ESPN ranks Colts current 2026 free agency class among NFL’s bottom tier

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 26: Daniel Jones #17 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the NFL 2025 game between Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. "" (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) | Getty Images According to ESPN’s Ben Solak, the Indianapolis Colts currently have one of the NFL’s bottom tier free agency classes, coming in at 27th overall, which was highlighted by the priority re-signings of both quarterback Daniel Jones and wideout Alec Pierce: 27. Indianapolis Colts Key acquisitions and returning players: Daniel Jones, Alec Pierce, Arden Key, Colby Wooden, Micheal Clemons, Cam Taylor-Britt, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine I loved: Retaining Pierce and tagging Jones.

The Colts rightfully prioritized the young rising star wide receiver and let the injured mercenary quarterback “test the market” on the transition tag. Although Pierce’s $28. 5 million per year has some sticker shock at first, it will quickly be outstripped by an ever-rising wide receiver market.

I would have liked to see the Colts earnestly investigate quarterback alternatives (read: sign Kyler Murray), but they were always going to bring back Jones, who looked like the final solution to their QB woes for about nine weeks last season. Jones’ two-year deal is extremely cuttable after one season, giving the Colts the flexibility they need as they navigate his Achilles recovery. I didn’t love: The defensive back seven.

This is about as thin of a linebacker and safety room as I’ve seen in the post-free agency, predraft space. The current projected starters at linebacker are Austin Ajiake, Jaylon Carlies and Davis-Gaither. At safety, Hunter Wohler will replace Nick Cross.