No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza learn from him for a season.

pittsburgh steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are playoff contenders, but they haven’t had a true Pro Bowl-level QB since the days of Ben Roethlisberger. That’s why they’ve learned about Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers over the last two years. There is a real possibility that Brady could perform worse than the two future Hall of Famers. Or, he could be better, and it could be enough to lead Pittsburgh to the AFC Championship.

indianapolis colts

The Indianapolis Colts have a mixup at the QB1 spot. Daniel Jones was great for most of the 2025 season before he broke a bone in his foot and then tore his Achilles. They are now forced to hope that he can return sooner than expected because they could not find a better player in free agency or the draft. However, Brady could have if he was available.

The Colts looked like a Super Bowl contender before Jones got injured. And Philip Rivers walked off the street at 44 and looked good at times because of the weapons he had. At 48 years old, Brady can help Indy reach the playoffs and advance.

carolina panthers

The Carolina Panthers also have a very tough situation at the QB1 spot as this is a make or break year for former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. However, if Tom Brady were available, Carolina would take advantage of the opportunity and make every impact he can if it helps them win some games in the playoffs next year.

atlanta falcons

Despite having a messy QB situation in 2025, the Atlanta Falcons are still 8-9. Same record as the division champion Panthers. With weapons like Bijan Robinson and Drake London, adding Brady to the mix could be enough to get them to 10 wins and homefield in a playoff game. Plus, whenever Michael Penix Jr. returns, he can also learn a thing or two by sitting down with the NFL legend.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The NFL’s free agency frenzy is barely a week old and Yahoo Sports insider Caroline Fenton already has a team she believes is going to look really, really bad in about 24 months.

Fenton joined the Sportsknot Interview Podcast this week and he wasted no time getting involved. The Raiders, the Colts, DJ Moore in Buffalo – he had it all under his belt. Some of them may surprise you.

The Raiders Aggression, Max Crosby Trade Fiasco

Start with the Max Crosby mess. Everyone saw the Ravens back out of that trade when the market for Trey Hendrickson softened. Fenton noticed something most people didn’t notice: the specific words used by Las Vegas when it announced it was parting ways.

“They didn’t say Max Crosby failed a physical,” he said. “They said the Ravens backed out of the trade. I thought that was telling.”

His theory? Baltimore went into free agency assuming it would cost them Myles Garrett money for Hendrickson – in the neighborhood of $40 million per year. too rich. So he turned to the Crosby trade. Then Hendrickson just…sat there. And the price fell. Suddenly Eric DeCosta is doing the math in his head and realizing he can get a comparable pass rusher and retain both first-round picks.

“This is shady business,” Fenton said. “But let’s not act like this is the first questionable business that’s been done in the National Football League.”

She thinks both teams had a good finish. Specifically for the Raiders, Crosby staying puts a proven veteran next to a quarterback who has never taken an NFL snap. That matters. So is the signing of Tyler Linderbaum, which he said is exactly what a rebuilding team with a young QB should do.

“Bad franchises fail young quarterbacks far more than bad organizations do,” Fenton said.

What are the Indianapolis Colts doing?

This brings us to Indianapolis, which apparently didn’t get that memo.

The Colts re-signed Alec Pierce to the largest free-agent receiver contract in NFL history. They guaranteed Daniel Jones $50 million. Fenton is not affected by any moves as part of the NFL free agency frenzy.

He said, “Just because you pay a guy like he’s elite, doesn’t make him elite.” Specifically on Jones, he reiterated that an Achilles injury after a good half-season does not rewrite four years of bad football in New York. “This is not a $50 million changed perspective.”

Chris Ballard’s seat should be warm, he said. Under his watch, the AFC South has been won multiple times by the Texans, Titans and Jaguars. Still waiting for Indy.

In other NFL free agency moves, Fenton liked the signing of DJ Moore and said it would have a big impact on Buffalo and Trent McDuffie in LA, which angered him. She went to Moore without hesitation, and the reason was less about Moore himself and more about the Bills’ offensive coordinator, Joe Brady.

“I like what Joe Brady does with receivers,” Fenton said. He covered his 2019 LSU offense and even talked to Justin Jefferson about it at the Super Bowl, Fenton said. The short version: Brady unlocks the passing game in ways that don’t show up on the depth chart.

Moore is not elite. Fenton said this clearly. But he’s an upgrade, he fits the scheme, and he’s paired with Josh Allen, who he calls “Superman,” the extent of that offense becomes even greater.

The second-round pick had to give up a lot. He accepted this. Then, they moved forward immediately. You are in a window. spend.

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1…More about Scott Gulbransen