Becoming the first team to start 8-2 and miss the playoffs since the 1995 Raiders, the Colts saw Daniel Jones suffer another major injury and their Sauce Gardner trade deliver a modest early return. Gardner’s calf injury hindered Indianapolis, but Jones’ setback affected the team significantly — to the point a memorable off-the-couch Philip Rivers comeback ensued. Rivers is re-retiring, delaying his Hall of Fame clock by five more years, and the Colts again have a quarterback question.
With Anthony Richardson seemingly out of the picture and two first-round picks traded for Gardner, Jones has somehow backed into another high-leverage position. Jones proved a shrewd negotiator during his 2023 talks with the Giants, leading to a contract the team quickly regretted. How Jones’ latest negotiation goes will shape the Colts’ 2026 offseason; Indianapolis becoming the first club in NFL history to start nine different Week 1 QBs in a 10-season span is in play.
Coaching/front office moves:
- Retained GM Chris Ballard, HC Shane Steichen
- Giants, Titans interviewed DC Lou Anarumo for HC jobs
- Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge became Notre Dame D-line coach
