The Indianapolis Colts have turned heads around the NFL with a bold and calculated approach to the 2025 offseason, earning praise from analysts and fans alike. Following a 9-8 finish in 2024 that saw them narrowly miss the playoffs, general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen clearly decided that incremental progress wasn’t enough. Instead, the Colts made decisive moves aimed at turning their promising young core into a legitimate playoff contender.
At the center of the Colts’ aggressive strategy was their commitment to supporting quarterback Anthony Richardson. After an injury-shortened rookie season and an up-and-down sophomore campaign, the Colts doubled down on their belief in Richardson, adding veteran weapons and protection to foster his development. The headline move came with the signing of Pro Bowl wide receiver Tee Higgins, giving Richardson a true WR1 to pair with Michael Pittman Jr., who was re-signed to a multi-year deal. The Colts also shored up the offensive line, adding guard Robert Hunt in free agency and drafting an NFL-ready center in the second round.
Defensively, Indianapolis refused to stand pat. The team made one of the more surprising splashes by acquiring veteran edge rusher Danielle Hunter in free agency, signaling a commitment to disrupting opposing quarterbacks. This move complements the continued emergence of Kwity Paye and the steady presence of DeForest Buckner on the defensive front. In the secondary, the Colts addressed depth concerns by signing a pair of experienced corners and drafting a versatile safety in the third round who’s already drawn comparisons to Julian Blackmon.
Perhaps most impressively, the Colts’ front office managed to make these moves while maintaining financial flexibility for the future. By front-loading contracts and avoiding overly long deals, Ballard has kept the team in a strong cap position going forward—no small feat considering the big names they brought in.
Analysts have taken note, with several outlets ranking Indianapolis among the top five teams in terms of offseason improvement. While the AFC remains fiercely competitive, the Colts’ revamped roster positions them to be a serious postseason threat—if their young quarterback can take the next step.
With training camp around the corner, the message from Indianapolis is clear: the time to compete is now. And judging by the Colts’ aggressive offseason, they’re not just hoping for success—they’re planning for it.
