Per James Boyd of The Athletic, when asked about what offers the team’s have received on Anthony Richardson, Ballard simply replied “nothing yet.” However, Ballard also negated being shocked by it. “Nothing surprises me anymore… (Gotta) have a little patience.”

Richardson has failed to live up to the hype created by getting picked fourth overall in 2023. However, between injuries and just bad play, he’s fallen down the ranks. Still, Richardson is a freak athlete and also will turn just 24 years old, so he is a young guy trying to establish himself. He has plenty of upside.

The Colts haven’t received any offers for Kenny Moore either

Kenny Moore is also looking to sell his cornerback services to other NFL teams, but Ballard says no calls have been made for him either. The 30-year-old corner is a former Pro Bowler, but he only started seven of the 14 games he played last season.

Moore has 21 career-interceptions, four pick-sixes, 68 passes defended, six forced fumbles, 11.5 sacks, and 649 tackles. He has a very good career, and he might have some tank in the gas, but the NFL hasn’t been interested in trading for him so far this offseason.

The Colts have not made that much quality moves

While they re-signed quarterback Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce, not many top-tier names have joined the Colts. In fact, they traded away arguably their best wideout in Michael Pittman Jr. The Colts also traded linebacker Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers.

The Colts had eight picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, but not a first-rounder. They used their top two picks in LB CJ Allen, and safety AJ Haulcy. Hence, it seems like they are content with their roster.

The trade cost the franchise significantly, as they surrendered both their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks along with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. When analyzing which teams don’t have a first round pick, the Colts stand out as a team that prioritized proven veteran performance over the uncertainty of collegiate prospects.

Due to this blockbuster deal, the 2026 NFL Draft first-round order doesn’t include Indianapolis. The Colts will not be on the clock until the second round, where they currently hold the 47th overall pick. However, it is interesting to note that the Jets now own the selection the Colts would have made, which officially landed at the 16th pick in the 2026 draft.

Can the Colts get a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft?

Yes, the Colts can technically acquire a first-round pick for next season, but it would require another massive trade. Since they already sent their original 2027 selection to the New York Jets, they would need to trade a high-value player or multiple mid-round assets to get back into the first round.

One common way to do this is by trading an established star for draft capital, similar to how the Jets acquired their extra picks. If a team has a player it is willing to part with, it can negotiate with a club that holds a surplus of picks to jump back into the 2027 opening night.

Another option is to wait until the 2027 draft begins and trade up from the second round using future picks or current players. While the front office is currently aggressive in its “win-now” mode, NFL rules allow for these types of trades right up until the clock runs out on draft day.

However, it’s the first round the one that matters the most. All top-tier talent is usually gone after the first 32 picks. This year, though, there are six teams that have no first-round picks. Each time will have different picks but the same time to select in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, and Cincinnati Bengals have no first round picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Conversely, this means there are teams with multiple first-round picks.

Why do these teams have no first-round picks?

The Jaguars traded their 2026 first-rounder to the Cleveland Browns in a 2025 draft deal to move up to pick Travis Hunter. The Falcons traded their pick to the Los Angeles Rams as part of a package for a 2025 first-round used in OLB James Pearce Jr.

The Packers traded away their pick as a part of the Micah Parsons deal. The Colts traded their first-rounder to acquire Sauce Gardner. As for the Broncos, their first pick was traded to the Dolphins for WR Jaylen Waddle. Lastly, the Bengals traded their 10th overall pick to the Giants to acquire Dexter Lawrence.

Can these teams still have something to say?

Not having picks doesn’t mean that these six teams won’t play a part. It’s been heavily rumored that the 2026 NFL Draft will feature plenty of trades. Hence, don’t discard any of these teams jumping in and being a part of draft day if they see the opportunity to enhance their roster.

Per a report by James Palmer, the Colts are officially shooting for a Week 1 return, though they will let Jones’ body dictate the final timeline. This follows a 2025 season where Jones threw for 3,101 yards and 19 touchdowns with a 100.2 passer rating before suffering a torn Achilles in December.

The Colts‘ optimism is a welcome sign for the veteran quarterback as he enters the first year of his new two-year extension. By avoiding a rigid schedule, Indianapolis aims to ensure their starter is fully healthy to build on last year’s performance once the 2026 season kicks off.

What if Jones can’t return for Week 1?

If Jones isn’t cleared by the opener, the starting job likely falls to Riley Leonard. The second-year quarterback out of Notre Dame posted a 67.7 passer rating during the 2025 season and has the mobility to thrive in Shane Steichen’s system.

Behind Leonard, the depth chart gets complicated due to the ongoing trade rumors surrounding Anthony Richardson. While Richardson’s physical tools are elite, his 50.6% career completion rate and injury history have led the front office to keep other options like Seth Henigan ready.

The Colts’ primary goal is to maintain offensive rhythm through a “next man up” mentality while Jones finishes his rehab. Whether it’s Leonard or a veteran addition, the scheme will focus on protecting the ball and leaning on the run game to stay competitive in the AFC South.

According to Mike Chappell of FOX59, “Sarratt might be the type of prospect on Ballard’s radar, perhaps in round 3.” And it makes sense. As Chappell pointed out, the team’s priority are pass rusher and an NFL-ready linebacker. However, the Colts don’t have a first-rounder, so come round three, Sarratt could change the plans.

The Colts’ first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft comes with the 47th overall selection. Then, they have the 78th pick in the third round. That could be Sarratt, unless there’s a linebacker that the Colts are enamored with.

Sarratt’s stock could actually be higher

Projected as a mid-to-late Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Sarratt could easily be the sleeper pick of this class. At 6’2″, 211 lbs, Sarratt is considered a high-floor, physical receiver with plenty of contested-catch ability. While not regarded as a top-tier route runner, he does have ability in that regard.

His NFL comp could be Keenan Allen, and after winning the National Championship with Indiana, his stock should have been elevated. He also recorded a 4.4-second 40-yard dash. In his breakout season with the Hoosiers, he had 830 yards with 15 touchdowns on 65 receptions.

Sarratt would fit perfectly with the Colts

Just as Pittman was, Sarratt would bring reliability, strong hands, and big body to target on the middle of the field. However, Sarratt also brings verticality and the ability to be used as an outside-the-numbers threat.

Also, having played at Indiana, he already has local ties to the city. The Colts would love to keep him home. He would arguably become a starter from Day 1, alongside Alec Pierce and Josh Downs.

Nussmeier spoke with NFL Network. “I’ve got a lot of stuff coming up. I’ve got the Jets coming in the next couple of days here. I’ve got the Rams coming into town. I’m heading out to Indianapolis.”

The Jets worked out Carson Beck and Drew Allar, as well as preparing to host Ty Simpson. Now, Nussmeier is up next. Nussmeier was at LSU and has been looking good in drills, so there is quite a chance he manages to impress the Jets too.

Is Nussmeier a good prospect?

Nussmeier has a gunslinger mentality thanks to his strong arm. However, he is also accurate and tough. During 2024 when he was fully healthy, he threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns. The ab injury really limited last season.

Nussmeier is somewhat undersized though, standing at 6-foot-2. Given that he is a pocket-passer, teams like the Rams, Jets, and Colts might worry a bit about how good Nussmeier sees the field.

Nussmeier’s draft projection

A typical ‘Day 2 prospect‘, Nussmeier is expected to go either in the second or third round. Hence, he could be competing head to head against the likes of Drew Allar and Carson Beck regarding his draft position.

During Week 14 of last season, in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jones suffered a severe Achilles heel injury, which brought to an end what had been a great campaign for the QB.

Over a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, the former New York Giants player shared interesting details about his recovery: “My goal is to be ready to go for week one…I’m planning on being out there to start the season.”

The Indianapolis Colts aim to replicate what they achieved last season, at least the first half, which was more than satisfactory. Will Daniel Jones be the one to deliver the big impact this year?

Daniel Jones’ numbers in 2025

Before his season-ending injury, Daniel Jones was putting together a career-best campaign in Indianapolis, leading the Colts to a strong 8-2 start. In 13 games, he completed 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions, posting a career-high 100.2 passer rating.

He also remained a dual-threat weapon in Shane Steichen’s offense, contributing 164 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground before his Achilles tear in December.

According to journalist Tom Pelissero via his account on X, the former New York Giants player has secured his immediate future with the franchise for two more years, in an $88 million deal that can be worth up to $100 million with incentives.

Jordan Schultz also shared interesting details about this move: “Daniel Jones will earn $50M in 2026 before incentives, a $12.2M increase from the transition tag he would have otherwise played on — and $38M in 2027 before incentives, with $10M guaranteed.”

Highest-paid QBs in the NFL

As of March 2026, the hierarchy of NFL quarterback compensation is topped by Dak Prescott, who leads the league with a record-breaking average annual value of $60 million.

Following him, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow are currently tied for the second spot, both earning an average of $55 million per year under their respective extensions with the Bills and Bengals.

Full list:

• Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) – $60 million
• Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) – $55 million
• Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) – $55 million
• Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars) – $55 million
• Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers) – $55 million
• Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins-Atlanta Falcons) – $53.1 million
• Jared Goff (Detroit Lions) – $53 million
• Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers) – $53 million
• Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) – $52.5 million
• Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) – $52 million

Jones’ financial progression

Throughout his career, Daniel Jones has seen a dramatic escalation in his earnings, starting with a $25.7 million rookie contract with the New York Giants. After securing a massive $160 million extension in New York, he recently reached a new peak with the Colts, signing an extension worth $88 million that can reach up to $100 million with incentives.

On his social media, Pittman made a brief yet direct statement. “BLACK AND GOLD!!!!!!,” the former Colts’ wideout stated, @MikePitt_Jr on X.

Although Michael Pittman Jr. loved his time with the Colts—where he became an NFL star—he is ready for a new challenge in Pittsburgh with the Steelers. Perhaps Pittman Jr. knows something the rest of the league doesn’t about Aaron Rodgers’ future, or maybe he is simply excited to represent the winningest franchise in Super Bowl history, tied with the New England Patriots at six titles.

Why did Colts trade Pittman Jr.?

Although Indianapolis stood witness as Pittman Jr. blossomed into one of the safest hands in the NFL, the decision to part ways with him wasn’t too surprising. Basically, it all came down to cap space.

Pittman Jr. was set to enter the final season of his three-year, $70 million contract with the Colts. Carrying an annual cap hit of $29 million, via Colts Wire, the franchise was in a bit of a pickle. In the “Crossroads of America”, the Colts found a way to get out of a crossroads by sending Pittman to “The City of Bridges”. Upon arrival, the Steelers handed Pittman Jr. a three-year, $59 million extension.

Last season, Pittman Jr. finished the campaign with 80 receptions for 784 yards and 7 touchdowns. Despite a career-high in scores, Pittman Jr. recorded his second-lowest yards total. For the Steelers, Pittman’s 784 yards would have put comfortable in second place for most receiving yards, only behind D.K. Metcalf’s 850.

Pittman is joining a group led by DK Metcalf, providing the Steelers a much-needed combo in the position. Roman Wilson and Ben Skorownek are the other wideouts under contract in Pittsburgh for 2026.

The Colts are losing a key weapon, but are also creating $24 million in cap space. They will count on Alec Pierce, who agreed to come back in a four-year deal. The other Colts WRs under contract for 2026 are Ashton Dulin, Josh Downs, and Anthony Gould.

Free agent WRs in Indianapolis and Pittsburgh

Pittman is reportedly signing a three-year, $59 million contract in Pittsburgh, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Steelers, meanwhile, have three wideouts facing unrestricted free agency.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Scotty Miller, and Calvin Austin III are all free to sign elsewhere in the open market ahead of the 2026 NFL season. The same goes for Laquon Treadwell in the Colts’ case, as the wideout is out of contract in Indy.

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, “Pierce appears poised to make at least $27 million per year on a new deal. The Patriots, Commanders, Raiders and Titans are among teams in the mix.” Pierce must be aware of this, and he might want to see teams battling on his sweepstakes.

Fowler also added that the Colts have one ace under their sleeve. “What helps Indy’s case is that Pierce is close with Colts quarterback Daniel Jones and, if everything is equal, would like to stay in Indianapolis. There’s still hope for Indy, but Pierce’s market will dictate his direction. His upside and penchant for chunk yardage are attractive to teams.“

What are the other big names in the WR free agency market?

While Pierce is one of the top options he is not the only one. It was reported earlier that Super Bowl champion Mike Evans will test free agency as well. Still, when looking at the heavy names, Alec Pierce might arguably had the best season of them all, as you can see below.

Hence, Pierce’s wisest move would be to actually wait for offers to come in, and then decide if staying on the Colts is the best idea. After all, he might be the best deep threat available on the market.

Pierce was the best Colts WR in a stacked room

Indianapolis had one of the most loaded-yet-underrated WR rooms in the NFL. The Colts had Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, Pierce, and star tight end Tyler Warren. Pierce was just the best of them all. These were the numbers of the rest of the Colts receiver apart from Pierce:

• Tyler Warren – 817 yds, 4 TDs
• Michael Pittman Jr. – 784 yds, 7 TDs
• Josh Downs – 566 yds, 4 TDs