Although the Indianapolis Colts lost some key players, their offensive line should still be solid in 2025. Jake Arthur of Sports Illustrated asked if the team added enough to the unit this offseason:
“Have the Colts added enough to the line this offseason?
“Colts general manager Chris Ballard believes in building the team’s roster through the trenches. He’s added some key pieces through the draft in recent years, picking Bernhard Raimann, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, and Blake Freeland since 2022. However, starters Ryan Kelly and Will Fries left this offseason in free agency, and right tackle Braden Smith may be entering his final season in Indianapolis. Bortolini and Goncalves are logical choices to replace Kelly and Fries, but Jalen Travis is the only new offensive lineman they added this offseason, and that was in the fourth round. Key backups right now are Travis, Freeland, Danny Pinter, Dalton Tucker, and Atonio Mafi (recently waived). Is that enough?”
This re-tooled unit, of course, hasn’t taken the field yet. But we’ll find out if it’s enough.
The Indianapolis Colts’ Offensive Line Should Be Fine Despite Losing Key Players
Ryan Kelly and Will Fries Headed to Minnesota
As Arthur noted, the Colts lost starters Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency. Kelly, one of the NFL’s top centers, signed with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. The former Alabama star was drafted by the Colts in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. During his time in Indy, he was a four-time Pro Bowler and a second-team All-Pro selection in 2020.
Just like Kelly, Fries also went to the Vikings this spring. He signed a four-year deal worth a whopping $88 million. A seventh-round pick in 2020, Fries was a draft steal for the Colts. He should do an excellent job in Minnesota protecting quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
They Still Have Quenton Nelson and Co.
The Colts improved quite a bit on the defensive side of the field. This offseason, they’ve signed defenders like Charvarius Ward, Camryn Bynum, and Joe Bachie. They also drafted players like J.T. Tuimoloau and Justin Walley.
Indianapolis didn’t add many pieces to their offensive line, though. However, they still have Quenton Nelson, one of the best guards in all of football. He has received Pro selections in all seven of his seasons and three first-team All-Pro selections.
Besides Nelson, Indy’s starting offensive line is expected to consist of Bernhard Raimann, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, and Braden Smith. Goncalves is expected to switch from tackle to guard and replace Fries. Bortolini, who the Colts drafted in the fourth round in 2024, will replace Kelly at center. He is coming off a promising rookie year, starting five games as he filled in for the injured Kelly. Bortolini allowed no sacks across 211 pass-blocking snaps.
Indianapolis took Jalen Travis in the recent 2025 draft. The fourth-round pick out of Iowa State will likely start out as a swing tackle behind Smith and Raimann. But he could eventually become a starter if Smith leaves as a free agent next year. Other key backups include Blake Freeland, Danny Pinter, and Dalton Tucker.
The Colts could add another piece or two. Signing a free agent like Dalton Risner makes sense. He could compete with Goncalves at the guard spot. Nonetheless, the Colts’ offensive line should be okay in 2025.
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