Andrew Buller-Russ
The Indianapolis Colts approach the 2026 campaign with a lot of motivation. Last year, they were able to dominate the early portion of the schedule, looking like a surefire playoff contender. Injuries got in the way, and the Colts fell flat on their faces during the second half of the season.
While the Colts are still confident in their roster, now there are further challenges. Franchise quarterback Daniel Jones is working his way back from a torn Achilles, and there’s no guarantee he returns to top form.
In other words, the Colts may need all the help they can get. That could lead Colts general manager Chris Ballard to pursue one of the NFL’s top remaining free agents.
Recently, The Athletic‘s Colts insider James Boyd suggested that the team should still chase after another edge rusher to boost sack production in 2026. They ranked in the middle of the pack last season, recording 39 sacks.
Yet, Boyd believes the Colts should target free agent pass rusher Joey Bosa, who’s most frequently been linked to the San Francisco 49ers this offseason, but has yet to sign with anyone.
“Bosa’s name, like many on this list, carries more weight than his current performance. The 2016 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and five-time Pro Bowler is not the player he once was, but he played in 15 games last year with the Buffalo Bills, the most he’s appeared in since 2021, and held his own. Bosa, 30, posted five sacks, nine tackles for loss, and delivered 16 QB hits in 2025 while playing 64 percent of the Bills’ defensive snaps. He has 77 sacks in his career.”
The Athletic’s James Boyd on Colts signing Joey Bosa
Bosa also mentioned a few other free agent pass rusher targets for the Colts, such as Cameron Jordan, Jadeveon Clowney, Leonard Floyd, Derek Barnett, a reunion with Denico Autry, and even future Hall of Famer Von Miller.
Barring an outside addition, the Colts have to hope someone steps up behind Laiatu Latu, who recorded a team-high 8.5 sacks last season. Behind Latu, three Colts tied for second place with four sacks. They’ll need better production to go further in 2026.
Related: Top NFL Free Agents Remaining: One Player Each Team Should Sign
