“One team to keep an eye on trading for Anthony Richardson: Minnesota Vikings. There is mutual interest. Combine is ideal time for these convos to happen.”

Neither Richardson nor McCarthy has shown much in their brief NFL careers. But both have missed big stretches of games with injuries.

Would the Vikings benefit from adding QB Anthony Richardson?

In 15 NFL starts, Richardson has totaled less than 2,400 yards passing with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Not great.

As for McCarthy, he has made 10 starts in the league. His totals are similar with 1,632 yards passing to go along with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

If you’re a Vikings fan, it would seem hard to get excited about this duo making up the vast majority of the quarterback room.

The writing appeared to be on the wall for Richardson recently, according to ESPN.

“That’s where it’s becoming increasingly likely that 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson Sr. will wind up elsewhere,” Stephen Holder wrote. “Richardson lost a preseason position battle with (Daniel) Jones entering 2025, and the Colts are openly stating their commitment to Jones for 2026. The Colts have also warmed to the idea that 2025 sixth-round pick Riley Leonard can ascend to their No. 2 quarterback spot given his practice performance and his play in the season finale.”

So with no place left for Richardson, the Vikings might be a welcome landing spot for him. McCarthy would be a reasonable target for him to compete with, given McCarthy’s shortcomings with accuracy (57.6%) are similar to those of Richardson (50.6%).

Whether the Vikings and Colts can make it work remains to be seen. But this rumor has traction for a reason.

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Jones was named the starter for the team prior to the season over former first-round pick Anthony Richardson, who has been a mixed bag thus far in his Colts tenure, and on Thursday, a major update was announced regarding the former Florida Gator’s future in Indianapolis.

“NEWS: The Indianapolis Colts have given QB Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade given his uncertain future in Indy, ESPN has learned,” reported Stephen Holder of ESPN on X, formerly Twitter.

Richardson’s combination of size, athleticism, and pure arm strength allowed him to become one of the top picks in the NFL Draft out of Florida in 2023, with many hoping that he could follow along a trajectory similar to that of Buffalo Bills MVP Josh Allen.

However, things haven’t panned out that way thus far, with accuracy issues and injury concerns both manifesting in major ways so far during Richardson’s career.

At this point, it’s unclear when, if at all, Jones will be ready for the 2026 season, but clearly, the Colts don’t envision Richardson being a part of their long term plans at the quarterback position.

It will be interesting to see how much interest Richardson draws from other organizations on the trade market.

The post Colts allowing Anthony Richardson to pursue trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Now, the team must decide on what to do with Jones. The franchise tag is an option for the Colts, but there are other candidates for the tag, including wide receiver Alec Pierce. Stephen Holder’s latest report will shed some insight on what the team will do this offseason and who they will give the franchise tag to.

“The free-agent market for WR Alec Pierce is bigger than that of QB Daniel Jones,” Holder reports. “Jones will earn more (QB vs WR) but there are more outside teams interested in Pierce. This needs to be a consideration in how they navigate the franchise tag.”

The deadline for teams to use their franchise tag is on March 3. The franchise tag allows a team to sign a player of their choosing to a one-year deal to keep them from leaving. The value of this contract is usually the average of the top-five contracts at the player’s position or a rate slightly higher than their previous contract. That will factor into the Colts’ decision.

Given this information, the best thing for the Colts to do in this situation is to use their franchise tag on Pierce instead of Jones. Pierce has proven to be one of the best deep-ball threats in the league, unlocking a whole new dimension to the offense. Replacing him would be tough, and teams would want to sign him away from Indianapolis. As for Jones, the market for quarterbacks will be a bit thin this season, and it’s doubly true for an injured quarterback coming off an Achilles tear.

Jones is no stranger to the franchise tag. Before joining the Colts, the quarterback was given the franchise tag by the New York Giants after a breakout season. We’ll see if Indianapolis makes that same move this offseason.

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If Indianapolis wants to avoid becoming a footnote in NFL trivia again, the solution in 2026 must come on the back end.

Historic collapse

Coming out of the Week 11 bye, the team spiraled into a catastrophic seven-game losing streak. They finished 8-9 and became the first team in NFL history to post a losing record after starting 8-2. The turning point was a season-ending Achilles injury to erstwhile starter Daniel Jones. He had surprisingly beaten out Anthony Richardson for the starting job in training camp.

Yes, Jonathan Taylor broke the franchise record for rushing touchdowns. In addition, Alec Pierce surpassed 1,000 receiving yards. Still, the defense repeatedly failed to close tight contests. Explosive plays allowed late in games erased leads and momentum. The collapse extended the Colts’ playoff drought to five consecutive years.

The lesson was unmistakable: talent alone doesn’t secure January football. Discipline and defensive stability do.

Safety instability

It’s now March 2026. Richardson is entering the prime stretch of his rookie deal. The offense, which was energized by Pierce’s breakout, appears poised to take another step forward. The Colts even made a bold move in 2025 by trading for Sauce Gardner. In doing so, they attempted to stabilize the cornerback position. And yet, the Achilles’ heel remains.

Indianapolis just gives up too many explosive plays. Corners can only do so much without reliable over-the-top support. Safeties are the erasers of defensive mistakes. In 2025, the Colts simply didn’t have one who consistently eliminated vertical threats or cleaned up broken plays.

The Colts’ defensive system requires a safety capable of playing single-high coverage with range and instincts. Without that presence, explosive passes become back-breaking. The front office should not look for another flashy addition. They just need a true defensive stabilizer.

Cap picture

Financially, Indianapolis sits in a nuanced position. They have roughly $35.7 million in effective cap space. With that, they rank 13th league-wide. That’s certainly comfortable, but it’s also not carefree. Chris Ballard must navigate looming internal free agents. Pierce is due for a market-value extension. Jones will also command attention.

To create additional flexibility, potential cap casualties loom. Michael Pittman Jr, carrying a $29 million cap hit, and Grover Stewart at $14.25 million are frequently cited as trade or release candidates. Those moves could unlock up to $36 million in additional space.

Ballard historically favors value signings over splashy overpays. This offseason may demand more aggression, but they should remain disciplined. The key is finding impact without crippling the future.

The fix: Reed Blankenship

Reed Blankenship is not the biggest name on the board. That’s precisely why he fits. Blankenship has been a multi-year starter and a key contributor to Philadelphia’s recent defensive success. He brings consistency, intelligence, and play recognition. Those traits don’t always dominate highlight reels but win games. For the Colts, that reliability is invaluable.

Blankenship’s value lies in what he prevents. He rarely misses tackles in space. He understands route combinations. Between 2023 and 2024, Blankenship recorded seven interceptions. That displayed a knack for reading quarterbacks’ eyes and anticipating throws.

The Colts’ 2025 struggles weren’t about effort. They were about execution in high-leverage moments. Blankenship’s discipline addresses that directly. He’s the kind of defender who eliminates a 45-yard bomb by simply being in the right spot at the right time.

Scheme and leadership

The Colts’ defensive philosophy requires versatility at safety. Whether deployed as a single-high defender, rotated into robber coverage, or supporting against the run, the role demands football IQ. Blankenship thrives in that space.

Young players like Nick Cross flashed potential but lacked consistency. With Cross projected to depart in 2026, the Colts need a veteran who commands the back end and communicates adjustments pre-snap. Blankenship offers that voice.

He neither freelances recklessly, nor chases highlight plays. He executes within structure, and defensive coordinators trust that.

Many free agency boards project Blankenship to command roughly $7-8 million per year. That price point matters. Ballard’s track record favors high-floor, ascending players rather than record-setting contracts. Blankenship fits that blueprint perfectly. He upgrades the safety position without devouring cap space needed for internal extensions.

Protecting the 2026 window

Richardson’s development timeline is accelerating, unless he’s shipped out in favor of Jones. Taylor remains elite. Pierce is ascending. Gardner provides star power at corner. What the Colts lack is the glue that ties it together defensively.

In the AFC, games are often decided by one busted coverage or one missed tackle. A steady safety can be the difference between 8-9 and 11-6. Blankenship doesn’t guarantee a playoff berth. However, he raises the defensive floor. For a team that just made unwanted history, raising the floor is the first step toward raising the ceiling.

All Indianapolis needs is stability. Reed Blankenship is the kind of addition that doesn’t dominate offseason talk shows. However, he changes outcomes in critical moments. He’s affordable, reliable, and scheme-aligned.

For a franchise desperate to turn fast starts into sustained finishes, that may be exactly what’s required. The Colts already have the firepower. Now they need the finisher.

The post 1 free agent who would fix Colts’ biggest flaw heading into 2026 season appeared first on ClutchPoints.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter hinted on his podcast that Pierce might be in line for a giant raise, but it’s all dependent on what teams are willing to pay for him. Schefter said that teams love his speed and that when you combine that with the fact that he is hitting free agency at the right time, he could be a big winner.

“I’ve heard enough chatter about him; teams love speed,” Schefter said. “He makes big plays. He is hitting free agency at the right time. Every year, some players get more than you thought they would.”

Schefter also talked about which teams to keep an eye on regarding Pierce and said it might come down to which teams have the most salary cap space.

“Titans, Raiders, we know that the Bills are looking for an upgrade, although they’re tight at the cap,” Schefter said. “Patriots have cap space and a need. Some teams need wide receivers that have some cap space.”

The specific range that Schefter thinks Pierce is going to command is $25-$28 million a season. That would also be right around where the franchise tag is.

It is worth noting that Colts general manager Chris Ballard said at the NFL Combine that he has had good conversations with both Pierce and quarterback Daniels Jones, but did not offer much detail past that, even though both are tied together.

“Good,” Ballard said on the conversations with Jones and Pierce. “I’ve had great discussions about both of them. We’ll continue to work this week and see if we can get something done. It’s been very positive.”

Pierce had 1,003 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 47 receptions last year, and with those numbers, it will be interesting to watch the bidding war for his services.

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NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero explained how the contract situations surrounding Jones and Alec Pierce could go hand in hand.

“They also have another big ticket free agent to be in wide receiver Alec Pierce, who Daniel Jones loves” Pelissero said on Monday. “If Jones ends up getting a deal, then a tag would be an option if they can’t work out a deal with Pierce.”

Indianapolis has been in contract negotiations with Jones on a long-term contract extension. If both sides cannot agree to terms on an extension before March 3rd, Jones could end up receiving the franchise tag.

But as Pelissero noted, the franchise tag could end up being an option for Pierce if Jones lands an extension.

As a result, it seems clear that Indy would prefer to keep both Jones and Pierce. The only unanswered question at this point is which one gets a contract and which one gets the franchise tag.

That is a reasonable plan by the Colts. But it could be a lot easier said than done.

The Colts currently have roughly $35.72 million in cap space to work with this offseason. Over the Cap projects that the 2026 franchise tag for a quarterback is worth $47.32 million. Meanwhile, the franchise tag for a wide receiver is worth $28.82 million.

Both of those figures are slightly smaller when using the transition tag instead of the franchise tag. But even so, it is clear that Indy may not currently have enough cap space to keep both players.

Colts fans should expect the team to make a few roster moves to clear up cap space at some point over the next two weeks. Otherwise they may have to let one of these players walk in free agency.

It will be fascinating to see if Indy can hold onto both Jones and Pierce this offseason.

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NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero gave an update on the contract negotiations between Jones and the Colts before the NFL Scouting Combine.

“It is also a big week for the Colts and Daniel Jones, who have been in negotiations on a multi-year contract extension to keep him in Indianapolis,” Pelissero said on Monday. “The sides, I anticipate, would meet face to face this week. Jones wants to stay here in Indianapolis. The Colts want to keep Jones, who was playing his best football prior to injuries last year, including the Achilles tear that he’s rehabbing from.”

Jones had a breakout season in 2025, leading the Colts to a 8-2 record going into their bye week. Unfortunately, everything went wrong after that.

Jones suffered a series of injuries, with the most significant being his season-ending Achilles tear. The Colts never recovered after that, finishing the regular season on a seven-game losing streak.

Pelissero noted that the NFL’s franchise tag deadline on March 3rd is a natural end point for this round of contract negotiations.

“The question really is what exactly is that number that makes sense on a multi-year deal? If the sides cannot come to an agreement on that, a tag is an option,” Pelissero added. “Whether that is the franchise tag or the transition tag, the deadline for applying it is March 3rd, just two days after the Combine ends.”

Pelissero also suggested that Indy would like to keep both Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce. If the Colts get their way, one player will receive the franchise tag and the other will get a long-term extension.

Hopefully both sides can make some progress at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine, which coincidentally takes place in Indianapolis.

The post Colts rumors: The important Daniel Jones deadline coming up right after NFL Combine appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Had it not been for the injury, Jones could have been the top free agent on the open market. Even with the knowledge that he may miss some or all of next season, the Duke product is still viewed as the top free agent quarterback. However, he doesn’t make sense in a lot of different spots. Many teams either already have a franchise quarterback or will look to get theirs through the draft. That means that the Colts are still the best fit for Jones.

It is unclear how much he will demand on the open market. A big payday would have certainly come his way had it not been for the injury. A prove-it deal may be on the table, but it is possible that the Colts just commit to Jones and give him a long-term deal.

Quarterbacks are expensive in the NFL, and paying Jones, along with any other free agents the team is interested in, may require some salary cap maneuvering. As of now, the Colts have $32 million in cap space this offseason according to Spotrac, but if a large chunk of that goes to Jones and draft picks, the team may need to release some players to create cap space.

So, who is on the chopping block as a cut candidate?

Releasing a receiver could lead to Alec Pierce’s return

Jones isn’t the only free agent the Colts will want back for next season. They’d also love to bring back Alec Pierce, the team’s physically imposing deep threat who rounds out a balanced receiving corps. Pierce has led the NFL in yards per reception two seasons in a row now. He takes the top off opposing defenses and really opens up the Colts’ offense. Jonathan Taylor is one of the best running backs in the NFL, but the threat of Pierce breaking off a big-yardage play creates more freedom for the ball carrier.

Ashton Dulin is someone the team could move on from to create more salary cap space that could be used to bring Pierce back. While he is a contributor on special teams, Dulin only had five receptions all of last season in his role as a receiver. He has also struggled with injury issues. The lack of availability and production make him expendable. Dulin is set to count for $3.57 million against the cap, but he’d only have a dead hit of $670,000 if he were released.

The Colts need to move on from a linebacker

Zaire Franklin is another cut candidate on the Colts roster. His dead hit is just $2.5 million, despite the fact that he would count for $8.2 million against the cap. Releasing Franklin would shock many fans, as the linebacker does rack up the tackles. His 125 combined tackles were the most on the Colts last year, and he earned a Pro Bowl nod as recently as 2024.

Franklin showed serious signs of regression last season, though. His tackling number was actually far down from the 173 he secured the year prior. Franklin graded poorly according to PFF, too, as the site gave him a 38.4 grade, which was the second-worst mark among qualified linebackers.

Heading into his age-30 season, things may only continue getting worse for Franklin. With two years left on his deal, Indianapolis may be smart to cut bait now, especially because doing so would open up even more money ahead of what will likely be a busy and expensive offseason for the Colts.

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The theme of Indy’s offseason needs to be extending Jones.

Both Jones and the Colts are interested in a long-term extension, which should start negotiations in a happy place. However, the Colts might not be so happy once they actually ink Jones to a new deal.

Spotrac lists Jones with a market value of roughly $43.6 million per season on a new deal. For context, that’s more money per year than either Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold. In fact, it puts him up there with Kirk Cousins in average annual value.

That could be a problem because the Colts enter the offseason with only $35.72 million in cap space.

Those two data points alone make it look impossible for a deal to get done. But don’t worry Colts fans, there are a few potential workarounds.

First, Indy could structure Jones’ contract in such a way that his 2026 cap figure is quite small. But that means they’d have to eat their vegetables in a future season.

Meanwhile, Jones could always give Indy a hometown discount. Realistically, he may not have a strong market for a long-term contract with any other NFL team.

Whatever happens, the Colts may still be forced to cut a few players or let some veterans walk away to make ends meet this offseason.

Below we will explore three Colts players who Indianapolis should let walk during NFL free agency.

Alec Pierce is too expensive after breakout 2025 season

In an ideal world, the Colts would love to keep Pierce.

Unfortunately, the young wide receiver dominated during his fourth season in the NFL.

Pierce had a true breakout season in 2025, hauling in 47 receptions for 1,003 receiving yards and six touchdowns. His breakout was especially impressive because he continued playing well even after Jones’ season-ending injury.

The bad news is Pierce is now ready to cash in on a huge second contract via free agency. One that Indy won’t be able to afford.

Spotrac lists Pierce’s market value at $20.2 million per season on a new deal. That would put him in the same ballpark as Jakobi Meyers, Jerry Jeudy, and Christian Kirk in terms of average salary. It would also put him lower than Jameson Williams.

The price of a second-contract wide receiver in the NFL just keeps going up and up.

Don’t get me wrong, Pierce certainly earned a lucrative second contract. But even if the Colts could afford it, I don’t think this would be the right move for the organization.

Can the Colts find a cheap replacement for Braden Smith?

Smith is another player I don’t think the Colts can afford to pay.

Indy has been blessed with excellent right tackle play ever since drafting Smith in the second round back in 2018.

But now Smith will be 30 years old at the kickoff of the 2026 season and his contract has expired. Now might be the right time to move on.

Spotrac gives Smith a market value of $13.5 million per season, down from the $17.5 million per season on his last contract.

Make no mistake, letting go of Smith is not a pleasant thought for the Colts. Indy will be forced to replace Smith with whoever they can find this offseason, on whatever budget they end up having.

But if it means retaining Jones, the Colts will be happy enough to let Smith walk in free agency.

Indy should let another team give Kwity Paye a massive contract in free agency

The Colts are also in for some big changes at edge rusher this spring.

Indy is set to lose Samson Ebukam, Tyquan Lewis, and Kwity Paye to free agency all at the same time.

The good news is Indy has Laiatu Latu, an ascending young talent who can lead the unit in 2026. But aside from himself and JT Tuimoloau, there’s almost nobody on the roster who the Colts can count on.

Spotrac lists Paye’s market value at $17.9 million per season, which would be tough to stomach for the Colts.

Indy needs to solve their edge rusher problem, one way or another, this offseason. Likely by adding at least two new players to the position group.

I can see the Colts retaining one of their current edge rushers. But if they do, it will either be Ebukam or Lewis.

Colts fans should expect the team to invest at least one draft pick in an edge rusher during the 2026 NFL Draft.

The post 3 players Colts must let walk in free agency during NFL offseason appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen now have to restore late-season durability, inject defensive speed, and future-proof the offense. As post-Super Bowl mock drafts gain traction, Indianapolis is expected to target explosive playmakers and defensive disruptors who can stabilize both trenches and tempo.

Record-book collapse

The 2025 Colts season was a historic tale of two halves that ended in a permanent spot in the NFL record books for all the wrong reasons. The team began the year as the league’s biggest surprise. They surged to a dominant 8-2 start behind a high-powered offense and a revitalized Daniel Jones.

However, the momentum vanished following a Week 11 bye. Jones suffered a fractured fibula and eventually a season-ending Achilles tear. That triggered a catastrophic seven-game losing streak to end the year. Despite boasting an elite point differential for much of the season, the Colts finished 8-9. They became the first team in NFL history to post a losing record after an 8-2 start. Sadly, they officially missed the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season.

Roster priorities

Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Colts face a critical pivot-point. They must replenish a roster that was gutted by late-season injuries without any first-round capital. The most glaring priority is the defensive front seven, specifically at linebacker and edge rusher. Offensively, providing reliable protection and additional weapons for a recovering Jones or a potential successor is paramount. That placed a premium on interior offensive line depth and wide receiver reinforcements. This is especially true with Alec Pierce hitting free agency. Finally, the secondary requires a ball-hawk presence at safety to complement Sauce Gardner.

With a plethora of needs, the Colts might go in any direction in the draft.

WR Omar Cooper Jr, Indiana

Sean Ackerman, Sports Illustrated

Among the most consistent projections in early mock drafts is Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. The hometown narrative carries weight, but the football fit is even more compelling.

Cooper arrives fresh off a breakout collegiate campaign. His 937 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns underscored a versatile deployment profile capable of winning in the slot. He can stretch seams and generate yards on manufactured touches. For Steichen’s offense, Cooper’s ability to create separation without requiring perfect protection makes him a high-efficiency addition.

With Pierce’s free agency looming and Michael Pittman Jr operating as the possession anchor, Cooper would supply the missing juice element. He can turn short completions into drive-altering gains. In many ways, he represents the offensive insurance policy Indianapolis lacked when injuries mounted late in 2025.

S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

Brad Menendez, Draft Countdown

If Indianapolis leans defense, Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has emerged as one of the draft cycle’s fastest risers. His profile fits the exact archetype Chris Ballard has historically targeted. That’s small-school production paired with elite physical traits.

McNeil-Warren’s resume is built on disruption. Double-digit forced fumbles and five interceptions highlight a play style rooted in anticipation and violence at the catch point. He can be deployed as a box enforcer or deep rover. As such, he brings the takeaway mentality the Colts defense lacked during its late-season unraveling. Adding a hybrid safety capable of rotating across coverage shells would give Lou Anarumo schematic flexibility.

DE Zion Young, Missouri

Jaren Kawada, ClutchPoints

Missouri edge rusher Zion Young represents the type of developmental pass-rush investment Indianapolis could prioritize. With Kwity Paye approaching free agency, adding a long-term edge presence becomes essential.

Young’s 2025 breakout was highlighted by 6.5 sacks. That signaled a late but meaningful progression curve. At 6-foot-5 and 262 pounds, his frame already meets NFL trench specifications. His run-defense discipline also stands out as an immediate contribution pathway.

Sure, his pass-rush refinement remains a work in progress. However, Indianapolis can afford patience. The return of DeForest Buckner to full health, combined with Laiatu Latu’s ascending trajectory, would allow Young to develop situationally. In a rotation-based front, his ceiling as a power-edge disruptor makes him a logical Day 2 projection.

LB Caleb Banks, Georgia

Chad Reuter, NFL.com

Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks rounds out the Colts’ mock classes. His scouting profile reflects both intrigue and unfinished development. That’s precisely the type of moldable talent Ballard has historically embraced.

Banks flashes a quick first step and the raw strength to neutralize single blocks. Consistency, though, remains his defining hurdle. His high center of gravity allows double teams to displace him. Yet the upside remains evident.

Banks’ length and hand power could translate into interior disruption. Viewed through a long-term lens, he represents a developmental swing capable of reinforcing trench depth. He can initially play behind established veterans while being coached into a more complete interior defender.

Explosiveness with durability

As mock draft momentum accelerates, the Colts’ projected class reveals a franchise prioritizing balance. They need offensive explosiveness, defensive playmaking, and trench sustainability. Cooper injects play-speed. McNeil-Warren upgrades takeaway potential. Young and Banks fortify the defense’s long-term viability.

More importantly, each projection addresses the same underlying lesson from 2025. Early-season brilliance means little without structural depth. Indianapolis didn’t just lose games down the stretch. They also lost functional identity once injuries mounted.

The 2026 draft, therefore, isn’t about chasing star power. It’s about building insulation around a roster that proved dangerously top-heavy. If the Colts draft well, they’ll be built to finish.

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Despite the team’s overall defensive regression into one of the league’s weakest units, Hendrickson showed he could be a productive force when healthy last season.

The front office is reportedly weighing the option of retaining their best pass rusher or using his $30 million-plus cap hit to overhaul the defensive roster completely.

If Hendrickson enters the open market, he is widely regarded as the most impactful defensive player available. ESPN has reported that the Colts’ general manager, Chris Ballard, could make a bold move by landing the top free agent on their board.

A reunion with former coach Lou Anarumo could significantly boost the pass rush, particularly alongside Laiatu Latu. In seven games last season, Hendrickson recorded four sacks, while his 17.5 sacks in 2024 ranked first in the league.

The Colts finished with 39 sacks last season, tying for 15th in the NFL, so enhancing their defensive front should be a priority for the win-now Indianapolis squad. The Chicago Bears are also a team to watch in this context.

The market for Hendrickson is likely to be competitive, with the Dallas Cowboys emerging as another potential suitor. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that placing a franchise tag on Hendrickson would be surprising given the current state of his relationship with the Bengals, which seems to have “run its course.”

Although Dallas has significant salary cap challenges, currently sitting nearly $30 million over the limit, the prospect of pairing Hendrickson with their existing defensive talent is an enticing one for owner Jerry Jones.

Whether it’s a reunion in Indianapolis, a fresh start in Chicago, or a bold move in Dallas, Hendrickson’s decision will be one of the defining stories of the 2026 free agency period.

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The franchise tag is a tool that allows NFL teams the chance to prevent their best impending free agents from hitting the open market. So, who are the top candidates to be tagged, and should their respective teams actually put the franchise tag on them?

What is the franchise tag?

There are three types of free agents in the NFL. Unrestricted free agents are players whose contracts have expired who have four or more accrued seasons under their belt. They are free to sign with any team around the league.

Restricted free agents have three accrued seasons and an expired contract. The original team of a restricted free agent has the option to tender a contract to these players. If a tendered player agrees to a contract elsewhere, the original team can either match that salary and retain the RFA, or they will be compensated with the draft capital associated with the tender. There is a first-round tender, a second-round tender, and an original-round tender, so not matching an offer sheet would net a team one of these picks in the NFL Draft. Of course, the greater the tender, the higher the contract value. There is also a right-of-first-refusal tender that doesn’t have draft capital tied to it.

Lastly, there are exclusive rights free agents, players with fewer than three accrued seasons, and an expired contract. These players are not allowed to negotiate with other teams if their original team offers a one-year deal.

Teams can prevent their players from hitting free agency altogether by putting the franchise tag on them. The franchise tag is a one-year contract, but it comes at a pretty penny. Usually, teams that use the franchise tag on a player will look to lock that player up on a long-term contract. There are three tag types, and teams can only tag one player per offseason.

The first option for tagging a player is the exclusive franchise tag. The one-year contract is worth no less than the average of the top five salaries at a player’s respective position or 120 percent of the player’s previous salary, whichever is greater. Using this tag ensures exclusive negotiating rights with the tagged player, so said player must agree to sign the tag or sit out the season. This is a rarely used tag because it can make stars disgruntled, but it is also the easiest way to ensure losing an elite player doesn’t happen.

There is also the non-exclusive franchise tag. This is also a one-year deal worth no less than the average of the top five cap hits at the player’s respective position or 120 percent of the player’s previous deal. The difference is that players slapped with this tag are allowed to negotiate long-term contracts with other teams. If a player agrees to a deal elsewhere, the tagging team is given a choice. They can either match the contract or let him leave for his new team, in exchange for two first-round picks. This is the most commonly used franchise tag.

The third tag at a team’s disposal is the transition tag. It is a cheaper alternative to the franchise tag, but it comes with the risk of losing a player for nothing. The bargain comes in the form of the transition tag being worth the average of the top-10 contracts at a player’s position. However, if a player signs a long-term offer sheet with another team and the tagging team doesn’t match the contract, they won’t be compensated with any draft capital.

Last year, only two players were franchise tagged: Tee Higgins and Trey Smith. It was the fewest amount of tags used since 2006. That will surely change in 2026.

Franchise tag positional values

Note: Projections provided by overthecap.com

Quarterback: $47,321,000 (franchise tag) – $40,799,000 (transition tag)

Wide receiver: $28,824,000 (franchise tag) – $25,029,000 (transition tag)

Offensive line: $27,924,000 (franchise tag) – $25,305,000 (transition tag)

Linebacker: $28,197,000 (franchise tag) – $23,613,000 (transition tag)

Defensive tackle: $26,311,000 (franchise tag) – $21,608,000 (transition tag)

Defensive end: $27,322,000 (franchise tag) – $22,908,000 (transition tag)

Cornerback: $21,414,000 (franchise tag) – $17,951,000 (transition tag)

Safety: $20,876,000 (franchise tag) – $16,485,000 (transition tag)

Tight end: $16,319,000 (franchise tag) – $13,869,000 (transition tag)

Running back: $14,536,000 (franchise tag) – $11,728,000 (transition tag)

Kicker/Punter: $6,900,000 (franchise tag) – $6,240,000 (transition tag)

Candidates for the tag

Kenneth Walker, Seattle Seahawks, RB: 

To tag or not to tag?: Non-exclusive franchise tag

The idea of letting Kenneth Walker walk in free agency was a lot more feasible just a few weeks ago. At the start of the postseason, the Seahawks had one of the best running back tandems in football, with Walker splitting carries with Zach Charbonnet. Then, Charbonnet tore his ACL, which could end up holding him out for all of next season. Walker would go on to rush 27 times for 135 yards in Super Bowl 60 en route to being named the Super Bowl MVP, too.

The prospect of losing a player who has become such an important part of Seattle history seems too much for the Seahawks to bear, so expect Walker to be franchise tagged.

Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons, TE: 

To tag or not to tag?: Non-exclusive franchise tag

Kyle Pitts was the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history. While he had an impressive rookie season, he hadn’t lived up to his potential for most of his Atlanta Falcons tenure. That led to trade rumors and a near inevitability that Pitts wasn’t a franchise tag option coming into the 2025 season. Then, the tight end lived up to his potential to put up the second-best numbers among all players at his position group this past season.

Pitts hasn’t been consistent throughout his career, which could make the Falcons hesitant to commit to him long-term. The potential he showed this season makes losing him in free agency too risky, though, so letting Pitts prove himself on a one-year franchise tag seems smart for Atlanta.

Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals, DE: 

To tag or not to tag?: Don’t tag

The Cincinnati Bengals have been hesitant to give their players long-term contract extensions. Trey Hendrickson has been a prime example of this. The defensive end has two seasons with 17.5 sacks to his name, including the league-lead in that regard in 2024. However, he and the Bengals have butted heads ever since, leading to a lengthy holdout. Their relationship may be too far gone, so Hendrickson seems destined to walk in free agency.

George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys, WR: 

To tag or not to tag?: Non-exclusive franchise tag

The Dallas Cowboys are another team that hasn’t given their superstars the money they deserve when they deserve it. Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb weren’t given contract extensions until the eleventh hour to do so, and Dallas opted to trade Micah Parsons instead of paying him.

Dallas can’t make the same mistake with George Pickens. After trading for the receiver, Pickens developed into one of the top statistical producers in the league. He and Lamb form arguably the best receiver duo in the NFL, so bringing him back should be paramount.

Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts, QB: 

To tag or not to tag?: Don’t tag

Daniel Jones was a draft bust with the New York Giants. He then won a quarterback competition with the Indianapolis Colts and immediately turned them into one of the best offenses in the league. Unfortunately, the Colts started to falter, and things fell off a cliff when Jones tore his Achilles tendon. While Jones seemed like a great fit for the Colts, his future is in doubt. He is rehabbing from one of the worst injuries in sports and may miss all of next season.

The silver lining is the Colts might be able to bring Jones back for cheaper than they would have had he not gotten hurt. Plus, most teams either already have their franchise signal caller or will prefer to get one in the draft rather than taking a gamble on an injured veteran with up-and-down career production. The Colts shouldn’t tag Jones, but they should try to re-sign him on the open market under the premise that he will be the starter once he is back from injury.

Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars, RB: 

To tag or not to tag?: Non-exclusive franchise tag

A handful of teams made the leap from bottom dwellers to postseason powerhouses this past season. The Jacksonville Jaguars were one of them. The team will want to add talent in free agency, not lose it, in order to take the next step forward. However, they shouldn’t franchise tag Travis Etienne and should instead allocate the money saved by not bringing him back elsewhere to improve the roster.

The Jaguars have enough running back depth. Also, after Trevor Lawrence’s breakout season and with the hope that Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. will have better seasons next year, the Jaguars may lean on their passing game going forward. Paying running backs is always risky due to their short career lifespans and the high chance for injury at the position. Jacksonville should let Etienne walk in free agency.

Jaelan Phillips, Philadelphia Eagles, DE

To tag or not to tag?: Don’t tag

The Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl 59 in large part because of great defensive depth. They then lost Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, Isaiah Rodgers, Darius Slay, and others in free agency, which played a big part in their demise during the 2025 season. Philadelphia actually did a good job of bringing in reinforcements, but losing any more defensive talent would hurt.

The team traded for former first-rounder Jaelan Phillips at the NFL trade deadline, and the edge rusher broke out with his new team. The Eagles would certainly love to have him back, but he isn’t worth the lofty price tag that comes with a franchise tag. The Eagles should try to re-sign him, but without tying him to the huge one-year deal.

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Jones was a big reason for Indy’s success during the first half of the 2025 season. It stands to reason that the Colts will look to give Jones another shot during the 2026 season.

Both sides seem determined to keep Jones in Indy on a long-term deal, but that could be easier said than done.

The Colts enter the 2026 offseason with $35 million in salary cap space. That does not leave much wiggle room for Indy to both extend Jones and make any additions during free agency this spring.

Can the Colts afford to be big players during free agency? And if not, could they land any key contributors at a bargain price?

Below we will explore three sneaky good free agents who the Colts need to consider signing this offseason.

Quay Walker would be an immediate starter on the Colts

I can’t think of a way to sugarcoat this: Zaire Franklin is the only good linebacker the Colts have on the roster.

Indianapolis needs to add some talent around Franklin to reinforce arguably the team’s weakest position group. Ideally, they will add a younger linebacker who can both have an immediate impact and be a part of the team’s long-term plans.

Fortunately, Walker checks all of those boxes.

Walker has been a solid starter for the Packers ever since joining the team as a first-round pick back in 2022. Quay has made his fair share of silly mistakes, but he is a reliable player when his head is on straight.

The fourth-year linebacker has never had fewer than 58 tackles in a season. He also has the athleticism and coverage skills needed to make the occasional big play.

The Colts are on a budget this offseason, but linebacker is one position where I would be fine to see them spend some cash.

Spotrac has Walker’s market value at $8.3 million per season. Personally, I’d love to see the Colts sign him to a three-year contract.

Adding Walker on a long-term contract could actually be good because it helps Indy spread out his cap hit over future seasons.

Should the Colts replace Grover Stewart with Greg Gaines?

Let’s start by talking about Grover Stewart.

One tough choice the Colts may need to make is cutting Stewart before free agency.

The 32-year-old defensive tackle is in the final year of his current contract. Indy could save $12 million in cap space by cutting him, which has to look appealing considering their tight budget.

If that happens, the Colts will want a cheaper defensive tackle who can play a similar role in their defense.

I think Greg Gaines could be that guy.

Gaines is young (turns 29 years old in May) and much cheaper than Stewart (his market value is roughly $2 million per season).

Gaines makes his money by stopping the run, something he thrived on early in his career with the Rams. He’s played well for the Buccaneers too, but 2025 was a step back for him.

It is certainly fair to describe this move as “tiering down” for Indy. But what other choice do they have given their limited budget?

This move of necessity likely wouldn’t hurt the Colts as much as fans might think. Plus it would net the team $10 million in cap space in the process.

Derek Barnett could be a useful rotational player in Indy

The Colts are set to lose multiple edge rushers to free agency this spring.

Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis are all on expiring contracts. Paye is expected to land huge money from a new team, as he’s one of the top edge rushers on the market.

I could see Indy re-signing either Ebukam or Lewis at the right price. But even if they do, they’ll still need to make a few additions at the position.

A player like Derek Barnett could be an ideal bridge player for the Colts.

The veteran edge rusher revived his career in Houston over the past two seasons. He logged 13+ tackles and five sacks in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Barnett will turn 30 years old before the 2026 season. It is unclear how much football he has left in the tank, but I’d wager it is at least one season.

Barnett’s combination of talent, age, and price should put him on Indy’s radar. His market value is roughly $4.4 million per season, which is on the higher end of what I think the Colts could pay for a one-year rental.

One extra benefit of adding Barnett is gaining a mentor for third-year edge rusher Laiatu Latu.

This move might be the best one on this list.

The post 3 sneaky good NFL free agents Colts must sign in 2026 offseason appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Hobby brings a wealth of experience from both the NFL and college football ranks, including a formative stretch with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2021 to 2024. During his time in Cincinnati, the 59-year-old coached All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who recorded a combined 35 sacks in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. This period also included the Bengals’ run to Super Bowl LVI in 2022 and an appearance in the AFC Championship Game.

Hobby spent the 2025 season at the University of Tennessee, serving as a defensive analyst for his alma mater. In that role, he helped the Volunteers rank fifth nationally in sacks per game with 3.0 and 13th in tackles for loss per game at 6.8. His move back to the NFL comes after a December appointment at Arkansas as the Razorbacks’ defensive line coach, a role he had agreed to through February 2028 with a $700,000 yearly salary. His Arkansas contract included no-compete clauses for SEC and NFL positions through the 2026 season.

Hobby’s NFL coaching experience spans a decade and includes defensive line coaching positions with the Miami Dolphins (2019–20), Jacksonville Jaguars (2017–18), and New Orleans Saints (2006–07). Impressively, his run with the Dolphins’ 2020 defense contributed to a sixth-ranked points-allowed defense, a top-10 sack ranking, and the league’s best third-down efficiency. While with the Jaguars, he helped Calais Campbell earn First-Team All-Pro honors and finish second in Defensive Player of the Year voting after recording 14.5 sacks in 2017 and 10.5 in 2018.

Hobby also has broad collegiate coaching credentials. He was co-defensive coordinator and defensive ends coach at Clemson from 2011 to 2016, during which the Tigers appeared in three Orange Bowls, two College Football Playoffs, and won the 2016 National Championship. Clemson racked up a national-best 597 tackles for loss from 2012 to 2016. He was the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Duke (2008–10), the defensive ends coach at Clemson (2005), and the defensive line coach at Ole Miss (1999–2004). Beginning in 1995 at Tennessee-Martin as a strength and conditioning coach, he went on to help Tennessee win the 1998 national championship as an assistant.

Hobby’s playing career speaks to his defensive background as well. A three-year starter for the Tennessee Volunteers, he earned All-Conference honors in 1989 and was drafted in the third round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He later played three seasons with the New England Patriots (1990–92).

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Jones, who led the team to a dominant 8-2 start before his health declined, is reportedly eager to remain with the franchise.

With approximately $35.6 million in current cap space and significantly more projected for 2027, the Colts possess the financial flexibility to secure Jones long-term, even as they face a lack of first-round draft picks due to the high-profile trade for Sauce Gardner.

However, the recovery timeline for a torn Achilles presents a significant hurdle for the upcoming season’s start.

According to a report from ESPN, assuming the Colts sign Daniel Jones, they could still be in the market for a veteran option to start over Riley Leonard while Jones gradually returns to full health.

The report suggests that the team would be a strong fit for experienced signal-callers like Marcus Mariota or Joe Flacco to serve as a reliable bridge.

If a deal with Jones is not reached, the Colts would find themselves with the most substantial quarterback need in the league, though insiders believe both parties are committed to a partnership.

To further bolster their financial standing for these moves, the Colts are evaluating several cut candidates.

While the team collapsed from a 7-1 start to miss the 2025 playoffs, general manager Chris Ballard must now make difficult decisions regarding veterans to create depth.

Key players under the microscope include wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., whose future depends on his willingness to sign a long-term deal, and Ashton Dulin, whose release could facilitate a necessary receiving corps revamp.

Additionally, despite a monster 173-tackle season in 2024, linebacker Zaire Franklin is mentioned as a potential cap casualty as the front office prioritizes retaining foundational stars like Jonathan Taylor and Quenton Nelson.

Could the next season be a better one for the Colts?

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NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero gave an update on the Colts’ quarterback plans ahead of the 2026 offseason. Indy plans to keep Daniel Jones around after his impressive 2025 campaign.

“Let’s talk a little bit about the Colts and their quarterback plans,” Pelissero said on The Insiders on Sunday. “My understanding is the Colts plan to open talks soon with Daniel Jones on a multi-year deal to keep him in Indianapolis. Jones got to Indy last year on a one-year contract. Was playing his best football the first half of the season until he suffered injuries, including a torn Achilles that he is rehabbing right now.”

It is easy to forget that Jones was in the MVP conversation back in October. The Colts were 8-2 heading into their bye week and seemed in control of their own destiny.

However, Jones suffered multiple injuries during the back half of the season, including his season-ending Achilles injury.

Pelissero added that both sides are open to a long-term partnership. But that does not mean that contracts talks will go swimmingly.

“I am told Jones wants to be in Indianapolis [and] the Colts want to work out a deal,” Pelissero added. “If they can’t, the franchise tag would be an option. But either way, the plan is Jones stays in Indy.”

Indianapolis enters the offseason with $35.60 million in cap space. They also have $179.23 million of cap space for the 2027 offseason, which puts them in a good position to sign Jones to a long-term contract.

The Colts are in a tricky situation, though. Indy spent two first-round picks on Sauce Gardner at the trade deadline. That leaves them without a first-round pick both this spring and in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Jones and the Colts seemed tied at the hip for the next few seasons.

Unfortunately, fans still have to wait and see whether he’ll get a long-term extension this offseason or simply a franchise tag.

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With the way things look now, the Colts are going to have a hard time competing in a difficult division. The AFC South has turned into an electric division with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans’ surge. Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll may even be able to get the Titans back on track. With that said, the Colts know that they must make some serious changes to be able to create enough depth to get this team back in position to contend.

Indy has an interesting roster. Most of the players they have locked up beyond 2026 are players they want to keep. However, some of them should be released to free up more cap space. The Colts are 11th in the NFL with roughly $35 million available in cap space. Some difficult decisions might have to be made by Chris Ballard.

Players like DL Grover Stewart and CB Kenny Moore could be considered cut candidates, but the Colts will have a harder time replacing them than the others. The Colts will want to compete next season. It’s expected that they try to build a winning roster rather than rebuild after the Daniel Jones injury.

There aren’t many for this team; however, let’s discuss three cut candidates for the Colts entering the 2026 offseason.

LB Zaire Franklin

The Colts getting rid of Zaire Franklin should be a no-brainer. Franklin has been an elite tackler since arriving in the NFL in 2018. 2022 was the year that changed it all for him as he became a threat as a pass-rusher as well. 2024 was a monster year for him as he had 173 tackles, 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and two interceptions. That season earned him a 3-year extension with the Colts through 2027.

The issue is that he won’t have that kind of 2024 season again. The linebacker will be 30 years old in August and is going to get paid roughly $18 million the next two seasons, according to Spotrac. The Colts would free up a lot of money by releasing Franklin. The Colts can replace him with a much cheaper option in free agency. There will be plenty of 100+ tacklers available.

If the Colts aren’t trying to be desperate, then this is a move they have to consider. The Colts had injuries to the secondary last season and may want to hold onto Kenny Moore.

WR Michael Pittman Jr.

The Colts may only cut Michael Pittman Jr. if they believe he won’t sign long-term. The rising star receiver will be a free agent at the end of next season, along with Jonathan Taylor, Deforest Buckner, and Quenton Nelson (arguably their three best players). The Colts must figure out a way to keep all three of those players.

The Colts would save $29 million by cutting Pittman Jr. Alec Pierce is entering free agency, so if the Colts decided to go this route, it would mean a full revamp of the receiving core. Indy does not have a first-round pick but does have a few second and third-rounders in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Colts will certainly draft a receiver (maybe multiple) to pair alongside Josh Downs. It should be noted that I do not believe Pittman Jr. will be cut. If he stays on the Colts, teams will have a hard time taking on that contract if he hits the trade market.

WR Ashton Dulin

Dulin has one year left on his contract worth roughly $3.5 million. This move does not move the needle at all, but it does free up a little money to help secure a contract for a key free agent. Dulin had five catches for 106 yards last season. Whether the Colts cut Pittman Jr. or not, I believe getting rid of Dulin creates room for a wideout revamp. There is a chance that Downs is the only returning receiver from last season.

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Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner reflected on a humbling introduction to his new team while speaking during Super Bowl LX media availability. The moment occurred shortly after his arrival in Indianapolis following a blockbuster midseason trade in November from the New York Jets.

Gardner admitted he was late to the training room on his very first day with the Colts. The session was scheduled for 7:00 a.m., and he arrived at 7:02. While the delay lasted just two minutes, the response from head coach Shane Steichen left an imprint on the defensive back.

Steichen acknowledged Gardner when he walked in but said nothing at the time. Later that day, during a full team meeting, the head coach addressed it directly, calling on Gardner and asking him to explain to the entire roster why he was late.

The story became public when The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov shared a clip from Gardner’s appearance on PFT Live during Radio Row in the San Francisco Bay Area on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“That was his way of showing me how things are — I had to get with the program.”

#Colts CB Sauce Gardner said he was two minutes late (7:02 am) to the training room on his first day with Indy…

HC Shane Steichen called him out in front of the entire team for being late.

“That was his way of showing me how things are — I had to get with the program.”

(via… pic.twitter.com/XHiLB5LhyK

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 5, 2026

The 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year with the Jets described the moment as a tough but necessary lesson. Despite his resume and the significant price the Colts paid to acquire him, Steichen made it clear that standards apply to everyone, regardless of status or reputation.

The timing of the message mattered. Indianapolis acquired Gardner while sitting at 8–2, signaling a clear push to contend, but injuries soon derailed that momentum as the Colts closed the season on a seven-game losing streak.

Injuries limited Gardner’s impact late in the 2025 season, as he appeared in just four of the final eight games. Despite this, the team views him as a key component ahead of2026 season.

As the Colts regroup following a disappointing finish, the takeaway is unmistakable. In Indianapolis, attention to detail sets the standard.

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The Colts are coming off a strong 2025 draft class, but they find themselves in an interesting position in 2026. Indianapolis will not have a first-round pick for the next two drafts after sending its 2026 and 2027 first-round selections to the New York Jets to acquire cornerback Sauce Gardner. The move made perfect sense at the time, but it could now come back to haunt Ballard.

Following the trade, the Colts enter the 2026 NFL Draft with five selections, not including the compensatory picks they are expected to receive in March. Indianapolis projects to receive at least two late-round compensatory selections for losing five key free agents in 2025, including center Ryan Kelly and linebacker E.J. Speed.

Given its current position, Indianapolis could become a trade candidate as the draft nears, whether to get back into the first round or simply to gain more capital. Nonetheless, let’s take a look at the Colts’ full 2026 NFL mock draft, according to the PFF draft simulator.

Round 2, Pick 47: DE Zion Young, Missouri

The Colts have to love the progression they saw from Laiatu Latu in 2025, but they could be in need of additional edge-rushing production in 2026. Kwity Paye, who has led the team in sacks in two of the last three seasons, will become an unrestricted free agent, along with Tyquan Lewis and Samson Ebukam.

Missouri’s Zion Young rose up draft boards in 2025, during which he notched 6.5 sacks, which was more than his previous three years combined. His 6-foot-5, 262-pound frame is already NFL-ready, and his strength as a run defender has been prominent since he transferred to Columbia in 2024. Young might struggle to gain his footing as a pass-rusher in year one, but the Colts can afford to exercise patience, particularly with DeForest Buckner set to return to 100 percent by Week 1.

Round 3, Pick 78: QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Depending on what the Colts decide to do with Daniel Jones in free agency, their quarterback room could get messy by the time the 2026 NFL Draft rolls around. Indianapolis still has at least one more year of Anthony Richardson, who missed the entire 2025 season due to injury, and will have Riley Leonard back after a promising end to his rookie campaign. Regardless, the PFF mock draft simulator has Ballard adding another name to the mix with LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier in the third round.

Nussmeier was a projected first-round pick in the preseason before he fell off a cliff in his final season in Baton Rouge. After racking up 4,052 passing yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024, the 23-year-old could only muster 1,927 yards through nine games in 2025 before suffering a season-ending abdominal injury. Still, the veteran has reportedly impressed scouts at the Senior Bowl and projects as a Day Two project with a high ceiling. Indianapolis just might not be a good fit for him, particularly if Ballard re-signs Jones.

Round 4, Pick 113: WR De’Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss

After a slow start to his fifth season, De’Zhaun Stribling came on strong at the end of the year to establish himself as Ole Miss’ go-to receiver and emerge as a dark horse prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. While consistency might be an issue, Stribling already has elite size and physicality and plays with an edge that scouts admire. The Kapolei, Hawaii, native demanded that people look in his direction after racking up 420 receiving yards and four touchdowns in his final five games of the 2025 season, including the College Football Playoffs.

Receiver could become an issue for the Colts soon, with Alec Pierce hitting free agency in March, and Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs entering contract years. Several teams will be interested in Pierce, who broke out with his first career 1,000-yard season in 2025, allowing a player like Stribling to potentially fill his role as the Colts’ big-play threat out wide. Stribling averaged 15.8 yards per catch in his final two seasons of college football.

Round 5, Pick 154: LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh

If the Colts lose Germaine Pratt in free agency, Ballard could have a big issue on his hands at linebacker. Indianapolis will have former NFL tackles leader Zaire Franklin returning, but without Pratt, who had 101 tackles in 2025, its linebacker room would be left very thin.

Should that be the case, Colts fans would like to see Ballard target a linebacker early in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, the PFF mock draft simulator has them addressing the position in the fifth round with Pittsburgh’s Kyle Louis, who has recorded 179 tackles over the last two seasons. The 6-foot-1 Louis is undersized for the traditional NFL middle linebacker, but he makes up for it with aggressive pursuit and above-average coverage skills. He would provide excellent value on Day Three if he remains on the board that long.

Round 6, Pick 216: S Jalen Catalon, Missouri

The Colts are not guaranteed a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after sending theirs to Minnesota to acquire cornerback Mekhi Blackmon. However, the PFF mock draft simulator expects them to receive a compensatory pick, which it has the team using on Missouri safety Jalen Catalon.

A seven-year college football veteran, the 24-year-old Catalon is one of the oldest players in the draft, putting him on the fringe of most big boards. His career was full of ups and downs, breaking out as a redshirt freshman with Arkansas in 2020 before dropping off the face of the Earth and re-emerging with UNLV in 2024. The myriad of results make Catalon a full wild card, and he will need to contribute on special teams to make a roster, whether he gets drafted or not.

Round 7, Pick 230: TE Seydou Traore, Mississippi State

Few teams love utilizing as many different tight ends as Indianapolis, which is set to lose Mo Alie-Cox and Andrew Ogletree in the offseason. The PFF mock draft simulator has the Colts replacing one of them late in the 2026 NFL Draft with Mississippi State product Sedou Traore.

Not to be confused with a Utah basketball player of the same name, Traore is an athletic tight end with great high-point ability and tantalizing run-after-catch skills. He can develop into a quality pass-catcher for any team lacking receiving production from its tight ends, but that does not describe the Colts, who are more than content with 2025 first-round pick Tyler Warren. Traore’s blocking leaves a lot to be desired, making him someone Ballard might want to avoid on Day Three.

Round 7, Pick 253: S Xavier Nwankpa, Iowa

The Colts are expected to receive another compensatory pick late in the seventh round, which the PFF mock draft simulator projects they use on Iowa safety Xavier Nwankpa. The four-year Hawkeye was second on the team with a career-high 76 tackles in 2025 while adding two forced fumbles and an interception.

Indianapolis was one of the best special teams units in the league in 2025, a standard Ballard is clearly intent on maintaining in 2026. The Colts have already extended linebacker Austin Ajiake, who led the team with 14 special teams tackles in 2025. Nwankpa, who has an endless motor, above-average speed and quality tackling skills, would be a fine late-round special teams contributor.

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However, things didn’t exactly go their way. Jones tried playing through a fractured fibula and ended up tearing his Achilles, ending his breakout season. The defense also didn’t improve as much as fans wanted, especially with Gardner missing time due to his injuries. The result was a tragic collapse that saw the Colts fall from the summit of the conference and miss the playoffs altogether.

With Gardner’s contract set to expire soon, there’s no doubt about whether the Colts should keep Gardner. The cornerback looked great at times, but he was inconsistent, and his injury concerns have been troublesome. However, Gardner revealed that he’s already had talks with the front office, and that they’re keen on keeping him.

“I definitely think this is a long-term home, and that’s been communicated to me,” Gardner said, per Stephen Holder of ESPN. “Teams need premier cornerbacks.”

Gardner has long expressed his optimism with the Colts. After their season ended, the star cornerback said, “It’s a lot of good that came out of this and is still coming out of this. I definitely look forward to being a part of the future here. I know I’m going to continue to do what I have to do on and off the field, so I’m looking forward to what we’re going to do.”

Gardner was traded during the deadline by the Jets to the Colts for two first-round picks. The cornerback played in four games this season for Indianapolis, recording three passes defended and 16 total tackles.

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First, there is a caveat to Pierce standing out. And that is what happens with Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens. It is widely believed that the Cowboys will franchise tag Pickens and take him off the market.

If that happens, Pierce moves into a place of prominence. He can overshadow the rest of the wide receivers available as free agents.

Colts WR Alec Pierce could emerge in 2026

Things came together nicely for Pierce in 2025. A fourth-year veteran, Pierce led the NFL in yards per reception for the second straight season (22.3 in 2024 and 21.3 this year). But this time he topped 1,000 yards with 47 grabs. And he still scored six touchdowns, nearly matching his 2024 total of seven.

Those statistics will make Pierce a hot property in the free agent market, according to ESPN.

“Over the past two years, though, Pierce has upped that yards per route run figure to 1.9 in 2024 and 2.2 in 2025,” Bill Barnwell wrote. “The combined 2.1 figure is good for 20th among wide receivers over that span, just ahead of players such as Jameson Williams and Tyreek Hill. And it would be tough to argue that Pierce was playing with better quarterbacks than either player over that two-year span.

“Pierce still commands one of the lower target shares in the league, given his usage pattern as a downfield threat. But he has essentially been a slightly more efficient version of Williams, who signed a three-year, $80 million deal last season.”

Simply put, Pierce brings an electric value to NFL offenses. Any quarterback with a quality deep ball would love the opportunity to throw to Pierce. A case in point would be Jayden Daniels of the Commanders. But there are other examples. And Pierce could threaten a defense in a way that makes all other parts of the offense work better.

“Pierce is a walking explosive-play threat, which makes him a very valuable player,” Barnwell wrote. “I’m fascinated to see how high his market gets. I don’t think it’s wild at all to suggest that Pierce could be looking at something in the ballpark of $30 million per year in free agency, which brings the franchise tag into play.”

Colts should work hard to keep Pierce

One of the reasons the Colts performed so well on offense before the injury to quarterback Daniel Jones is what Pierce did to opposing defenses. Therefore, the Colts would be wise to retain Pierce, according to coltswire.com.

“From Day 1, from when we worked him out at the University of Cincinnati, we had a great belief in Alec Pierce,” Ballard said. “I think he’s been a good player every year. … I thought Reggie (Wayne) did a tremendous job helping him expand his game to all three levels. Alec’s a priority.”

However, landing spots are aplenty for Pierce, according to Sports Illustrated. The Colts, Titans, Steelers, and Jets are in the mix. But there’s a problem with all of those.

First, will Jones be ready to rock from the beginning of the season? There are no guarantees of that because of his Achilles injury. So Pierce might be working with a lesser quarterback at the start of the season.

As for the Titans, Ward didn’t prove very much at all in his rookie season. And Robert Saleh, the new head coach, isn’t exactly a quarterback whisperer. There’s a chance Pierce could die on the vine with the Titans.

What about the Steelers? It’s widely assumed Aaron Rodgers won’t return. If he does, it still doesn’t point toward a great season for Pierce. Rodgers’ average yards per pass attempt was an uninspiring 6.7 in 2025.

The Jets? Well, they could pay for Pierce. But who is the quarterback going to be? At this stage in his career, Pierce needs to hook up with a proven quarterback. And that means a proven deep-ball thrower.

WR Alec Pierce should look at the Patriots

This makes a ton of sense. Drake Maye has proven to be one of the better deep-ball throwers in the league. And the Patriots are an ascending team. They might even win the Super Bowl this year.

Pierce would be the perfect fit for this receiver room. And how dangerous would the Patriots become with a ground threat like running back TreVeyon Henderson complemented by a deep air concern like Pierce?

Opposing defenses would feel the threat of a splash play at almost any time in the game.

Another look would be the Commanders, as Daniels can flat out spin the deep ball. Also, Pierce should look at the Ravens. Lamar Jackson is underrated as a deep ball thrower.

Last but not least, Pierce would fit nicely with the Bills. Josh Allen is a top 10 deep ball thrower. And his long-range completion percentage would go up with a guy like Pierce at his disposal.

The post Colts’ Alec Pierce could be a game-changing WR in 2026 free agency appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Furthermore, Herbert’s three straight seasons with 4,000 passing yards are an NFL record. He even owns almost every rookie passing record. While the talent is evident, the Chargers haven’t won a single playoff game during Herbert’s six-year tenure. The team is 0-3 in the postseason with Herbert under center, and they most recently lost 16-3 to the New England Patriots in a game where Herbert and the offense couldn’t get anything going.

The Chargers shouldn’t trade Herbert, as it would be nearly impossible to get a replacement as talented as the Oregon product. The team instead needs to add more pieces around Herbert that can help the team break through. However, many football fans are clamoring for Herbert to be traded so he can have a better chance of contending.

So, which Herbert trade destinations could actually make sense and help turn his playoff misfortunes around?

The Indianapolis Colts need a quarterback after Daniel Jones’ injury

Johnny Unitas and Peyton Manning both made their names with the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts, and the two signal callers rank among the best quarterbacks in NFL history. However, Indianapolis has struggled to figure out the quarterback problem for years now. After Andrew Luck retired, the team tried different bridge options, including Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, and Joe Flacco, but none of them proved to be a franchise option.

The team swung on Anthony Richardson in the NFL Draft, but he looks like an NFL Draft bust after losing a quarterback competition to Daniel Jones and because he has been hurt for a sizeable chunk of his career. Jones found success this past season, but the team stumbled after he tore his Achilles tendon, and now his future is in doubt because of the gruesome injury. The Colts resorted to going back to Rivers at the quarterback spot to end their season. He was 44 years old and had been retired since 2020 before the comeback attempt.

Now, the Colts will likely again be looking for yet a new gunslinger. The rest of the roster is solid; the team simply needs a high-level quarterback. Herbert could be that guy. With him under center, the Colts would have one of the most balanced offensive attacks in the NFL. Jonathan Taylor is one of the league’s best running backs, and the team has a great receiving corps with tons of depth.

The defense also has plenty of talent. The Colts are all in on winning sooner rather than later because they gave up a lot of draft capital to acquire Sauce Gardner. That trade may prevent the Colts from having a competitive offer for Herbert, but if they could figure out the details on a trade, the Colts are one of the few teams with a championship-caliber roster that is just lacking an upper-echelon quarterback.

The Las Vegas Raiders could trade the No. 1 pick for Justin Herbert

Of all the quarterback-needy teams, the Las Vegas Raiders have perhaps the most intriguing trade offer to make for Herbert. The Raiders own the number one overall pick. In all likelihood, Las Vegas will take Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. Dante Moore from Oregon also has a case for the top pick. If the Raiders don’t fall in love with either player, they could trade their premier draft capital for a proven quarterback like Herbert.

It wouldn’t be worth trading the first overall selection for anyone of a lesser caliber than Herbert, and perhaps the Chargers would be willing to reset their timeline with a younger quarterback. The Raiders see Herbert twice a year, so they are well aware of just how talented he is.

Interdivisional trades are also pretty rare, so that is the one thing that could prevent this trade from happening. If the Chargers see Hall of Fame potential in Mendoza or Moore, they just may be willing to take the risk and trade with the Raiders, though. After all, a rookie first-rounder will be under contract for longer than Herbert and will come at a much discounted rate in comparison to his $52.5 million average annual value.

The Chargers will already have the most cap space in the NFL this offseason. Shedding Herbert’s contract would allow them to completely overhaul the roster with a massive spending spree during free agency.

Justin Herbert would make sense for the Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are set to move on from Kyler Murray this offseason. The former first overall pick has shown flashes of greatness, but he has been too streaky since being drafted. Herbert’s production has been more consistent than Murray’s, but it hasn’t resulted in the Chargers winning playoff games.

A change of scenery in which these two are swapped for each other could pay off for both teams. The Cardinals would have to include more assets, likely both in the form of players and draft picks, in order to flip Murray for Herbert. The Chargers could covet these new pieces, and the Cardinals would be more than happy to get a quarterback upgrade during an offseason in which they are already looking to replace Murray.

While this would be a downgrade at quarterback for the Chargers, especially because Murray is a year older than Herbert, the Arizona Cardinals quarterback is perhaps the most deserving player at his position of a second chance. He still has loads of potential despite his Cardinals tenure being somewhat underwhelming.

A Justin Herbert trade to the Minnesota Vikings could work

The Minnesota Vikings drafted J.J. McCarthy 10th overall in 2024. Through two seasons, injuries have limited him to just 10 games. The Michigan product and college national champion has plenty of potential, which is why the team chose him over retaining Sam Darnold.

They may be regretting that decision, though. With a great defense and Justin Jefferson, one of the best receivers in football, on the roster, the Vikings are just a quarterback away from being a problem. McCarthy didn’t do much this season to prove he has a bright future, but he was a top 10 pick not long ago, so perhaps the Chargers would be interested in taking on his development.

Kevin O’Connell is a playcalling genius. With O’Connell’s offensive mind, the Herbert-led Vikings’ offense would become elite. Herbert would surely break through to find postseason success in Minnesota.

The post 4 perfect Justin Herbert trade destinations that could save his career after playoff disaster appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The veteran pass-rusher missed significant time after sustaining a neck injury in early November—an issue that ultimately required season-ending surgery. Buckner’s absence was significant, as the All-Pro’s departure coincided with the Colts’ collapse after an 8-2 start, with the defense struggling to maintain consistency without its interior anchor.

Buckner’s message on Instagram was reposted by The Athletic’s James Boyd, who shared the message from the defensive tackle to his X (formerly known as Twitter), which highlighted the veteran’s mindset and physical readiness heading into Year 11 of his NFL career.

“Next season I will be complete ”

#Colts DT DeForest Buckner, who recently had neck surgery, shared a Bible passage and message via IG:

“Next season I will be complete ” pic.twitter.com/QE39vbKDYq

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 7, 2026

The simple declaration carried weight throughout the organization. More than just optimism, Buckner’s message affirmed his intention to return fully healthy and finish the final year of his contract—quieting speculation around retirement or a possible cap-related exit.

The injury timeline added context to the significance of the update. Buckner briefly returned in December before re-aggravating the injury, which led to surgery just days later. He played in only 10 games, and his absence was immediately felt as the defense faded during a season-ending seven-game losing streak.

For the Colts organization, Buckner’s post represents a measure of stability amid ongoing uncertainty. The front office has retained both general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen, doubling down on the belief that the roster’s early-season success was no fluke. Buckner’s commitment reinforces that vision—especially as younger defenders continue to rely on his leadership in the trenches.

As the Colts head into the offseason, Buckner’s message helps reframe the narrative. Rather than bracing for a rebuild clouded by doubt, Indianapolis can now plan around a proven cornerstone. His return sets a tone of accountability and belief—two traits the Colts will need as they attempt to reset expectations in 2026.

The post Colts DT DeForest Buckner posts ‘complete’ message about return from neck injury in 2026 appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The message comes after Irsay-Gordon announced the team would be retaining general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen in 2026, a decision that fans had split opinions on. Irsay-Gordon, Foyt and Jackson acknowledged the frustration while justifying their decision and promised changes are in store just around the corner.

“Like you, we’re without a doubt frustrated with the final results of the season,” the letter read. “Until we win consistently, claim the division, and reach the playoffs, we’re not meeting the high standard we all expect out of our team. At the same time, there were many moments in 2025 that led us to believe we can achieve sustained success. That’s why we’re confident about the blueprint Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen created last year, and why we’re confident they can build on the progress we saw early this past season.

“Last offseason, our dad [Jim Irsay] challenged our entire organization to fix the issues preventing us from reaching the playoffs. Chris and his team responded by taking a different approach to building the roster… The philosophy paid dividends, but our fast start to the season makes missing the playoffs sting even more. It also gave us a look at what’s possible when we have the right components in place. Replicating that success — and extending it throughout the season and into the playoffs — will be our goal.”

a letter to fans from ownership: pic.twitter.com/tuvlC6nsxf

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) January 6, 2026

The Colts sat atop the league with an 8-2 record entering their Week 11 bye before losing out the remainder of the year to miss the playoffs. Quarterback Daniel Jones’ Achilles injury killed the season, but fans who were already frustrated with Ballard and Steichen got louder during the seven-game skid.

Colts claim “urgency to succeed” after 2025 disappointment

Although the statement pleaded with fans to exercise patience with Ballard and Steichen, it also noted that both will be under extreme pressure in 2026. The concluding message echoed a statement Irsay-Gordon made at the Colts’ year-end presser, during which she said the front office has been “very clear” with Ballard and Steichen.

“We know many fans want change now, and we hear, respect and understand the frustration,” the letter continued. “But make no mistake — the urgency to succeed and win has never been higher, and we believe we can compete for the division and a playoff berth next season and into the future.”

The Colts’ next order of business will be free agency, which opens in March. They will have limited assets to work with this offseason after going all-out to acquire star cornerback Sauce Gardner at the trade deadline.

The post Colts send message to fans following mediocre 2025 season appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Colts co-owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon is unhappy with how the team finished. But she believes Ballard can get Indy back on the right track. “I think what Chris knows and what Shane [Steichen] knows is that the sense of urgency this year has never been higher. Should be able to win and finish games. I think we made a lot of progress. But we’ve gotta be able to win and finish games,” Irsay-Gordon said, per The Athletic’s James Boyd.

When asked how that message differs from last season, Irsay-Gordon noted, “Well, the sense of urgency is higher than last year.”

Carlie Irsay-Gordon gives Colts sense of urgency

Irsay-Gordon took over as the Colts’ co-owner and CEO when her father Jim died in May of 2025. She inherited a team at a turning point. Irsay was not at the helm for the first time since 1997. And Steichen and Ballard were expected to be on the hot seat following back-to-back underwhelming seasons.

But Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor sparked a first-half surge that saw the team jump to the top of the standings. Indianapolis added Sauce Gardner in a trade with the New York Jets. And the team headed into its Week 11 bye leading the AFC South and gunning for the No. 1 seed at 8-2.

However, in Week 14 Jones tore his Achilles, ending his season. Indianapolis called on former quarterback Philip Rivers to steady the ship. Unfortunately the team never recovered and lost seven straight games to close out a massively disappointing season.

Now the Colts face serious questions heading into the 2026 campaign. The team gave up its next two first-round picks in the Gardner trade. The move will make it difficult to add a QB through the draft. And while Jones hopes to be ready for the start of the season, it’s unclear when he’ll be able to play or how effective he’ll be coming off the injury.

Ballard will enter his 10th season as GM in 2026. He has one playoff win and two appearances in his nine years with the team.

The post Why Carlie Irsay-Gordon still believes in GM Chris Ballard appeared first on ClutchPoints.

During Monday’s media availability, head coach Shane Steichen was directly pressed on whether he envisions a role for Richardson with the team in 2026. Rather than offering clarity on the quarterback’s standing, Steichen pointed to a lingering medical concern.

“The biggest thing is the eye limitations. That’s gotta get healthy, and those are conversations that will take place in the future,” said Steichen, via James Boyd of The Athletic.

#Colts HC Shane Steichen, asked if he sees a role for QB Anthony Richardson Sr. on the team next season:

“The biggest thing is the eye limitations. That’s gotta get healthy, and those are conversations that will take place in the future.” pic.twitter.com/n32oxfRg43

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 5, 2026

Steichen’s response came amid growing uncertainty around Richardson’s place in the organization. The former first-round pick is entering the fourth and potentially final year of his rookie contract. General manager Chris Ballard must decide by mid-May whether to exercise Richardson’s fifth-year option, which would extend his deal through the 2027 season.

Once the Colts named Daniel Jones the starter during training camp, Richardson’s path back to QB1 status became murky. Jones, who suffered a torn Achilles late in the season, prompted the franchise to call upon the veteran field general Philip Rivers, out of his retirement, to help sustain the injury-laden roster.

Meanwhile, Jones has already stated his goal is to return by the start of training camp. Both Jones and Steichen have expressed interest in continuing their partnership in 2026, signaling that Jones is firmly in the team’s plans.

Complicating matters further for Richardson is the emergence of rookie Riley Leonard, whose strong showing late in the year has positioned him as a legitimate contender for the backup role for the team in the future.

The Colts’ 2025 season unraveled after a promising 7-1 start, forcing the organization into another period of self-evaluation. While Steichen has been retained for 2026, Indianapolis still lacks a clear QB of the future. Richardson was expected to fill that role, but his injuries, inconsistent development, and shifting depth chart have left his standing in doubt.

With the offseason approaching quickly, the Colts face difficult decisions. Whether Richardson remains part of the long-term vision or becomes a trade chip in a broader reset will shape the franchise’s direction heading into 2026.

The post Colts’ Shane Steichen hides behind eye injury when pressed about Anthony Richardson’s future appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Colts opened the 2025 NFL season as one of the league’s early success stories before a late-season free fall erased their playoff hopes. Indianapolis lost their final seven games after a sizzling 8-2 start, becoming the first franchise in three decades to miss the postseason from that position.

Irsay-Gordon addressed the situation directly on Monday while speaking to fans and media. Her message emphasized accountability and disappointment, signaling a firmer tone from ownership after a season defined by unmet expectations.

The Athletic’s James Boyd shared the statement from the CEO on X (formerly known as Twitter), highlighting the owner’s direct apology and acknowledgment of failure.

“To our fans, my sisters and I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your loyalty and support, as always, but particularly this season.”

“Our extremely disappointing see second half … wasn’t up to our standards, and that falls on me.”

#Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon:

“To our fans, my sisters and I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your loyalty and support, as always, but particularly this season.”

“Our extremely disappointing see second half … wasn’t up to our standards, and that falls on me.” pic.twitter.com/Q0s2Yqgacc

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 5, 2026

The comments underscored just how sharply the season unraveled after such a promising start. Indianapolis failed to recover from mounting injuries and inconsistent execution, watching momentum slip away as losses piled up late in the year.

The Colts missed the postseason despite positioning themselves as early contenders, with injuries playing a significant role in the collapse. Quarterback Daniel Jones tore his right Achilles tendon in Week 14, ending his season and forcing surgery and months of rehabilitation, while injuries sidelined multiple key defensive contributors during the seven-game losing streak. Even so, Irsay-Gordon made it clear that health issues would not serve as a shield from accountability.

Instead, her remarks heightened urgency throughout the organization. General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen are expected to return, but ownership has raised expectations. For Indianapolis, the message from the top signals a reset that demands tangible offseason progress to prevent a collapse of this magnitude from happening again.

The post Colts’ Carlie Irsay-Gordon is ‘pissed’ about Indianapolis’ late-season collapse appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Though he wasn’t able to sling the ball as far as he used to, Rivers still showed a deep command of the quarterback position and the game as a whole, with some openly wondering if the 44-year-old could parlay his experience at St. Michael Catholic High School to become an NFL head coach.

Asked about the rumors that Rivers could pursue a head coaching career down the line, the future Hall of Famer noted he isn’t actively pursuing anything at the moment but has learned over the past month to never say never.

“Well, I think, I mean, there’s been nothing, there’s nothing of concrete with that. I think if anything this past month has taught me is, you know, you just kind of, you’re open, obviously, to anything, I guess, you go from there,” Rivers said.

“But I’m looking forward to going back home and getting back with those guys, getting back with my family, and, you know, Gunner’s senior season coming up, and we’ve been back-to-back semifinals, and hopefully we can get over the hump this year. So I don’t have any of those things on my radar, but certainly, there’s nothing that I would shut down before it even became a possibility.”

While Rivers may not be actively pursuing a new role at the moment, if he is brought in to interview for a position, he believes he would excel in the role, as, at this point, he knows the NFL game and can coach it at the game’s highest level.

“Yeah, I mean, yeah, I think those are all big what-ifs. I do think that, as humbly as I can say it, that I could coach at this level. And I know enough about the game and about the guys, and from a leadership standpoint, camaraderie, all that comes with it,” Rivers said.

“But again, that’s not something that I’m sitting here pursuing. I’m just, I really, like I said, if anything I learned the last four weeks is take it one day at a time, because there was a Sunday afternoon, I had no thought of being in Indianapolis the next day. And then 24 hours later, I was here, and I’ve been here a month exactly, or four weeks exactly today. So you just kinda just go, take it one day at a time, be where you are, and go from there.”

Will fans eventually see Coach Rivers on the sideline of their favorite team? Probably not in 2026, but at some point further down the line? If Rivers is willing to work up the ranks, then that opportunity will certainly be on the table at some point in the future.

The post Colts’ Philip Rivers drops confident take on ability to coach in NFL appeared first on ClutchPoints.

However, Rivers has refuted those rumors, per James Boyd of The Athletic.

“There’s nothing of concrete with that. … This past month has taught me, you’re open to obviously anything, I guess” Rivers said.

However, Rivers didn’t rule out coaching at the high school level.

“It’s nothing that I would shut down before it even became a possibility” he said.

#Colts QB Philip Rivers (retired) on coaching in the NFL:

“There’s nothing of concrete with that. … This past month has taught me, you’re open to obviously anything, I guess.”

Plans on coaching HS but: “It’s nothing that I would shut down before it even became a possibility.” pic.twitter.com/j5VsNfg2PN

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 5, 2026

This year, Rivers has accumulated 544 passing yards along with four touchdowns and a QB rating of 80.2. On Dec. 14, Rivers made his return to the NFL and completed 18 out of 27 pass attempts against the Seattle Seahawks. Though the Seahawks were victorious 18-16, did throw a touchdown pass to Josh Downs.

Rivers, 44, has played 18 seasons in the NFL. From 2004-2019, he had played for the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Colts in 2020.

He is an eight-time Pro Bowler and, in retirement, was the head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama.

Philip Rivers is among elite athletes who came back later in life

The idea that a 44-year-old can come back and play in the NFL and do reasonably well is preposterous to some, especially considering the wear and tear football can do on the body and mind.

Nevertheless, whatever happens from this point on, Rivers has cemented his place in history. A history that includes other athletes, past their prime, who came back and did well.

The most obvious example is Tom Brady returning at 43 to help lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the Super Bowl. Another example is the late boxing legend George Foreman, who returned at 45 to win the heavyweight championship in 1994.

In 1980, hockey legend Gordie Howe was on the ice at age 52. Now, Rivers is in that pantheon.

The post Philip Rivers pumps the brakes on coaching rumors appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jones talked about his future, according to a post on X by Stephen Holder.

“Obviously, it’s a long process and recovery,” Jones said. “And there’s a time frame to it. You gotta check a lot of boxes along the way. But I expect to be ready to go by training camp. We’ll attack the process and make sure I’m ready to go.”

Jones started 13 games for the Colts this season, guiding them to a record of 8-5 before his injury.

Colts QB Daniel Jones still part of Colts’ future

Jones is a free agent, but Steichen said he expects Jones to remain with the team, according to a post on X by James Boyd.

“#Colts HC Shane Steichen says he believes QB Daniel Jones will want to come back, and the team would like to have him back.”

There is other speculation, but a lot of people around the NFL think he will stay with the Colts, according to ESPN.

“I’ve heard a few theories in the couple of days since Jones injured his Achilles,” Dan Graziano wrote. “One is that it makes sense for him to re-sign with the Colts, since they know him and know he can run their offense. He could rehab with them all offseason and hit the ground running whenever he’s cleared. That could be on another one-year deal or maybe a two-year deal with incentives that could make the second year more lucrative if he recovers fully and plays well.”

Graziano pointed to the Vikings as another possible option for the veteran signal caller. Jeremy Fowler mentioned a possible move the Colts could make to lock him into their team.

“If the Colts and Vikings pursue Jones, then he has a nice little market to drive up his demand. But maybe it doesn’t get that far,” Fowler wrote. “if Indianapolis puts the franchise or transition tag on Jones. That’s not totally off the table after asking around. Those numbers are projected somewhere between $39 million and $46 million. Either way, getting creative with the contract to cover both sides will be important.”

The post Colts’ Daniel Jones expects to be ready for training camp amid Achilles injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.

He described the toll on daily life. He also acknowledged that his dad wants him to walk away. The moment felt heavy. It also felt honest. The Colts were eliminated from playoff contention even before losing their sixth straight game, which only deepened the focus on recovery, family, and the reality of what he has endured. Fans now hear a different tone from a veteran who has lived the cost of every snap.

What pushed the Colts conversation forward

Charvarius Ward’s public reflection regarding retirement followed consistent reports. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport helped intensify the discussion by noting that Ward has been seriously considering retirement. Then The Athletic’s James Boyd relayed that Ward said his dad wants him to retire, adding even more fuel to the fire.

Meanwhile, the season timeline explains why the subject will not fade. Ward missed Week 2 with a concussion. Later, he went on injured reserve after another head injury in pregame warmups before Week 6 against Arizona following a collision with teammate Drew Ogletree. Symptoms lingered. He dealt with dizziness, vomiting, and difficulty handling routine tasks. After that, he returned in Week 12 and admitted he had already contemplated retirement. Soon after, another concussion arrived in Week 14 versus Jacksonville. It is his third of the season and his second stint on injured reserve.

Money cannot erase the dilemma. The Colts signed him in March 2025 to a three-year, $54 million contract with significant guarantees through 2027. Paper security meets real risk. Pride meets precaution. And even though the NFL Playoffs will go on without Indianapolis, one question remains for every fan watching closely: when health and football collide, what choice would you make?

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Alec Pierce has been disqualified pic.twitter.com/v5QiRjlQj1

— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) January 4, 2026

Pierce reached up to catch a Riley Leonard pass in the back of the end zone, but did not get his feet down. The Colts receiver thought he was interfered with, and tried to plead his case with the official in the corner of the end zone. In the discussion, he brushed up against the ref, earning a flag and disqualification.

When he was ejected, Pierce had four catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers put him just over 1,000 yards on only 47 receptions. With free agency pending for the 26-year-old, many teams are going to inquire and potentially make him a highly-paid receiver. ESPN’s Stephen Holder has a stat that may help him get paid even more.

“One interesting factoid on Alec Pierce: ESPN tracking has credited him for zero drops this season. A really remarkable stat,” Holder reported. If your team pays Pierce as a top-end receiver this offseason, the lack of drops is something to be excited about.

The Colts now head into a bizarre offseason with no obvious answer at quarterback and no first-round pick. After dealing two first-rounders to the New York Jets for Sauce Gardner, they thought they were going to be playing in the postseason. But seven consecutive losses sent them tumbling into purgatory.

Could the Colts bring back Pierce? He would be a great piece for whatever backup quarterback starts the season to try to get wins early. Then, Daniel Jones could return mid-season with a great top target in Pierce.

The post Colts WR Alec Pierce’s ridiculous season ends with ridiculous ejection, but he’s about to get paid appeared first on ClutchPoints.

After the season finale, Pittman reflected honestly on where things went wrong and how that reality could impact his future with the team.

“We could only look at things that fell short. I’ve got to start by looking at myself. You know, I’ve been here for six years, and it’s been a good six, and I’m hoping it’s not, but if it’s my last, then I’ve really had a great time playing here,” Pittman said Sunday postgame, via James Boyd of The Athletic. “I mean, every player is self-aware. I know it didn’t cut it, and I look back at the first half, and man, it was so good, and then something pivoted. It changed, and things went downhill.”

Pittman has been a cornerstone of the Colts’ offense since being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, earning a reputation as a physical possession receiver, reliable chain-mover, and elite perimeter blocker. However, 2025 marked a shift. And, Pittman expanded on the inevitability of change following a season that fell well short of expectations.

“Obviously, when you have a year like this, you know changes come. I’m not here thinking that anything is safe,” Pittman added. “So, just got to work on the things I can do better. I know I’ve got a lot of good ball left, so hopefully they bring me back, but whatever happens, is meant to be, and I’ll always be a Colt…I definitely think we could run it back and make something happen, but the NFL is tough, and you never know what can happen.”

#Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr.:

“I’m hoping it’s not, but if this was my last (season), then I’ve really had a great time playing here.”

“Every player is self-aware. I know I didn’t cut it. … Hopefully they bring me back, but whatever happens … I’ll always be a Colt.” pic.twitter.com/IYG72c52fo

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 4, 2026

Alec Pierce surpassed Pittman as the team’s top receiving option this season, eclipsing 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. Pittman, meanwhile, finished with 80 receptions for 784 yards and seven touchdowns, with much of his production coming early in the year before Indianapolis unraveled down the stretch.

Questions now loom about Pittman’s 2026 cap hit, lingering back issues, and whether the Colts will retool their receiver room amid broader roster changes.

As Indianapolis now enters a pivotal offseason, Pittman’s comments suggest he understands the business reality ahead. Whether that next chapter is in Indianapolis or elsewhere, the veteran wideout appears prepared for whatever comes next, even if it means saying goodbye to the only NFL home he’s ever known.

The post Colts’ Michael Pittman Jr. braces for potential Indianapolis breakup appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Reports indicate that the Colts plan on having Steichen return as head coach and Ballard return as general manager for the 2026-27 season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Team owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon will talk more about her decision on Monday.

“Source: Colts GM Chris Ballard and HC Shane Steichen officially will return for the 2026 season. Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon will speak to the media Monday.”

The first half of the season was likely the deciding factor to keep Steichen and Ballard in their roles. An argument can be made that injuries, especially the Achilles tear Daniel Jones suffered, completely derailed the team’s season. But ultimately, we should know more about the decision when Irsay-Gordon speaks to the media.

Jones was looking like an MVP candidate before the injury, as the 28-year-old quarterback recorded 3,101 passing yards and 24 total touchdowns (19 passing, five rushing) while completing 68.0% of his pass attempts. His completion percentage turned out to be a career high for the seven-year veteran.

We’ll see what moves the Colts make in the offseason, as the front office went all-in this year with the hopes of reaching the playoffs. Indianapolis has no first-round picks for 2026 or 2027, as Chris Ballard traded them away in exchange for cornerback Sauce Gardner. So, we could see Indy make more all-in type of moves to try and get back to contention.

The post Colts keeping Shane Steichen, Chris Ballard in 2026 after late-season meltdown appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Leonard threw for 270 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception in his first career start, while also recording his second career rushing touchdown. He led the Colts to a 30-point outing against the No. 1 scoring defense in the NFL, their most points scored since putting up 31 in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons.

Riley Leonard in his first career NFL start:

Passing TD
Passing TD
Rushing TD

Colts take the lead over the Texans!pic.twitter.com/ousJ6xBExU

— NFL on ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsNFL) January 4, 2026

Leonard, who also played well against the Jacksonville Jaguars after Daniel Jones got hurt, has already gained the respect of the fan base. His performance has caused fans to openly wonder why the Colts did not just trust him to start their previous three games instead of luring Rivers out of retirement.

“Is… it possible that the biggest mistake that the Colts made this season was bringing in Philip Rivers to start over Riley Leonard?” one fan asked on X, formerly Twitter.

“Where would the Colts be if they went with Riley Leonard instead of Phil Rivers,” another fan questioned.

The debate even sparked an opinion from ESPN’s Ryan Clark, who aired his support for Leonard.

“I thought Riley Leonard should have started when Jones was injured,” Clark tweeted. “Everyone was in an uproar because they supported Rivers. Although Rivers played better than expected, today only reinforced my feelings. Leonard’s youth and athleticism would have given them a much better chance.”

Colts insider does not buy into quarterback debate

Despite the overwhelming support for Leonard, the Duke alum does not have everyone on his side. Most believe that he would have played well had he started multiple games, but ESPN’s Stephen Holder does not fault the Colts for signing and starting Rivers over him.

“The problem with the Riley Leonard vs. Philip Rivers discourse is that even if you flip the decision, it probably doesn’t change the outcome,” Holder tweeted. “Are we saying that Rivers is the reason they lost those games? Because that was clearly not true. Same result no matter the call IMO.”

However, Holder believes that Leonard has played well enough to remain the Colts’ backup quarterback in 2026 over Anthony Richardson. Indianapolis is likely to give Daniel Jones a long-term extension despite his season-ending Achilles injury.

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Colts QB Riley Leonard threw his first career touchdown pass on Sunday against the Texans.

Leonard uncorked a deep pass towards Alec Pierce, who hauled it on and pranced into the end zone for a 66-yard touchdown.

To make the special moment even better, Leonard tossed that ball up to the stands for his father. He caught the ball and brought it back to the rest of the Leonard family.

The rookie quarterback saw his first action against the Jaguars in early December. He logged 145 passing yards with one interception in that contest.

The Colts decided to start Leonard over veteran Philip Rivers for their final game of the 2025 season.

Unfortunately, Leonard has not played well outside of that long touchdown pass. He is 5-of-8 for 79 passing yards and a touchdown so far, the vast majority of which was that 66-yard touchdown.

Oddly enough, Leonard is also Indy’s leading rusher with one carry for 11 yards.

Indianapolis is making the smart move by seeing what they have in Leonard before the offseason. The team will face some major questions at the quarterback position, so it makes sense to understand what they have in Leonard.

The Colts are currently down 20-10 against the Texans with about four minutes left in the first half.

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Multiple teams have been doing background research on Rivers as a potential head coaching candidate, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. There’s even an expectation that he could receive at least one interview during the current hiring cycle. While only the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans entered the weekend with head coaching vacancies, that list is expected to grow after the regular season wraps up.

Rivers, 44, returned to the Colts in December after initially retiring following the 2020 season, stepping in amid injuries at quarterback. Though he went 0-3 as a starter, the comeback reconnected Rivers with the modern NFL and reintroduced him to locker rooms filled with players who grew up watching him.

How interested is Colts veteran Philip Rivers in coaching in the NFL?

Rivers’ interest in coaching at the professional level has long been uncertain. In the past, he has coached at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. Since taking over the program in 2021, he has led the team to two state semifinal appearances while coaching his son, Gunner, who will be a senior next season.

That timeline complicates any immediate leap. Rivers has said he plans to coach his son next year, and league interest does not guarantee interviews will happen now. Still, his recent unretirement may have shifted perceptions on both sides.

Rivers acknowledged this week on the Up & Adams show that broadcasting opportunities have surfaced, but never felt right. He emphasized his desire to influence outcomes rather than analyze them.

Few franchise quarterbacks have pursued NFL head coaching jobs, and fewer still have succeeded. Rivers earned more than $244 million over 17 seasons, making the grind of traditional coaching pathways less appealing. But perhaps the right opportunity will arise for the veteran to remain in the NFL.

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Quarterback Seth Henigan and tight end Sean McKeon are being elevated to the active roster from the Colts’ practice squad for Sunday’s matchup. Henigan will likely step in as the backup quarterback behind rookie Riley Leonard, while McKeon will likely replace Will Mallory as the third-string tight end.

“We have elevated QB Seth Henigan and TE Sean McKeon to the active roster from the practice squad for #INDvsHOU.”

Henigan, who is a former quarterback for the Memphis Tigers, went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. He was initially signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars, but was eventually picked up by the Colts and added to the team’s practice squad. Meanwhile, McKeon has four years of experience in the NFL, all with the Dallas Cowboys. He’s mainly played on special teams and serves as a blocking tight end.

The Colts are eliminated from playoff contention. However, the team can still manage to prevent the Texans from earning home-field advantage in the first round of the postseason. A win over Houston guarantees the Jacksonville Jaguars the AFC South title, which will give them a top-four seeding and a home playoff game.

However, the roster isn’t in the best shape right now. The Colts were forced to end Sauce Gardner’s season already, as the two-time First-Team All-Pro cornerback is dealing with a calf injury. Additionally, quarterback Philip Rivers is opting to sit out the final game of the regular season, allowing Riley Leonard to prove himself in Week 18.

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During a guest appearance on the “Up and Adams Show,” with Kay Adams, the 44-year-old quarterback endorsed Jones to be the starter in Indy once he eventually returns from injury. Rivers ultimately liked what he saw from Daniel Jones before he suffered the season-ending injury.

“I hope, and think that they should bring him back,” said Rivers about the Colts and Jones. “He’s attacking this rehab. I tell you what, he’s been in every day. He’s been in every quarterback meeting, he’s doing all his rehab stuff, which I know early on for an Achilles, isn’t a lot. But he’s on it. And he was having just such an unbelievable year… The guys all love him and respect him, and he seems like a great teammate. He’s been great in the quarterback room…

“No, I think he’s gonna get back healthy and hopefully picks up where he left off,” Rivers continued. “I mean, he was playing unbelievably, then gets the broke leg, and he’s out there battling on a broken leg for three weeks. And that was starting to heal up… And then that happens in Jacksonville with his Achilles. So, I think he’ll pick right back up where he left off, and shoot, if he does that, he’s a guy that should be under center here next year.”

Philip Rivers thinks the Colts bring back Daniel Jones as their guy.

pic.twitter.com/igyOdAOW6l

— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) January 2, 2026

Daniel Jones was playing like a franchise quarterback before the Achilles injury knocked him out of the season. Through the 13 games played for the Colts this campaign, the 28-year-old quarterback threw for 3,101 yards and 19 touchdowns while completing 68.0% of his pass attempts (career-high). He also recorded five rushing touchdowns for Indianapolis.

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Gardner, who is 25 years old, is ruled out with a calf injury, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The star cornerback will not be available for the Colts when they take on the Houston Texans in the season finale. Tight end Will Mallory is also ruled out with a lung issue.

“Colts ruled out CB Sauce Gardner (calf) and TE Will Mallory (lung) for Sunday’s game vs. the Texans.”

The two-time First-Team All-Pro had arguably the worst season of his career this year. He managed to play in only 11 games (seven with the New York Jets and four with the Colts) and failed to force a single turnover. Sauce Gardner ends the 2025-26 campaign with 36 combined tackles (29 solo) and nine pass deflections.

Indy traded for Gardner ahead of the deadline with the Jets as a way to improve the secondary for this season and beyond. The front office dealt away two first-round picks (2026 and 2027) along with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. It was an all-in move, as the Colts acquired a top cornerback in the league to help with the playoff push.

However, that was all for nothing. After quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, the team was forced to sign 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers, who hadn’t played a snap in nearly five years. The Colts have suffered six straight losses as they enter Week 18.

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“I always think about my future in general. I always want my life to be better … I haven’t necessarily thought about my future here because I don’t see anything wrong right now. Setbacks happen,” Richardson said, as he addressed his future with the Colts, per The Athletic’s James Boyd.

Richardson suffered an unusual orbital bone fracture near his right eye in October 2025. The injury was sustained during pregame warmups in Week 6 when a stretching band snapped and struck him in the face before a game. And the injury kept him sidelined for most of the season.

Although he returned to practice late in the year, lingering vision issues will keep him from playing in the Week 18 finale against the Houston Texans, a decision made by head coach Shane Steichen.

“Had a conversation in my office yesterday [on Tuesday] with him, it was great,” Steichen said on Wednesday. “He’s still got the vision limitations, it’s just the smart thing. Obviously, you put him out there with vision limitations and something happens, not a good idea.”

Richardson said on Wednesday he has been making progress every day, adding that the injury has had little effect on him physically, though he acknowledged he has not fully recovered yet.

“In general, my eyesight has been improving, especially from when it first happened,” he added. “But every day is going to be a day for improvement or healing. Obviously, my eye’s not 100 percent, but it’s getting there day by day…when it comes to football, I feel pretty good.”

The 23-year-old is under his rookie contract through the 2026 season, with the Colts holding a fifth-year option. He avoided directly addressing his long-term future with the team but made it clear he has bigger goals for his life and career.

Injuries, including shoulder surgery during his rookie season and limited action in 2025, have slowed his development. Despite the setbacks, Richardson remains confident in his ability to succeed in the NFL. As long as he has a chance to play, he believes everything is still possible.

“Oh, yeah,” Richardson said Wednesday, per ESPN’s Stephen Holder. “No doubt. If I’ve still got a chance to play football, then it’s all out there.”

Currently a backup to Daniel Jones, who is working his way back from an Achilles injury, Richardson could be in a position to compete for a starting role in 2026, whether that comes in Indianapolis or elsewhere.

With the Colts lacking a first-round pick in 2026 and facing questions about the futures of Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard, the organization has important decisions ahead. Richardson’s raw talent is still evident, but patience is thinning after three seasons disrupted by injuries.

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Initially retiring after the 2020 campaign, Rivers returned to the NFL in 2025 as the Colts needed help following Daniel Jones’ season-ending Achilles injury. He took over the starting job in an attempt to help them resume their playoff push but was unsuccessful as Indianapolis went 0-3 in his starts.

Going into the Week 18 matchup, the Colts opted to start rookie Riley Leonard over Rivers as their playoff hopes are over. Knowing that the official end of his career is on the horizon, Rivers had one reflection to make about what he’ll miss from being in the NFL.

“When I was real young, I used to ask my mom and dad to introduce me. … I’d come running through the kitchen, high-fiving them. So, to have that memory last Sunday was awesome, getting to come out one last time,” Rivers said, via reporter James Boyd.

.@MayTayColts asked #Colts QB Philip Rivers what he’ll cherish:

“When I was real young, I used to ask my mom and dad to introduce me. … I’d come running through the kitchen, high-fiving them. So, to have that memory last Sunday was awesome, getting to come out one last time.” pic.twitter.com/A3xoP4RPLU

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 1, 2026

What lies ahead for Philip Rivers, Colts

It’s clear that Philip Rivers did all he could to help the Colts after coming out of retirement. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough as their opponents proved too much for them to handle.

Unless Riley Leonard sustains an injury that forces him out of the Week 18 matchup, Rivers concludes his second Colts stint after three starts in 2025. He completed 58 passes out of 92 attempts for 544 yards and four touchdowns and three interceptions.

Indianapolis has an 8-8 record on the season, holding the third spot in the AFC South Division standings. They are above the Tennessee Titans while trailing the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars. In terms of the AFC standings, they sit at eighth place. They are above the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins while trailing the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers.

The Colts will look to end the 2025 regular season strong despite the disappointing collapse. They will be on the road when they face the Texans on Jan. 4 at 1 p.m. ET.

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Riley Leonard Gets Exposed by the NFL’s Premier Defense

The Texans’ defense ranks first in the NFL in virtually every meaningful statistical category, allowing just 16.6 points per game and 272.4 yards per contest. Against this elite unit, rookie Riley Leonard will face his stiffest test as an NFL quarterback. Leonard has appeared in only four games for Indianapolis, completing 18 of 33 passes for 145 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions. His performance metrics have been pedestrian at best, recording a negative EPA of -7.56 and a completion percentage of just 54.5%.​

The Colts’ offensive line, while talented, cannot mask the inexperience of a first-year quarterback operating behind center. Leonard will be forced into difficult decisions against Houston’s pass rush, which has been suffocating opponents all season. The Texans’ defensive scheme is specifically designed to create pressure and disrupt rhythm, and Houston’s secondary has shown the ability to capitalize on young quarterbacks’ mistakes. Expect the Texans to generate consistent pressure, force Leonard into hurried throws, and potentially record multiple sacks. Look for a statline reflecting the disparity in experience: Leonard under 150 passing yards with at least one interception.

Jonathan Taylor Struggles to Find Room Against the Stingy Texans Run Defense

Jonathan Taylor has been nothing short of exceptional this season, accumulating 1,559 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on 309 carries for an impressive 5.0-yard average per carry. His Week 17 performance against Jacksonville demonstrated his potential, as he rushed for 253 yards and two touchdowns in dominant fashion. However, the Texans present a different challenge entirely. Houston’s defense has surrendered just 4.7 yards per play, the fourth-best mark in football, indicating elite fundamental discipline across the roster.​

The Texans’ defensive line has been constructed specifically to stop the run, with proven run-stuffers and gap assignment specialists. While Taylor is elite in his own right, even elite running backs struggle against the league’s premier defensive unit. Houston has shown the ability to contain running backs through superior gap integrity and assignment discipline. Taylor will be held to his season-low range of performance, likely accumulating between 65-85 rushing yards on 18-22 carries. The Texans’ defense will force Indianapolis to rely on passing, which plays directly into Houston’s strength in coverage and their ability to generate pressure upfield.

The Texans’ Offense Will Move the Ball Easily Against an Overmatched Colts Secondary

CJ Stroud has won 5 straight games, making plays like these during the win streak and accounts on here claim he’s mid pic.twitter.com/9ntMdlnMCU

— big ounce (@_bigounce) December 30, 2025

While much focus has centered on Houston’s dominant defense, the Texans’ offense deserves credit for its steady improvement throughout the season. C.J. Stroud has matured significantly under pressure, posting a 93.6 passer rating in 2025 with 2,872 passing yards and 18 touchdowns in 12 games. The Texans have won eight consecutive games, demonstrating championship-caliber resolve. Meanwhile, the Colts’ secondary ranks 19th in points allowed per game at 23.4, with particularly vulnerable road performance (2-5 away from home).​

Stroud will have ample opportunities to dissect Indianapolis’ secondary, which lacks the elite cover corners needed to slow Houston’s receiving weapons. The Texans’ offense will establish an early rhythm, putting points on the board and forcing the Colts into deficit situations. Expect Stroud to post efficient numbers—likely 250+ passing yards and multiple touchdown passes. Houston’s ground game, led by Woody Marks, will also find running room against the Colts’ predictable defensive schemes. The combination of early offensive success and defensive superiority will create a snowball effect, with the Texans controlling field position and time of possession throughout the contest.

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Rivers un-retired and re-signed with the Colts in an effort to save Indy’s season after Daniel Jones tore his Achilles. But the 44-year-old quarterback couldn’t pull the team out of its spiral. With the Colts out of the playoff hunt, Rivers announced his re-retirement.

“I’m back to the sideline,” Rivers told Kay Adams on the Up & Adams Show. “This was a fun, three-week blur that nobody saw coming, including myself. And that’ll be it.”

Philip Rivers re-retires after 3-game run with Colts

Rivers assured Adams that he is done with football, explaining that he only came back after a five-year absence because the Colts presented the perfect situation.

“I knew I was done in 2020… This was just– everything just lined up right. Because [had a different team] called, there was no chance. Because, again, it was a place I’d been, a team I was familiar with, the offense was exactly the same, a coach I knew. It was all those things [that] made it a perfect storm.”

Riley Leonard will start for the Colts in the regular season finale. And Rivers is excited to get back to coaching high school football.

“I think [returning to the Colts will] kickstart our offseason program to say the least. Maybe some things I say to them they’ll take a little more serious now that I was just out there playing a few weeks ago.”

After an 8-2 start the Colts hit a wall. Rivers did his best to hold the team together following Jones’ injury. The eight-time Pro Bowler had some vintage moments in his surprise three-game return to the NFL. And he struggled at times as well.

Rivers carved up the 49ers early in Week 16’s MNF matchup and he gave the Colts a chance to win against the Seahawks. But he couldn’t snap Indianapolis’ losing streak.

Still, the un-retirement wasn’t a total failure. Rivers secured health benefits for the next five years with his return. That’s no small thing for a man with 10 children.

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Rivers will not be in the lineup for the Colts in their season finale against the Houston Texans, but that doesn’t mean his time with the team is fully over, according to the latest reports.

“Shane Steichen confirms Riley Leonard will start Sunday. Seth Henigan ‘good chance’ will be the backup. Philip Rivers will hang around the building this week to help. Anthony Richardson Sr. will not be activated. Still has vision limitations,” reported Kevin Bowen of The Fan Morning Show on X, formerly Twitter.

Rivers’ veteran experience and leadership will certainly be helpful for a younger player like Leonard, the 2025 rookie who has also dealt with injury troubles at certain points this year.

It may be hard to recall now, but the Colts were at one point 7-1 and atop the standings in the AFC, with some wondering if they might secure the number one overall seed in the conference. However, injuries and an overall decline in play have led the Colts into a sharp freefall over the last several weeks, with the team not having won a game since an early November victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

In any case, the Colts and Texans are slated to conclude their respective regular seasons against one another on Sunday. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 pm ET from Houston.

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From there, the bigger question shifts to the front office. ESPN’s Dan Graziano said the Colts have carried high expectations for the past two years and haven’t come close to matching them, with owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon eager to win fast and potentially unwilling to stay patient after a late-season collapse.

Graziano added that, after being in Indianapolis on Sunday, he got the sense that nobody around the team truly knows where things are headed now.

Graziano also noted Ballard’s relationship with Irsay-Gordon is considered strong, and while the Anthony Richardson Sr. pick looks like it may have missed, the Daniel Jones signing was working until the injury. His personal lean is that Ballard sticks, even if his name is coming up constantly in league circles right now.

On the field, the Colts are also pivoting quickly. He also said the team will see what Riley Leonard can give them in Week 18, a choice that turns the finale into both an evaluation and a signal about how the organization is thinking as it absorbs the disappointment.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler framed Ballard as a moving target, respected for drafting well and building solid rosters, but with “no division titles in nine years” sitting there like an unavoidable line item.

Fowler added he’s spoken to people who wonder if Ballard could be the first to go ahead of Shane Steichen if changes happen at all, though injuries and the team’s strong first 10 games still factor heavily, and most people he’s talked to are leaning toward Ballard being safe.

That context lands harder after the way the playoff chase ended. Indianapolis started 8-2, then dropped five straight, and once Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, the margin vanished.

The Colts needed the Chargers to beat the Texans, but Houston’s 20-16 win eliminated Indianapolis on its day off, leaving the final stretch against the Jaguars and Texans as a chance to stabilize and take stock.

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“The Colts are expected to start rookie Riley Leonard on Sunday against the Texans, sources told @HolderStephen and me.

After three games with Philip Rivers and the Colts falling out of the playoffs, Indy will get a look at the rookie.”

Rivers had a nice three-game ride as the Colts’ un-retired starter. He passed for 544 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions.

Colts turn to QB Riley Leonard

It will be the first start of Leonard’s career. The rookie from Notre Dame has appeared in four games, throwing for 145 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions.

Rivers came out of retirement after Daniel Jones’ season-ending Achilles injury. He said he had no regrets about the brief comeback. And he did better than most people expected.

One thing to note about Rivers is that he won’t be eligible for Hall of Fame consideration again until 2031.

Rivers said he was thankful for the opportunity, according to c0lts.com.

“If it’s the last one, it’s the last one,” Rivers said. “I thought the last one was walking off the field in Buffalo (in January 2021). We’re walking up that tunnel, and I was fine with it. And that one had tears, and those few days after it, and I was at peace with that being the last one.

“So certainly, if it is, I got three bonus games that I never saw coming and couldn’t be more thankful that I got the opportunity.”

The Colts have a record of 8-8 and won’t be playing for anything other than pride against the Texans. Well, there is the idea of finishing above .500 for the season. And that’s certainly something to consider. Whether Leonard will give them a good chance remains to be seen.

But as tough as the Texans’ defense is, Leonard will likely struggle.

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Sitting pretty at 7-1 with a retread QB who was getting legitimate MVP hype, Jones and the Colts fell back to earth on the back nine, with a Week 14 knee injury ruled a season-ending Achilles injury shortly after the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

With his timeline for 2026 up in the air and a legitimate question about how the Colts can attack the most important position in sports down two first-round picks, ESPN’s Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter weighed in on Jones’ future, noting that he believes a reunion in Indianapolis is more likely than pursuing a free agent to be like Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis.

“I think they are banking on Daniel Jones being back, and I think they’ll resign him, and I do think he’ll be ready for the start of the season,” Schefter noted. “And if that’s the case, then the Colts don’t need to sign Malik Willis.”

Had Jones and the Colts agreed to a new contract back in Week 2 following a 316-yard performance against the eventual top-seeded Denver Broncos, the number would have likely stretched into nine figures, with Baker Mayfield’s $100 million deal the bare minimum for that level of production. But now? After struggling down the stretch with a major injury? Indiana Jones may again have to settle for another one-year, prove-it deal that forces him to show he can still be that level of performer before the real money comes in the future.

"I think the Colts are banking on Daniel Jones being back and I do think that they'll re-sign him..

I think that he will ready for the start of the season"@AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/F7BZKkCGe0

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 29, 2025

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On defense, Sauce Gardner dealt with calf injuries, and he recently suffered another in their latest game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Though this is a repeated occurrence and the Colts are not playing for much in their season finale against the Houston Texans, Gardner has not been ruled out for the game.

Head coach Shane Steichen was asked about the decision, and he basically said that Gardner has to be 100% to go.

“Yeah, that’s a good question. I mean, he’s gotta be really good to go on Sunday, I’ll say that,” Steichen said via James Boyd of The Athletic.

Though he hasn’t been ruled out, there is a good chance that Gardner just doesn’t play. That makes the most sense for him and his future health, and for the organization after they invested in a lot to acquire him during the trade deadline this season.

Gardner is one of the better cornerbacks in the league, but he wasn’t able to show much of what he could with the Colts. He will have a better chance next season, and the hope is that the team can get back to what they were during the first half of the season.

As of now, they will try to end the season off strong against the Texans, a divisional opponent who had an opposite fate. The Texans started the season 0-3, but they came back in the second half of the season and found themselves in the playoffs.

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The Packers need their quarterback to return soon if they are to have any hope of a postseason run. Love’s replacement, Malik Willis, has actually played admirably in relief of the starter, though. He was not to blame for the Packers’ most recent loss, and he has played so well that some fans are wondering if he is deserving of another chance to be a starting quarterback somewhere.

A lot of NFL draft busts don’t pan out with certain teams, not because of their talent level, but because the situation didn’t allow for it. Willis, for example, was only given three starts by the Tennessee Titans before they moved on at the quarterback position to Will Levis. Cam Ward has even since taken the Titans quarterback reins from Levis.

Willis was a raw prospect who needed time to grow and learn from his mistakes, and he was never afforded that opportunity. He has flashed the potential that was always there during his time as the Packers’ backup quarterback. So, in addition to Willis, what recent draft busts or benched players deserve another chance to start and prove that they belong in the NFL?

5. Treylon Burks, WR

Treylon Burks was drafted with the pick that was acquired when the Tennessee Titans traded A.J. Brown away. Because the trade was essentially a receiver-for-receiver deal, expectations were high for Burks right away. The Arkansas product did not live up to expectations despite there being plenty of opportunity with the Titans continuously having an underwhelming receiver corps.

The root of Burks’ problems stemmed from injury issues. He was limited to just 27 games over his three seasons with the Titans, and the team eventually decided to cut their losses. Burks’ on-field production was underwhelming, too, as he only had one touchdown with the Titans.

Burks is now on the Washington Commanders, and he has flashed the potential scouts saw in him when he was drafted 18th overall. Most notably, Burks had a highlight-worthy, one-handed catch for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos, who are one of the best defensive teams in the NFL. If Burks can remain healthy, there is a path for him to become a long-term starter with the Commanders. Deebo Samuel and Terry McLaurin are the top two options, but there isn’t a third receiver to write home about. Jayden Daniels had a rough sophomore campaign, but he was the Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, and he should return to form next year.

4. Evan Neal, OL

The New York Giants have had their fair share of draft misses along the offensive line in recent years. Evan Neal, the seventh overall pick in 2022, was one such miss. The offensive tackle from Alabama was another victim of injury woes. He has even missed all of this season with a hamstring issue.

Before being put on injured reserve, the Giants converted Neal to offensive guard. Upon his return next season, Neal will now have positional versatility. He is a mountain of a man who excels in run blocking. If he can clean up his pass blocking and penalty issues, he can still become a high-quality starting lineman.

That likely won’t come with the Giants, though, as New York declined his fifth-year option. Neal deserves a second chance to live up to his pre-draft billing, though.

3. Anthony Richardson, QB

Anthony Richardson was drafted fourth overall in 2023. The Indianapolis knew that he was a project, but his raw physical and athletic traits were worth the gamble. Richardson is 6-foot-4, 244 pounds. He is both fast and strong as a ball carrier, which led to some pegging him as a Cam Newton-level rusher.

Richardson also has one of the strongest arms in the NFL, and he can thrive throwing the football deep down the field. Processing plays, diagnosing defenses, and throwing accurate passes were Richardson’s issues coming into the NFL, but these were areas the Colts hoped he’d develop at.

With time, perhaps he would have, but Richardson just wasn’t given much playing time. The Florida product definitely wasn’t given as much of a chance as the average fourth-overall pick is. Richardson was plagued by injuries in his first two seasons before he lost a quarterback competition to Daniel Jones in year three.

Granted, Richardson’s injury issues stemmed from his reckless play style, and the Colts’ offense went to the next level when Jones took over. Richardson also never showed much development when it came to his accuracy. Still, his physical traits are worth taking another shot at. Jones will be out for the season next year because of his Achilles injury, so the Colts should give Richardson one more try. Bryce Young is a recent example of a high draft pick who was benched by his team, just to eventually thrive once given another opportunity. Perhaps Richardson will be the next redemption story.

2. Malik Willis, QB

Willis, like Richardson, had all of the athletic traits coming out of college, but the team that drafted him didn’t have the patience that he needed while really learning the professional game. The Titans only took the quarterback in the third round in 2022, but he was considered by many to be a first-round prospect, and he is viewed as one of the bigger draft day fallers in recent memory.

Willis only started three games for the Titans before they took on another quarterback project in Levis. Levis didn’t work out either, so if it wasn’t for the fact that Tennessee was able to draft Ward, they’d likely be pinching themselves for never giving Willis a fair shot.

Willis has shown his talent level in limited opportunities with the Packers. In Green Bay’s recent loss, the Packers were defeated even though the team didn’t punt once. Willis completed 18 of his 21 passes for 288 yards. His recent success might serve as a tryout to eventually get a shot elsewhere. Willis might not have what it takes to be a full-time starter, but he could be given another chance to prove himself.

1. Kyler Murray, QB

Kyler Murray shouldn’t be viewed as a full-blown draft bust. He hasn’t quite met the expectations of a number one overall pick, though. Murray is currently listed as being out because of a foot injury, but some considered Jacoby Brissett’s promotion as a soft benching for Murray. Now, it seems inevitable that Murray will be playing for a new team going forward.

Teams in need of a quarterback who won’t have the draft capital to secure a premier prospect should be calling the Arizona Cardinals to work out a trade package for Murray. He is a solid rushing quarterback with a great ability to scramble and a knack for making big plays.

At worst, Murray is still an average starting quarterback. He has 20,460 yards and 121 touchdowns through the air already, yet he is still just 28 years old. Whichever team gives Murray another chance to start would get more than just a bridge quarterback; they could get a legitimate franchise player.

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For veteran Philip Rivers, this could be the end of the road. He acknowledged that fact after the game. Rivers did so while also noting he has no regrets, via WISH-TV.

“If this was the last one, I don’t have any regrets about coming back,” Rivers said. “Other than us not winning. It has been an absolute blast for three weeks. I’d do it all again. It has been absolutely awesome. If it’s the last one, it’s the last one. I got three bonus games that I never saw coming, I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity.”

WATCH: Philip Rivers chokes up talking about having possibly played his last game.

"It's been an absolute blast… I'd do it all again." pic.twitter.com/3zqtWGLA4Y

— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) December 28, 2025

The quarterback said that he is on board with whatever the Colts decide to do at quarterback in Week 18. Indianapolis may prefer to see what they have in youngster Riley Leonard rather than trot Rivers back out there after being eliminated. If Week 17 was his swan song, Rivers is going out with his head held high.

Against the Jaguars, Rivers completed 17-of-30 passes for 147 yards, a touchdown and an interception. His three starts with the Colts have resulted in 544 passing yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions.

While three losses wasn’t how Rivers wanted to go out, playing NFL football in 2025 seemed to be an improbable task. He hadn’t played since 2020. Still, the Colts gave him a chance, and Rivers did the most of what he could with it.

If this is the end of the quarterback’s journey, he is trying to be at peace with it. Rivers has spent a lifetime in the NFL, earning eight Pro Bowl nominations along the way.

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“Postgame: Colts coach Shane Steichen said he’ll think over his QB decision the next couple of days and decide who will start in Week 18 at Houston,” ESPN’s Stephen Holder reported.

Rivers went 17-30 for 147 yards on Sunday, a far fall from his primetime performance last Monday. Leonard came in for the Hail Mary pass at the end, which was intercepted. Leonard led the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to the National Championship game last year, but he has not been great in relief for the Colts this year. But it may be time for Indy to see what they have and let Rivers ride into the sunset, again.

The Colts face the Houston Texans in Week 18, who still have an outside shot at winning the AFC South. They need to win, while the Jaguars lose to the Tennessee Titans in their matchup. But the Colts are playing out the string, as they are eliminated from playoff contention at 8-8.

Leonard has appeared in four games now, including the interception on Sunday. The Colts used a sixth-round pick on him in the most recent NFL Draft and are hoping to strike gold. Houston’s defense is a tough test, but a great game could put him in the Colts’ quarterback competition next season.

Rivers came back after a five-year hiatus and gave the Colts a chance in their Week 15 game against the Seattle Seahawks. The defense struggled in Week 16, while it was not great for the offense in Week 17. His retirement should continue after the season, although he’s shown that you can never say never.

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The cornerback has suffered another calf injury and is now questionable to return, the team announced. Already into the fourth quarter, it seems unlikely that Gardner will return for the Week 17 matchup.

If he remains out for Week 18, Gardner’s debut with the Colts will end on a whimper. Indianapolis invested heavily into the cornerback, trading a pair of second-round picks to the New York Jets for his services. However, injuries have held Gardner back since his arrival.

Overall, he managed to appear in four games with the Colts, including the Jaguars battle prior to his departure. The defensive back made 16 tackles and three passes defended. Over his entire 10-game season, Gardner earned a 75.1 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 14/111 cornerbacks.

Entering the offseason, the Colts will be looking to get Gardner fully acclimated into their defense. He won’t be swapping teams in the middle of the year. He’ll be able to soak in exactly what Indianapolis wants to do and put himself in a position to make a considerable difference come 2026.

But that can’t happen if Gardner isn’t healthy. The first order of business will simply be getting past his calf ailment. With the Colts already eliminated, the cornerback will have plenty of time to do so.

Indianapolis sunk plenty of resources bringing Gardner to the Colts. They’ll hope the results are much stronger, and healthier next season.

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Rivers, who is 44 years old, was trying to run hurry up offense to snap the ball before the Jaguars could throw a challenge flag. Referees blew the play dead after the ball was snapped, causing the veteran quarterback to lose his cool on the field.

Philip Rivers was visibly upset with the officials after the play.

: FOX pic.twitter.com/Uok2HcViT3

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 28, 2025

Jaguars head coach Liam Coen must have just gotten the red flag out at the perfect time for the refs to blow their whistle. That’s at least what Greg Olsen claimed on the broadcast, as he said that he saw Coen get the flag out just before the ball was snapped.

However, since the officials blew the call dead after the ball was snapped, Philip Rivers couldn’t help but go wild on them. From his perspective, Rivers was able to snap the ball, which would mean the previous play could no longer be challenged.

Although the refs angered Rivers, the Colts still managed to eventually score a touchdown and tie the game 17-17 going into the fourth quarter. So, in the end, it didn’t necessarily matter. So far in the contest, the 18-year pro has thrown for 107 yards and a touchdown while completing 56.5% of his pass attempts.

The Colts have a chance to steal a win over the Jaguars on Sunday. A loss for Jacksonville would tie them with the Houston Texans heading into Week 18.

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A season that once saw the Colts start 7–1 has collapsed, and the fallout drops directly into the Jets’ long-term plans. The draft board shifted. The outlook brightened. And for once, Jets fans get to smile about something that didn’t require a miracle finish under the stadium lights.

Why the Colts’ collapse helps the Jets in a big way

Per Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, the Colts missing the playoffs delivers a major boost for New York. As a result, with Indianapolis out, the first-round pick the Colts sent to the Jets for Sauce Gardner is now guaranteed to land inside the top 18 of the 2026 NFL Draft. That is certainty. That is premium value. Most importantly, it arrives right as the Jets are resetting direction and rebuilding their future.

Back in context, the November 2025 trade that sent Gardner to the Colts brought Adonai Mitchell and two first-rounders to New York. It was bold and emotional. Now, though, it looks even better. Ultimately, the Chargers’ result against the Texans shut the Colts out of the postseason. It also locked in the pick range the Jets needed.

Meanwhile, the Jets’ own season still hurts. A 34–10 loss to the Dolphins officially eliminated them from playoff contention again, extending the NFL’s longest active drought to 15 seasons. Once again, a new regime now stands in the same place as so many before it, trying to rebuild belief and identity.

Even so, the board favors them now. A top-18 pick adds flexibility, trade power, and roster-building juice. It is proof that even in a frustrating year, leverage exists and futures change fast. So now the question shifts from doubt to hope: what will the Jets do with a premium pick delivered by the Colts’ elimination?

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Gardner avoided the IR but the fourth-year cornerback has been sidelined for the last three weeks. And the Colts have lost five straight games, falling to 8-7.

Now Gardner is set to make his return, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Despite being listed as questionable for Week 17, the star defensive back is expected to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The only problem is, the Colts were eliminated from the playoffs on Saturday.

Sauce Gardner set to return after Colts miss playoffs

It’s been a tale of two seasons for the AFC South. While the Colts dominated over the first half of the campaign, the Jaguars and Houston Texans have come on over the second half. Houston won its eighth straight game on Saturday, improving to 11-5. The Texans victory over the Chargers on Saturday officially knocked Indianapolis out of the playoff picture.

It’s a particularly brutal development for the Colts. Indy went all-in on the 2025 season after a stellar start. The team landed Gardner at the trade deadline, sending two first-round picks to the New York Jets in exchange for the All-Pro defender.

That decision is being questioned as injuries sunk the Colts’ season. And Indianapolis’ 2026 first-rounder went up in value after the Texans’ win as it’s guaranteed to be a top 18 pick.

The Colts tried everything they could think of to salvage the season after their 8-2 start. But Indy’s injuries coincided with the rise of the Jaguars and Texans. And even Philip Rivers’ un-retirement couldn’t save the Colts.

Rivers planned to start in Week 17 when Indianapolis was still clinging to playoff hopes. Perhaps he and Gardner will both take the field to play spoiler against a Jaguars team gunning for the AFC South title. After facing Jacksonville on Sunday, the Colts close the season against the Texans in Houston.

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Indianapolis found itself in a brutal situation going into Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season. After starting the season 8-2, the team has since lost five straight games as they fell out of the playoff picture of the AFC standings.

On top of that, a season-ending Achilles injury to starting quarterback Daniel Jones put a bigger dent on the Colts’ playoff hopes. They had Philip Rivers come out of retirement after five years to help them stay alive in the playoff picture. However, they lost in his last two starts and were at risk of elimination before getting to their Week 17 game.

They needed the Chargers to beat the Texans on Saturday, the latter being Indianapolis’ division rival in the AFC South. However, it didn’t come to fruition as Houston took down Los Angeles 20-16 to punch its ticket to the playoffs. As a result, the Colts’ hopes of coming back to the postseason for the first time since 2020 will have to wait another year.

What’s next for Colts after playoff elimination

It is an unfortunate way for the Colts to go when it comes to being out of the playoff race. They were just unable to maintain the excellent start they had that allowed them to be in the playoff conversation.

Indianapolis has an 8-7 record on the season, holding the third spot in the AFC South Division standings. They are above the Tennessee Titans while trailing the Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars by a wide margin. In terms of the AFC standings, they sit at eighth place. They are above the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins while trailing the Chargers and Texans.

Despite their playoff hopes being over, the Colts will move forward with the remainder of their season. They will be at home when they host the Jaguars on Dec. 28 at 1 p.m. ET before going on the road to face the Texans on Jan. 4 at 1 p.m. ET.

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Defensive Tackle DeForest Buckner, return specialist Anthony Gould and tight end Drew Ogletree are heading to the injured reserve, and in response to those setbacks, the Colts are activating Ashton Dulin from the IR and signing DT Chris Wormley to the active roster, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. They are also elevating center Jimmy Morrissey and guard Josh Sills.

It is never ideal to make a series of changes a day before a must-win game, but Shane Steichen’s squad is well accustomed to misfortune by now. Quarterback Daniel Jones pushed through a fibula injury before suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Week 14. Buckner missed more than a month with a herniated disc in his neck, returned last Monday and is now done for the season after aggravating the issue. Sauce Gardner came over in an expensive trade and has only played two full games with his new team.

Everyone battles adversity over the course of a campaign, but rarely does an 8-2 squad plummet as severely as the Colts have during the last five weeks. They are now trusting 44-year-old Philip Rivers (who has admirably filled in at quarterback) and the rest of this embattled group to upset the Jags and bring their faint playoff hopes into the regular season finale.

But first, Indy will beg the football gods to lift the Los Angeles Chargers to a win over the Houston Texans on Saturday.

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When Buckner went on the shelf in November, the Colts’ season hit the skids. The squad has yet to recover. The former All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler gave it a go against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football, but Indy still lost its fifth straight game. He ends his 10th NFL campaign with four sacks, 30 solo tackles, nine tackles for loss and 36 total pressures.

The Colts’ defense remains woefully shorthanded. Sauce Gardner, the star cornerback the organization traded two future first-round draft picks and young wide receiver Adonai Mitchell for, is questionable for Sunday’s clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a calf injury. Even though he is trending in the right direction, replacing Buckner is a headache-inducing endeavor. Indianapolis has yet to figure it out.

But the Colts have defied the odds throughout the 2025-26 season. They enjoyed a historic start on offense, darting off to a 7-1 start. A playoff berth seemed inevitable. Now, it is improbable, but so too was Philip Rivers’ return. Although the 44-year-old is 0-2 this season, he has mystified the public by performing more than competently under center. Perhaps the old gunslinger has one last run in him over the next two weeks.

However, beyond what Rivers can provide at quarterback, Indy must trust its defense to disrupt the Jags’ Trevor Lawrence-led offense. DeForest Buckner will surely have some inspirational words to impart on his teammates before they collide with Jacksonville inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

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James Boyd of The Athletic reported Friday on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Gardner practiced for the first time in weeks as he works his way back from a calf injury.

“#Colts CB Sauce Gardner (calf) is practicing today for the first time in weeks,” Boyd posted.

Gardner’s return to the practice field marks a notable step forward after he was listed as a limited participant on Thursday’s injury report. Indianapolis clarified that designation by noting the team did not hold a formal practice Thursday and that the report reflected an estimation of participation. Friday’s session, however, represented Gardner’s first on-field work in an extended stretch.

After practice, head coach Shane Steichen said he expects Gardner to return on Sunday, according to Mike Chappell of FOX59.

Colts’ Week 17 playoff push vs. Jaguars boosted by Sauce Gardner status

The 25-year-old has missed the Colts’ last two games, including Monday night’s 48-27 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16. Gardner has been sidelined since sustaining the calf injury earlier this month, limiting a secondary that has dealt with injuries throughout the season.

A former First-team All-Pro, Gardner has appeared in 10 games this season split between the New York Jets and Indianapolis. Across those appearances, he has totaled 33 tackles, including 26 solo stops, with eight passes defended and 1.5 stuffs. Since joining the Colts, Gardner has recorded 13 tackles and two passes defended in three games.

Indianapolis enters Week 17 at 8-7 and riding a six-game losing streak after opening the season 8-2. The Colts remain on the outside of the AFC playoff picture with slim postseason odds, making Gardner’s return increasingly significant.

The Colts are scheduled to host Jacksonville on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX.

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On Thursday, the Colts listed Gardner as a limited participant on their injury report, signaling progress after he missed the team’s last two games. The designation comes as Indianapolis looks to keep its postseason hopes alive entering Sunday’s 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff on FOX.

The Colts clarified the report on X, formerly known as Twitter:

“thursday’s practice report for #JAXvsIND.

we did not practice on Thursday. today’s practice report is only an estimation of a player’s participation if there was a practice.”

Gardner, 25, sat out Indianapolis’ Week 16 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football, a 48-27 defeat that extended the Colts’ losing streak to six games. He has been sidelined due to lingering injury concerns but now appears to be trending toward a possible return at a critical point in the season.

A step forward for Sauce Gardner. https://t.co/iReQfWaN6B

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 25, 2025

Sauce Gardner’s status key as Colts face Jaguars in uphill Week 17 playoff push

A former First-team All-Pro, Gardner has appeared in 10 games this season split between the New York Jets and the Colts. Across those appearances, he has totaled 33 tackles — 26 solo and seven assisted — along with eight passes defended and 1.5 stuffs. Since joining Indianapolis, Gardner has played in three games, recording 13 tackles, including 11 solo stops, with two passes defended.

Indianapolis enters Week 17 with an 8-7 record, a sharp downturn after opening the season 8-2. The Colts currently sit outside the AFC playoff picture and face steep odds down the stretch. According to the New York Times Playoff Simulator, Indianapolis holds a 3% chance of reaching the postseason.

Sunday’s matchup presents a significant challenge, as Jacksonville arrives with an 11-4 record and remains firmly in contention atop the AFC South. The Jaguars’ offense has consistently tested opposing secondaries, making Gardner’s potential availability a notable storyline for Indianapolis’ defensive outlook.

Following the game against Jacksonville, the Colts will close the regular season on the road in Week 18 against the Houston Texans (10-5). That matchup is expected to be flexed as playoff positioning continues to take shape across the conference.

For now, Gardner’s limited status represents a step forward as Indianapolis searches for momentum in the season’s final weeks.

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The oddsmakers have installed the Jaguars as 6.5-point favorites, with models predicting a Jacksonville victory at 68 percent. Let’s dive into three bold predictions that could determine the outcome of this crucial divisional showdown.​

Trevor Lawrence Surpasses 300 Passing Yards and 3 Touchdowns

Against a Colts defense that has surrendered significant yardage throughout the season, Lawrence should find ample opportunities to pick apart Indianapolis’s secondary. The Jaguars’ dynamic passing attack features multiple receiving threats, and Lawrence’s decision-making and accuracy have reached elite levels. Expect Lawrence to orchestrate another dominant performance, with 320+ passing yards and at least 3 touchdown passes. His mobility and ability to extend plays outside the pocket will create additional scoring opportunities that the Colts’ aging defensive line cannot adequately contain.​

Philip Rivers Struggles in AFC South Clash Throws 2+ Interceptions

The coaching staff and team organization entrusted 44-year-old Philip Rivers with the starting role following injury to Daniel Jones, and having the inexperienced Riley Leonard as the only other QB option. While Rivers’ return has captured the hearts of Colts fans and the national media, the reality is that it seems more than he can handle. Against a surging Jacksonville defense, he has tough sledding ahead of him to secure his first win back in the league. Rivers tried to bring some life into the Colts’ offense, but he’s 0-2 with 397 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.

The Jaguars’ defense has been particularly disruptive, forcing multiple turnovers throughout the 2025 season. Rivers will face intense pressure from a Jacksonville pass rush that has recorded 37 sacks through 15 games. His limited mobility at this stage of his career will be exploited repeatedly by a young, aggressive defensive unit. The legendary gunslinger’s familiarity with the offense cannot overcome the physical limitations that come with age and an extended layoff from competition. Expect Rivers to make critical mistakes in the pocket, leading to at least two interceptions.​

Travis Etienne Records 110+ Combined Yards and Scores 2 Touchdowns

Travis Etienne Jr. has been the ultimate complementary piece to Jacksonville’s explosive passing attack. Through 15 games, the Clemson product has registered 999 rushing yards, 270 receiving yards, and 13 total touchdowns. His explosiveness and ability to line up in multiple formations have made him virtually impossible for defenses to account for in Liam Coen’s innovative scheme.​

Against the Colts, expect Etienne to record over 110 combined yards (rushing and receiving) while scoring two touchdowns. His ability to accumulate yards through both the air and ground will continue, as Jacksonville will look to establish early offensive success. The Jaguars will lean heavily on Etienne to control the clock and establish dominance on the line of scrimmage. His two-touchdown performance could include any combination of rushing and receiving tallies, but his dual-threat status makes him a nightmare assignment for Indianapolis’s linebackers and safeties to cover.​

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ superior depth, coaching, and offensive firepower should prove too much for the Colts to handle. With Trevor Lawrence playing at an MVP-caliber level, Travis Etienne producing in all facets, and Indianapolis relying on a quarterback making his return from a five-year retirement, the Jaguars appear positioned to dominate this divisional clash and potentially secure the AFC South title.

Look for Jacksonville’s balanced offensive attack to overwhelm a struggling Indianapolis defense, while the Jaguars’ pass rush disrupts whatever quarterback advantage the Colts hoped to gain with Rivers’ surprise signing.

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After the game, wide receiver Alec Pierce offered a powerful endorsement of Rivers’ presence, speaking in the locker room about what separates the veteran quarterback from others he has played with.

“I think he’s the best leader I’ve ever seen just in terms of commanding the room,” Pierce said, via Andrew Chernoff of WISH-TV. “He’s got that, and everyone’s going to respect him. He’s a Hall of Fame quarterback. So he’s almost got that instant respect when he walks in the room. And he’s an incredible leader. I think having him around has been great for our team. And I think it was just a good learning experience to learn from how he carries himself, like an ultimate pro.”

"I think he's the best leader I've ever seen just in terms of commanding the room… Everyone's going to respect him. He's a Hall of Fame quarterback."@Colts WR Alec Pierce said that having QB Philip Rivers around has "been great for our team." #ForTheShoe | @WISHNews8 pic.twitter.com/qyI8jr0Hmp

— Andrew Chernoff – WISH-TV (@ADChernoff) December 24, 2025

Rivers, who had been retired and coaching at St. Michael Catholic in Alabama after being named a Hall of Fame semifinalist in November, stepped back onto the field following an unforeseen opportunity.

In just his second week of practice, the veteran field general showed noticeable comfort operating the Colts’ offense on Monday night. While Rivers remained calm in both games since returning, his willingness to push the ball downfield against San Francisco reflected a growing level of confidence and rhythm.

That aggressiveness helped several young receivers shine, including Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Pierce. The Colts’ offensive approach emphasized getting the ball into space, allowing playmakers to generate yards after the catch. Pierce, in particular, benefited from Rivers’ trust, finishing with two touchdown receptions and showing growth as a versatile threat.

Statistically, Rivers delivered a solid performance, completing 23 of 35 passes for 277 yards. However, a late pick-six, proved costly as Indianapolis struggled defensively, particularly against Christian McCaffrey. Now at 8-7, with playoff hopes fading and a critical matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars looming, the Colts face mounting pressure.

While results have not followed yet, Rivers’ leadership and connection with emerging receivers like Pierce provide a foundation Indianapolis hopes can spark a late-season push, or at least shape the team’s future beyond a turbulent stretch.

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49ers overwhelm Colts on Monday night

San Francisco steamrolled Indianapolis, 48–27, in their Week 16 showdown at Lucas Oil Stadium. The game was functionally over long before the final whistle. Purdy delivered the finest performance of his career. He threw a career-high five touchdown passes while leading an offense that scored on all but two possessions and piled up 440 total yards. Christian McCaffrey added two touchdowns of his own and eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season. San Francisco just dictated tempo from the opening drive.

Indianapolis tried to keep pace behind veteran quarterback Philip Rivers. He threw two touchdowns and showed occasional poise against pressure. However, the Colts were ultimately drowned by the sheer volume and efficiency of San Francisco’s attack. Any lingering hope vanished late when linebacker Dee Winters intercepted Rivers and returned it for a touchdown. That sealed the game and dented the Colts’ playoff fate. The 49ers walked off looking like one of the league’s most complete teams.

Here we’ll try to look at and discuss how Brock Purdy, explosive 49ers offense looked Super Bowl-caliber in destruction of Colts defense.

Purdy silences ‘game manager’ debate

From the moment the ball was kicked off, Purdy played with a level of confidence that bordered on surgical. He threw touchdown passes on San Francisco’s first three drives. He also immediately put Indianapolis into survival mode. The ball came out quickly, the reads were decisive, and the Colts’ secondary never had time to settle. Purdy finished 25-of-34 for 295 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception. He also added 11 rushing yards for good measure.

More impressive than the raw numbers was how he distributed the offense. Purdy connected with four different receivers for touchdowns: a 22-yard strike to Demarcus Robinson, two scores to Christian McCaffrey from nine and two yards out, an 11-yard touchdown to George Kittle, and a three-yard dart to Jauan Jennings. He displayed aggressive quarterbacking, layered throws, and full command of Shanahan’s system.

For years, detractors labeled Purdy a ‘game manager.’ Performances like, though, this make that label obsolete. You don’t accidentally throw five touchdowns in an NFL game, especially in December, on the road, with playoff stakes looming.

Answering every question

What makes San Francisco terrifying is not just the talent, but the adaptability. CMC may not have the same week-to-week explosiveness he showed earlier in the season. That said, he still gashed Indianapolis for 117 rushing yards and 29 receiving yards while scoring twice. Kittle torched the Colts’ coverage for 115 yards and a touchdown before leaving with an ankle injury in the third quarter. The offense didn’t miss a beat even after he exited.

That depth matters. Losing Kittle could loom large against Chicago in Week 17. However, Monday proved that Purdy can still generate points regardless of who lines up where. San Francisco doesn’t need everything to go perfectly. It just needs enough time to get into rhythm. Once it does, defenses unravel.

Playoff implications

San Francisco’s win had consequences well beyond Indianapolis. Thanks to the 49ers taking care of business, three AFC teams practically clinched playoff spots: the Jaguars, Chargers, and Bills, all now sitting at 11–4. Meanwhile, San Francisco itself improved to 11–4 and extended its winning streak to five games.

The path ahead is clear. Two more wins at home would deliver the NFC West title and potentially the NFC’s top overall seed. That matters. Levi’s Stadium has been a nightmare environment for visiting teams. San Francisco looks increasingly built to take full advantage of home-field leverage.

Kyle Shanahan’s COTY case

Lost amid Purdy’s brilliance is how remarkable this season has been from a coaching standpoint. San Francisco is doing this without season-ending contributions from defensive pillars like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. The offense has cycled through injuries and rotating pass-catchers. Despite those, Shanahan continues to put his players in positions to thrive.

On a five-game winning streak and sitting two victories from the NFC’s No. 1 seed, Shanahan deserves real Coach of the Year consideration. The 49ers are evolving, adjusting, and peaking at precisely the right time.

Feels like a Super Bowl preview

This didn’t look like a team scraping for seeding or hoping to get hot. It looked like a finished product. Purdy is confident, the offense is balanced, and the coaching is decisive. Even with injuries mounting, San Francisco continues to impose its will.

If Purdy keeps playing at this level and the 49ers close the season strong, the rest of the NFC won’t just be chasing them. They will be trying to survive them. Monday night wasn’t about overwhelming the Colts. It was about announcing, loudly, that the road to the Super Bowl may very well run straight through San Francisco.

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The interception by the 25-year-old linebacker came as the Colts attempted to mount a late comeback. Rivers checked at the line of scrimmage, but Winters recognized the adjustment from an earlier snap, jumped the route, and returned it 74 yards for a pick-six to effectively seal the game. While the play decided the outcome, what followed stood out just as much.

The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov took to his X (formerly known as Twitter), and shared the on-field exchange between Rivers and Winters. The clip captured the veteran quarterback seeking out the young defender after the final whistle to acknowledge the play that sealed the outcome.

Great mic’d up moment: Philip Rivers made sure to find Dee Winters, who had a pick-6 on him after Monday night’s game.

Rivers: “Where is 53 at? Good play, man. You knew it from the earlier check?”

Winters: “Yeah, I did!”

Rivers: “Golly! Good play.”pic.twitter.com/lzkNdsY29l

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 23, 2025

The moment quickly gained traction online, highlighting respect across generations. Rivers, 44, returned this season to lead the Colts after the team lost its starting quarterback to injury. Winters, now in his third NFL season, recorded the first interception touchdown of his career on a national stage.

Despite the loss, Monday night coverage centered on the exchange as a reminder of the game’s human side. Rivers’ response reflected his long-standing reputation for competitiveness paired with respect for preparation and instincts.

For Winters, the moment marked a career milestone. For Rivers and the Colts, it underscored leadership even in defeat. In a league often defined by results, the brief exchange stood out as one of the night’s most memorable scenes.

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“So what now? I’ve consistently said I do not anticipate major changes at the top of the Colts organization — even though lots of you don’t wanna hear that (not giving you my opinion tbc). However, a loss like that leaves a stain, even under difficult circumstances. Losing out after Daniel Jones’ injury always felt likely. An overreaction to that didn’t feel imminent. But optics matter. And the current optics are UGLY after last night. The Irsay sisters will have a lot to think about.

“To be clear, change is not a given no matter what angry fans might think. Carlie Irsay-Gordon is on record saying the details matter (i.e., injuries). They’ve lost 2 QBs and played w/out their 3 best defenders for most of the second half of the season. But this regime’s plan is to largely run it back, get Jones, Sauce, Ward et al healthy, and try to pick up where they left off earlier this year. But when you lose like that, you create doubt about the viability of your plan.”

Colts have a troublesome path ahead

The season started so nicely. The Colts won seven games around a tough loss to the Rams. Then they got knocked off by the Steelers before handling the Falcons. At 8-2, the playoffs seemed like a given.

But with all of the injuries, the Colts haven’t won since. They had three close losses in the mix — the Chiefs, Texans, and Seahawks — but suffered blowouts at the hands of the Jaguars and the 49ers.

The Philip Rivers experiment didn’t work, but maybe it was the best thing the Colts could have tried. It wasn’t the disaster some had expected. And head coach Shane Steichen said he saw good things against the 49ers, according to Sports Illustrated.

“I thought he was on fire all game,” Steichen said. “He managed the offense at the line of scrimmage, did some no-huddle stuff with them, getting us down to the right plays, threw it to the right spots every time. Obviously, just had the one play there at the end.”

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Philip Rivers needs help from his former team, the Los Angeles Chargers, on Saturday night when they host the Texans. A win for the Chargers gives the Colts a chance before they play the Jags on Sunday. If the Texans beat Rivers’ old team, then the Colts will be eliminated before the game against the Jags.

The Colts officially named Rivers the starter for the Week 17 game at home against the Jags, according to Jeremy Fowler.

“Colts are sticking with QB Philip Rivers this week vs. Jaguars, per head coach Shane Steichen. Indy, with playoff hopes damaged, has young options Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson (if healthy). But Rivers will get more run to build off an impressive Week 16.”

What Rivers is doing is incredible. He is still capable of playing at a high level despite being 44 years of age. He passed for 277 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. It’s not his fault the defense allowed 41 points.

Here is what the future Hall of Famer said about his NFL comeback.

“I’m torn on how to express it, because it’s been a blast… But the name of the game is not go have a good time. It’s help find a way to lead your team to a win. And we’ve come up short.”

Rivers and the Colts still have a chance. As mentioned above, they need help. However, Rivers has made playoff runs many times and with them still not eliminated yet, Rivers is the best chance they have to beat the Jaguars and keep their season alive.

The post Colts’ Philip Rivers to make 3rd start despite dwindling playoff hopes appeared first on ClutchPoints.

That hot start didn’t erase the sting afterward, though. Stephen Holder noted on X that Rivers’ honesty about the comeback has been “refreshing,” and the quarterback didn’t try to dress it up:

“I’m torn on how to express it, because it’s been a blast… But the name of the game is not go have a good time. It’s help find a way to lead your team to a win. And we’ve come up short.”

The comments fit the weird emotional middle ground of a veteran’s return. There’s joy in simply being back under the lights, but there’s also no hiding from the scoreboard, especially when you’re brought in to stabilize a season.

Rivers looked comfortable in the pocket for long stretches, even with a rush bearing down, and he kept testing windows that many quarterbacks won’t touch against San Francisco.

His first-half aggression also earned praise from an unexpected corner. Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel posted on X that anyone claiming Rivers can’t push the ball downfield needs to watch that first half. Trey Wingo reacted too, albeit in a joking way about Rivers’ look, but the underlying point was the same: the arm and the conviction were there.

There were reminders that it wasn’t all smooth. Rivers took his first sack late in the second quarter when C.J. West brought him down, and the drive stalled into a long-yardage situation.

Even then, he nearly salvaged it by escaping and finding Michael Pittman II for a 10-yard gain.

The overall picture matched the “vintage” flash that showed up on the opening-drive touchdown as well: quick recognition, a decisive shot, and just enough old-school rhythm to make the whole thing feel real again, even if the ending didn’t.

The post Why Philip Rivers is so ‘torn’ over comeback experience after Colts’ loss to 49ers appeared first on ClutchPoints.

San Francisco’s 48-27 bludgeoning of the Colts was not a knockout blow. But Indy’s playoff aspirations are on life support after the team was thoroughly outplayed in prime time. The Colts now need to win their final two games and get a lot of help to have a shot at the postseason. And those final two games are no cakewalk. Indianapolis faces the red-hot Jacksonville Jaguars (who’ve won six straight games) in Week 17. Then the Colts take on the Houston Texans (who’ve won seven straight games) on the road in the regular season finale.

On Monday night, Indianapolis did not look like a team that belonged in the playoff conversation. The 49ers steamrolled the Colts, going up and down the field at will. And Indy’s defense could do absolutely nothing to slow them.

The Colts’ defense collapsed

A defiant Colts team rallied to save their season in Week 15. Indianapolis held a potent Seattle Seahawks’ offense to 18 points and 314 total yards while winning the time of possession battle. The strong defensive effort gave a rusty Philip Rivers a chance to win in his 2025 debut. Although the Colts came up short, they were in the game until the very last seconds.

Week 16 was an entirely different story.

The 49ers blasted past the game’s 46.5 over/under all by themselves, scoring a season-high 48 points on Monday night. San Francisco rolled up 440 total yards of offense in a dominant performance.

The 49ers didn’t need to punt in the Week 16 beatdown. They scored on seven of their 10 possessions. The other three were a missed 64-yard field goal at the end of the first half, kneel downs in victory formation at the end of the game and a fourth-quarter interception.

The pick was likely too little too late, coming with less than five minutes to play and Indianapolis trailing by 14. But whatever boost it provided was promptly undone when Rivers threw a pick-six to Dee Winters three snaps later.

The interception was Brock Purdy’s only blemish on an otherwise outstanding performance. He went 25/34 for 295 yards and a career-best five touchdown passes. Purdy became the first 49ers QB to throw five touchdowns in a game in 35 years.

Yes, the Colts were missing Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward on Monday night. But both corners were also out last week when the team held Sam Darnold in check. Purdy diced up Indianapolis’ secondary, connecting with George Kittle seven times for 115 yards and a score. Jauan Jennings added five receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown. And Demarcus Robinson chipped in with a 2/23/1 line.

And then there was Christian McCaffrey.

Coaching counts

It’s time to shift focus onto Indy’s overall game plan. Obviously defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo deserves a massive share of the blame for the Colts’ Monday night calamity. But we’ll put the team’s coaching blunders in general on Shane Steichen’s shoulders.

Clearly McCaffrey is a problem. He just notched his fifth 1,000-yard season with Week 16’s performance and he’s closing in on 2,000 total yards for the third time in his career. But McCaffrey being good at football isn’t a surprise. Yet the Colts appeared entirely unprepared for him, which is perplexing because he’s the very first player you’d expect the team to game plan around.

The 49ers’ All-Pro RB racked up 117 yards on the Colts’ fifth-ranked rushing defense. And Indianapolis had DeForest Buckner back from injury in Week 16. It was McCaffrey’s first 100-yard rushing game since Week 9. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry on Monday night. And when he wasn’t gashing the Colts on the ground, he went largely uncovered on extremely predictable routes out of the backfield, catching six passes for 29 yards and two touchdowns.

The plan on the other side of the ball was just as mystifying. While it was neat to see 44-year-old Philip Rivers pushing the ball downfield, it made little sense to lean on the newly un-retired quarterback. Rivers hucked 35 passes on Monday night. And Jonathan Taylor got just 16 carries.

Sure, game script in the second half forced a more pass-heavy attack. But trailing big late doesn’t entirely account for Indy’s bizarre run/pass mix. The team started out slinging it. Eight of the 10 plays on the Colts’ opening drive were passes. Indianapolis threw on 16 of the first 22 plays Monday night.

To be fair, the approach was working. Rivers carved up the 49ers with touchdown passes on his first two drives. But Steichen had to know – or should have known – that a Rivers-heavy game plan wouldn’t be sustainable. For whatever reason, the team made little effort to get Taylor involved.

Taylor’s tailspin

It seemed as if the Colts were determined to prove that Rivers could throw the ball downfield. And then they got stuck in that plan after some initial success. It would be easy to blame Taylor’s rough night on a lack of involvement early on. He finished with just 16 carries and three targets, compared to 21 and eight for McCaffrey.

But Taylor did very little with the opportunities he was given. The Pro Bowl RB had just 46 rushing yards against the 49ers, averaging a brutal 2.9 yards per carry. He added three receptions for 33 yards. And Taylor scored a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter that made it a seven-point game. However, it wasn’t nearly enough of a contribution from the Colts’ best offensive player.

While the 49ers have a strong run defense, they haven’t exactly shut out opposing rushers of late. Tony Pollard turned 14 carries into 104 yards and a score against San Francisco in Week 15. Quinshon Judkins had 91 rushing yards and 109 total yards against the Niners in Week 14.

Taylor’s disappointing game on Monday night was the latest in the veteran RB’s post-bye slump. It feels like a distant memory at this point but Taylor was right in the middle of the MVP conversation after he racked up 244 rushing yards and three touchdowns against the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin.

After that Week 10 explosion, Taylor tapered off. He hasn’t hit triple digits on the ground since, with rushing totals of 58, 85, 74, 87 and now 46. His touchdown on Monday night was just his second score in the last five games.

Taylor’s tailspin has come at the worst possible time for the Colts. The team lost Daniel Jones for the season and turned to Rivers with hopes of salvaging an 8-2 start. But Taylor began tailing off before the change at quarterback. Jones tore his Achilles in Week 14 while the RB’s decline began in Week 12.

Monday’s home loss to the 49ers is likely the death knell for the Colts’ season. There’s still a path for Indy to reach the playoffs. But the team currently has just a one percent chance of clinching a Wild Card berth, according to The Athletic.

It’s a bitter pill to swallow after the Colts went all-in on the 2025 season. The team sent two first-round draft picks to the New York Jets for Sauce Gardner when they were a near lock to make the playoffs. Indianapolis brought Rivers out of retirement when Jones was lost for the year. Now the Colts will likely miss out on the postseason altogether.

The post 3 players to blame for Colts MNF loss to 49ers appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Following the victory, SportsCenter shared a video on its official X (formerly known as Twitter), featuring comments from the 49ers quarterback, who expressed admiration for the longtime Colts signal-caller.

"Kyle [Shanahan] was in his bag."

Brock Purdy caught up with @saltersl after the 49ers win. pic.twitter.com/G2pwqDvYnE

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 23, 2025

“To be able to cold turkey it basically five years later, to complete passes and go through an offense and have his team in a position to win games. Like, that’s insane. Very impressive, He’s a Hall of Famer. To go up against him is an honor.”

Rivers’ return came after Indianapolis turned to the veteran in December following injuries within the quarterback room. At 44, he stepped into a primetime matchup after nearly five years away from the league, adding a rare layer of context to the meeting.

While the outcome favored the 49ers, the moment resonated beyond the final score. Purdy acknowledged the difficulty of returning after such an extended absence, emphasizing the respect earned by sustaining a long career at the position.

The loss further tightened the Colts’ margin in the AFC playoff race, while the 49ers continued to solidify their standing near the top of the NFC. For Purdy, the night blended a career performance with a full-circle experience against a quarterback he once watched growing up.

The post Brock Purdy ‘honored’ to play against Colts QB Philip Rivers after childhood fandom appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jonathan Taylor FORCES it in for the Colts TD pic.twitter.com/z9yPCKC3WD

— NFL on ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsNFL) December 23, 2025

That touchdown captured Taylor’s identity. No space given. No favors taken. San Francisco stacked the line and challenged him to earn it. He did. The crowd reacted as momentum flickered. The Colts had fought through contact all night, and Taylor’s run reflected that resolve. It wasn’t flashy, was necessary, and was earned. Yet the moment also carried weight beyond the score. Seven weeks ago, the Colts held the No. 1 spot in the AFC. Now, they’re fighting to stay relevant.

The Colts couldn’t sustain the surge

The 49ers’ response came fast and unforgiving. First, Brock Purdy steadied the 49ers with a touchdown pass that restored control. Moments later, the night tilted sharply. Dee Winters intercepted a Philip Rivers pass and returned it for a crushing pick-six. In that span of just a few plays, the margin widened and the window closed for the Colts.

From there, the MNF game slipped away. Down the stretch, San Francisco dictated tempo, added points, and controlled the final minutes. The Colts continued to compete, but even then, the separation held. When the clock expired, Indianapolis absorbed a 48–34 loss shaped by late execution rather than effort.

Beyond the final score, the bigger picture cuts deeper. The Colts have gone 1–5 since starting the season 7–2, tumbling from the conference’s top seed to the edge of elimination. With only two games remaining, the Colts sit at just a 1% chance to make the playoffs.

Still, Jonathan Taylor’s touchdown showed the fight remains. At the same time, the standings say the margin is gone. As the season narrows and reality hardens, one question now defines everything. How do the Colts respond when the path forward is this unforgiving?

The post Colts’ Jonathan Taylor pushes the pile for tough TD appeared first on ClutchPoints.

There have only been six field goals of 64 yards or more in NFL history and Eddy Pineiro came just INCHES away from hitting the seventh.

It's his FIRST MISSED field goal since signing with the 49ers. He had made 26 straight. #49ers #Colts pic.twitter.com/RUOHGKRMuH

— John Breech (@johnbreech) December 23, 2025

Piñeiro had been perfect in a 49ers uniform, boasting an impeccable streak that made him one of the team’s most reliable weapons. But 64 yards is a tall order for any leg. He gave it a ride; the distance looked good, but physics had other plans. The ball clanked off the crossbar, a resounding “doink”, and fell no good. It was his first miss of the 2025 season, snapping a streak that saw him go 26-of-26 to start the year, including a 25-yarder earlier in the game.

Entering the locker room with a 24-17 lead, the miss could have lingered in a kicker’s mind. However, Piñeiro proved why he’s a veteran pro. He didn’t let the long-distance heartbreak rattle him.

In the second half, the 49ers called his number again, this time for a more manageable 38-yard try. Piñeiro stepped up and drilled it right down the middle, textbook execution. No drama, no metal, just three points to boost the Niners’ lead.

The successful kick brought his season stats to an impressive 27-of-28. While the 64-yarder would have been a career highlight and a spectacular way to cap the half, his ability to bounce back and deliver on the “bread and butter” kicks is exactly what San Francisco needs as they push toward the playoffs. The streak is broken, but his confidence clearly isn’t.

The post 49ers’ Eddy Pineiro redeems pre-halftime doink with textbook field goal appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The 44-year-old comfortably stood in the pocket amid an incoming rush. Rivers showed no panic — and hit Alec Pierce for the second time on MNF.

Philip Rivers and Alec Pierce connect for the second time tonight

The Colts QB is dealing in primetime pic.twitter.com/0Akb4IxmxU https://t.co/EtULxremrT

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 23, 2025

Rivers tied the game up at 14-14 that also got his family overjoyed inside a Lucas Oil Stadium suite. He already surpassed the 130-yard mark before the 13-minute mark of the second quarter.

Philip Rivers sparks reactions for fast start in Colts vs. 49ers

Rivers ended up dueling with a QB younger than him by 19 years.

Brock Purdy delivered his own scoring strikes — throwing three touchdowns before halftime. Purdy found Demarcus Robinson, Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle in the end zone. The latter put the 49ers back up 21-14 early in the second.

Rivers’ performance, however, sparked multiple reactions across the web. Notably from his high school team he was coaching.

Philip Rivers' high school team was PUMPED to see their coach throw a TD on Monday Night Football

@NoahMoss2026 pic.twitter.com/vYl3blUaU9

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 23, 2025

Rivers even drew in a fan in former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel.

“Whoever said Philip Rivers doesn’t throw the football down the field needs to look at this first half,” Daniel posted on the social media website X, formerly Twitter.

Former ESPN NFL personality Trey Wingo even reacted — though through a humorous take in looking at Rivers’ physique.

Watching Philip RIvers dissect the NIners D while looking like Jared Lorenzen after a crash diet is like… pic.twitter.com/KEB2OAsPGf

— trey wingo (@wingoz) December 23, 2025

Rivers, however, took a sack for the first time on the night late into the second quarter. Past Indiana defensive lineman star C.J. West snatched Rivers to the ground to force a third-and-12. However, Rivers nearly got Indy to the first down as he escaped the pocket and found Michael Pittman II for the 10-yard gain.

The post Colts’ Philip Rivers carves up 49ers defense for 2nd touchdown appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Trailing 7-0 early, Purdy orchestrated a surgical response. The 49ers quarterback went a perfect 3-of-3 for 54 yards on the ensuing drive, capping it off with a 22-yard touchdown strike to DeMarcus Robinson.

The 49ers ANSWER back

Brock Purdy finds an open Demarcus Robinson for the TD to tie things up with the Colts!pic.twitter.com/8iZoyxmn2w

— NFL on ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsNFL) December 23, 2025

Purdy stood tall in the pocket and fired a laser over the middle, finding Robinson in stride on a post route to silence the Lucas Oil Stadium crowd and knot the game at 7-7.

But the fireworks were just starting.

On the very next kickoff, chaos struck for Indianapolis. Colts returner Ameer Abdullah coughed up the football after a heavy hit from 49ers safety Ji’Ayir Brown, and tight end Jake Tonges pounced on the loose ball to give San Francisco possession right back at the Colts’ 26-yard line.

Suddenly, a game the Colts seemed to control early flipped on its head. Capitalizing on the special teams miscue, Purdy wasted no time finding Christian McCaffrey for a 2-yard score shortly after, putting the 49ers up 14-7.

For a 49ers team looking to secure a better playoff seeding, this sequence was the perfect response to the Colts’ electric start. Purdy looks locked in, the defense is creating turnovers, and the defending NFC champs are flexing their muscles in all three phases.

The post 49ers’ Brock Purdy capitalizes on kickoff fumble for 2nd MNF touchdown vs. Colts appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Facing the formidable San Francisco 49ers defense, Rivers wasted no time showing he still has command of the gridiron. On the Colts’ opening drive, the veteran signal-caller caught the 49ers’ defensive front jumping offsides. Recognizing the free play instantly, a hallmark of his 17-year career, Rivers didn’t hesitate. He launched a perfectly placed ball down the seam to wide receiver Alec Pierce.

Philip Rivers is back in Indy!

The 44-year-old QB hits Alec Pierce on a free play for the Colts TD
pic.twitter.com/CkV1bywTZY

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 23, 2025

Pierce, utilizing his 6-foot-3 frame, hauled in the 20-yard strike in the end zone, capping off a nine-play, 72-yard drive that looked effortless. It was classic Rivers, decisive, smart, and opportunistic.

The touchdown gave Indianapolis an early 7-0 lead and served as a loud statement that the old gunslinger isn’t just here for a retirement tour; he’s here to compete. Rivers started the game a sharp 5-of-7 for 73 yards, leaning on his quick release to neutralize San Francisco’s pass rush.

While the 49ers eventually responded with touchdowns from Brock Purdy to Christian McCaffrey to take a 14-7 lead, the early magic from Rivers provided a much-needed jolt for an 8-6 Colts team fighting for its playoff life.

For a quarterback who spent the last few years coaching high school ball, seeing Rivers diagnose a defense and punish a mistake with a touchdown strike was a beautiful sight for football purists everywhere. Dad strength, indeed.

The post Colts QB Philips Rivers flashes vintage form with effortless touchdown pass appeared first on ClutchPoints.