By Bill Carroll
The Indianapolis Colts’ 2025 off-season contains a long list of priorities after another tantalizing, but ultimately disappointing 8-9 season that extended their playoff drought to four years and marked a full decade without an AFC South title. The team has notably added: Cam Bynum, Daniel Jones, Khalil Herbert and Charvarius Ward. To position themselves to challenge or supplant the Texans as the kings of the AFC South, the Colts need to tackle several key objectives:

1. Ensure That Anthony Richardson’s Development Is Promoted
The Colts’ future hinges on the growth of Anthony Richardson. After a rookie season that was cut short by injury, and a sophomore campaign that showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency, Richardson needs to take a significant leap in 2025. The Colts must:
- Refine his mechanics and decision-making: They will be working closely with quarterbacks coach Cam Turner and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter to develop Richardson’s pocket presence and improve his accuracy.
- Bolster the playbook to match his skill set: The Colts will likely continue to design an offense that utilizes Richardson’s mobility while improving his efficiency in the passing game.
2. Add Offensive Play-makers
The Colts offense lacks explosiveness beyond Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs. To give Richardson more weapons and stretch the field:
- Target a true WR1 or deep threat: Whether through free agency or the draft, securing a dynamic wide receiver as a complement to Pittman and Downs is critical.
- Upgrade the tight end position: Jelani Woods, at times, shows promise, but adding Tyler Warren reliable pass-catching tight end and a player who is dynamic after-the-catch, gives Richardson a security blanket over the middle.
3. Fix the Secondary
The Colts’ pass defense was a glaring weakness, ranking near the bottom of the league in passing yards allowed. The secondary needs a complete overhaul:
- Invest in a top-tier corner-back: Whether through free agency or the draft, the Colts must find a lock-down corner to stabilize the back end.
- Reinforce safety depth: Julian Blackmon is now is a free agent, a return is uncertain, and the Colts need consistent play-making at safety to prevent big plays.
4. Solidify the Offensive Line
While the Colts’ offensive line showed improvement, inconsistency in pass protection remains a concern. To keep Richardson upright and confident:
- Address right guard and tackle depth: Quenton Nelson remains an anchor, but Ryan Kelly is now a Viking, so reinforcing the right side of the line is a priority.
- Develop young talent: The Colts must continue developing their younger linemen to ensure sustainability and depth.

5. Establish a Reliable Pass Rush
The Colts’ defensive front produced sacks but struggled with consistent pressure in key moments. To change that:
- Add a proven edge rusher: Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam are solid, but a true game-changing pass rusher would elevate the defense.
- Focus on interior disruption: DeForest Buckner is a force inside, but adding depth behind him will ensure sustained pressure.
6. Address the Jonathan Taylor Situation
After an injury-plagued season, the Colts need to decide how to manage Jonathan Taylor’s workload moving forward. A healthy Taylor creates opportunities for big plays, but ensuring durability while balancing his touches will be crucial for long-term success. The same can be said of Anthony Richardson, what things this off-season may help them both to remain healthy?
7. Improve Situational Football
Close games continue to haunt the Colts, and their inability to close out contests was a major reason for their 8-9 record. Emphasizing situational awareness, clock management, and discipline in high-leverage situations is critical to turning those tight losses into wins.
8. Revamping the Roster to Fit the Coaching Philosophy
Shane Steichen’s first year showed flashes of a explosive, productive offense but adjustments are needed. The Colts seem to be refining their offensive strategy, cleaning up defensive breakdowns, and sharpening special teams play to win close games. The addition of a Tyler Warren in this draft class may bolster the offense. What are the positions you would like to see addressed on defense and are there prospects that you feel are ideal fits for the Colts and why?
The Upshot:
The Colts aren’t far from contention, but they need to hit on key acquisitions, maximize Richardson’s potential, and shore up glaring weaknesses. If they can execute these priorities, 2025 might finally be the year they break their playoff drought and reclaim the AFC South crown. I addressed each of these topics to Jay Robins of Draft Nerds and Stampede Blue. Here are the questions I posed:
Jay, first please assess in your own words how close the Colts are to becoming a contender to overtake Houston in the South and make a deep playoff run. Then please address 3-5 possible draft or free-agency targets at positions of interest. How does the new defensive coordinator and his new philosophy reshape the Colt’s roster?
Please also assess the growth of Anthony Richardson, does Daniel Jones help or hurt that process and if so/ please describe the ways that he helps/hurts. Please choose 3-5 breakout candidates on offense and defense and finally, please put together your “immaculately perfect Colt’s draft for 2025.”
In part two of this article you will get all of Jay’s insights.