How 2026 Colts offseason differs from others under Chris Ballard

The Indianapolis Colts may once again be running it back with Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen, but there have been quite a few changes to the roster this offseason.

Most notably, Ballard traded away Zaire Franklin and Michael Pittman, and now it looks like Kenny Moore may end up elsewhere. These three have appeared in 359 combined games with the Colts.

Beyond those three, defensive ends Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis will not be returning either. This trio combined to play 1,460 snaps last season. Braden Smith, who held down the right tackle position for the Colts over a number of years, is now in Houston.

Danny Pinter, Tyler Goodson, Rodney Thomas, and Neville Gallimore are all on new teams for the 2026 season as well.

In total, during free agency, Ballard would make nine outside signings. Acquiring Colby Wooden in the Franklin trade would make 10 new additions to this Colts team this offseason.

When owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon spoke with the media after the 2025 season, she noted how Ballard adapted his roster-building approach last offseason. This primarily included being more aggressive.

This year, we didn't see the same splash moves from Ballard, but he's shown a willingness that wasn't always there to move on from players and churn the roster at specific position groups in an effort to elevate the overall play.

Will this approach pay off for the Colts? That remains to be seen. There are still roster holes to be addressed in the NFL draft.

Indianapolis is largely banking on Daniel Jones and the offense returning to the form they had through the first half of last season. A healthy secondary will do wonders for the defense as well.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts roster undergoes big changes during 2026 offseason