**Which Indianapolis Colts Players Might Depart in the 2026 Offseason?**
This past offseason, the Indianapolis Colts saw several key players leave for new teams. Center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries signed with the Minnesota Vikings, shifting from protecting Colts quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones to blocking for Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy. Linebackers EJ Speed and Grant Stuart also departed, with Speed joining the Houston Texans and Stuart signing with the Detroit Lions. Additionally, quarterback Joe Flacco returned to the Cleveland Browns, while Sam Ehlinger moved to the Denver Broncos. Looking ahead, here are three Colts players who may not return for the 2026 season.
**Three Indianapolis Colts Players at Risk of Leaving in 2026**
**1. Kwity Paye**
Drafted 21st overall in 2021, defensive end Kwity Paye had a standout season last year, leading the Colts with eight sacks, alongside career highs of 12 QB hits and 10 tackles for loss. The team exercised his fifth-year option, securing him for 2025 at $13.4 million. However, Paye will hit free agency in 2026 and could command a lucrative deal as one of the NFL’s top pass rushers. If his market value exceeds the Colts’ budget, they might let him walk, as they did with Dayo Odeyingbo, who signed a three-year, $48 million contract with the Chicago Bears this offseason. The emergence of 2024 first-round pick Laiatu Latu and second-rounder J.T. Tuimoloau could ease the blow if Paye departs.
**2. Anthony Richardson**
Selected fourth overall in 2023, Anthony Richardson was expected to become the Colts’ franchise quarterback. However, injuries and inconsistency, including a 47.7% completion rate last season, have hindered his progress. While he’s shown glimpses of elite dual-threat potential, Richardson faces a critical 2025 season, competing with Daniel Jones for the starting role. A breakout year could solidify his future, but continued struggles might prompt the Colts to move on in 2026 and target a new quarterback in the draft.
**3. Braden Smith**
Right tackle Braden Smith, a 2018 second-round pick, has been a reliable starter, appearing in 94 games with 92 starts, including all 12 games he played in 2024. Despite losing Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, the Colts’ offensive line remains strong with Smith and seven-time Pro Bowler Quenton Nelson. However, Smith’s revised contract runs through 2025, making him a free agent in 2026. If he continues to perform at a Pro Bowl level, he could attract significant interest from other teams, potentially following Fries’ path to a new roster.
*Image Caption: Dec 22, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) kneels in prayer after a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars/USA Today Network via Imagn Images*
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