Primarily, this has involved reflecting on their usual methods and how these have led to a four-year absence from the playoffs. Consequently, the Colts have made some unusual moves, notably spending more money than usual in free agency and letting some of their successful homegrown players leave for other teams. Typically, the Colts invest heavily in retaining their own players, irrespective of whether upgrades are possible.

The Colts’ new strategy has added pressure on some players within the organization, which is likely a positive development. This was one of general manager Chris Ballard’s major aims, as he discussed after the conclusion of the 2024 season.

The following are five players who should be feeling the pressure as a result of the Colts’ offseason actions:

Quarterback Anthony Richardson

This is the most evident case, as the discussion about bringing in competition for Richardson has been ongoing since early January. It remains a topic of conversation as we anticipate who will be the starting quarterback.

The Colts signed Daniel Jones early in free agency to provide the push they felt Richardson needed for his development. Richardson was either going to remain diligent in his preparations, or the Colts would rely on a new quarterback they believed could help them win games.

Richardson has not yet met the Colts’ expectations, given his career completion rate of 50.6%, the 17 games he’s missed due to injuries, and a playing style that got him benched twice in 2024. Similarly, Jones hit a low point in his career with his benching and release from the New York Giants last year.

With these quarterbacks, the Colts hope the competitive pressure turns them into high performers.

Running Back Khalil Herbert

The Colts wasted no time in adding competition for Herbert. They signed him in March during free agency to replace Trey Sermon. Herbert appears to be a solid upgrade, boasting an average of 4.8 yards per carry throughout his career and regularly making significant plays for the Chicago Bears offense. However, indicating their desire for a robust backfield, the Colts then drafted running back DJ Giddens from Kansas State.

Where Herbert was clearly the backup to Jonathan Taylor pre-draft, the situation has become more intriguing. If Giddens proves as promising as expected, there’s little reason for him not to share backfield duties with Taylor, leaving Herbert to pick up the remaining opportunities.

Tight End Drew Ogletree

The Colts hold Ogletree in high esteem and see him as one of the NFL’s best blocking tight ends. However, they are now navigating a crowded tight end lineup.

The tight end position was the most pressing need for the Colts prior to the draft, which they addressed by selecting Tyler Warren in the first round. Just before the draft, the Colts also re-signed Mo Alie-Cox, likely as a contingency if the draft didn’t go as planned.

Now that the Colts have Warren, Ogletree, and Alie-Cox, each capable of blocking, is there a need for all three? Retaining all three could mean cutting players with receiving skills, like Will Mallory or Jelani Woods, during roster downsizing.

Ogletree quickly transitioned from being the Colts’ top tight end to a player fighting for a roster spot within a few weeks in April.

Linebacker Jaylon Carlies

Carlies received a different sort of attention this offseason compared to the others. The Colts mostly let players go at the linebacker position, partly due to their confidence in their existing players.

Starting WILL E.J. Speed left for the division rival Houston Texans in free agency and is set to be replaced by Carlies.

Carlies impressed as a rookie in 2024, though he missed seven games mainly due to a leg injury. He also sat out the entire offseason program recovering from a shoulder injury sustained as a rookie.

The Colts are placing significant trust in a player who missed much of his rookie year and his first spring as a starter because of injuries.

Cornerback JuJu Brents

Cornerback is perhaps the Colts’ strongest position, and they’ve reinforced it in various ways this offseason. They signed Charvarius Ward, a leading cover corner, as their top player and added depth with experienced veterans Corey Ballentine and David Long. Additionally, they selected Justin Walley in the third round of the draft, who offers versatility playing both inside and outside.

JuJu Brents, once viewed as the Colts’ potential top cornerback after being drafted in the same round as Richardson, has missed most of his first two years due to various injuries. This might be Brents’ final opportunity to prove he can maintain his health and contribute effectively to the Colts.