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Stampede Blue

An Indianapolis Colts blog

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Colts capology: By placing transition tag on QB Daniel Jones, Indy is currently over the cap, but have flexibility

The Indianapolis Colts have reportedly placed the transition tag, worth $37.833 million, on pending free agent starting quarterback Daniel Jones, which means they’re currently a projected $4.7 million over the 2026 team salary cap (via Fox59/CBS4’s Mike Chappell): Now, the Colts salary cap situation remains entirely fluid. For one, the Colts could still agree to […]

Colts apply transition tag to QB Daniel Jones—while continuing to negotiate with both WR Alec Pierce and him

According to multiple league sources, the Indianapolis Colts are applying the transition tag, worth $37.83M dollars for the 2026 season, to pending free agent starting quarterback Daniel Jones, which gives the Horseshoe the ability to match any offer sheet Jones signs during the upcoming free agency period: Before then, Indianapolis will continue to negotiate with […]

Tag you’re it? Colts face looming Tuesday deadline with work to do on QB Daniel Jones, WR Alec Pierce contract extensions

The Indianapolis Colts have a looming decision to make, as the franchise is just hours away from the league’s mandated 4 PM EST, Tuesday deadline where any franchise or transition tag must be applied beforehand. While contract negotiations remain fluid with each priority internal free agent, the Colts still have not struck a deal with […]

Colts’ Ward is facing a life-altering decision

Charvarius Ward was the big offseason prize for the Indianapolis Colts. Chris Ballard finally went out and spent in free agency, and all signs pointed to Ward being the answer to shoring up the Colts’ porous defensive backfield. When he was on the field, Ward was that guy. He looked like a true number one. […]

Combine Risers & Fallers

Risers Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama Ty Simpson was the most accurate QB in drills at the Combine at all 3 levels, showing good touch and placement, especially considering the lack of experience throwing to the Wide Receivers at the Combine. He was able to layer some impressive Go Balls as well, showing off a skill […]

Position Mastery: Evaluating Offensive Linemen

Offensive line play doesn’t show up cleanly in box scores, but it shows up on every snap. For tackles, guards, and centers, evaluation is less about highlight moments and more about consistency, leverage, and control. One bad rep can wreck a drive. One dominant rep can define a series. That’s why scouting offensive linemen requires […]

ESPN NFL Insiders list Colts Kwity Paye as ‘free agent sleeper’ among league execs

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, Indianapolis Colts starting defensive end Kwity Paye is included in their handful of ‘free agent sleepers’ they heard buzz about among league executives at the NFL Combine this past week in Indianapolis: Colts pass rusher Kwity Paye: He could be the fourth rusher on the market behind Trey Hendrickson, Jaelan […]

NFL Combine: 5 Colts front seven targets

Indianapolis, IN — NFL Scouting Combine festivities kicked off earlier this week with media availability, with yesterday marking the first of four days of on-the-field workouts. The initial wave in question was comprised of front seven defenders — the defensive line and linebacker rooms — coincidentally, the same position grouping that Indianapolis Colts general manager […]

How much stock should the Colts put in the combines?

It is widely observed that Chris Ballard tends to draft players with a well above RAS (Relative Athletic Score). He is often given grief about this choice, fair or unfair. I have little doubt that the score is a factor in his draft process, but I would venture to guess that it is not at […]

The vision for Anthony Richardson and the Colts is clear

After suffering a gruesome and unlucky injury, it appears Anthony Richardson is back to full strength. If you are asking yourself which injury I am referring to, unfortunately, that is the right question to ask. Richardson has faced more than his fair share of ailments with the Indianapolis Colts during his short tenure with the […]

Colts leaked 2026 NFLPA team report card has a lot more good marks than bad

Even after an arbitrator recently ruled they couldn’t be disclosed publicly, ESPN’s Kalyn Kahler was able to obtain the NFLPA’s leaked 2026 NFL team report cards—including that of the Indianapolis Colts: Indianapolis Colts Treatment of Families: BHome Game Field: DFood/Dining Area: BNutritionist/Dietician: A-Locker Room: C+Training Room: BTraining Staff: B+Weight Room: BStrength Coaches: APosition Coaches: BOffensive […]

Colts QB Anthony Richardson has reportedly regained full vision—and an already interested trade suitor emerges

According to The Athletic’s James Boyd, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, who’s recently been granted permission by the team to seek out a trade, has regained full vision in his injured right eye: Now, it should be taken with the caveat that this latest medical update is coming from Richardson’s representation, and it behooves the […]

9 Potential Anthony Richardson Trade Destinations

The Colts are allowing Richardson to seek out a trade, so he will have some agency on where he lands. Which teams could be a fit for him and provide him an opportunity to either start or give him the mentorship needed to help him hit his ceiling? Minnesota Vikings: Starting Opportunity The Vikings are […]

Report: Colts to allow Anthony Richardson to seek a trade

Indianapolis, IN — The NFL Scouting Combine is back home this week as the on-the-field portion kicks off later today in Lucas Oil Stadium, the very event that popularized quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. and deemed him the most athletic quarterback prospect in NFL history, according to Relative Athletic Score. Fast-forward three years after being drafted […]

Can the Colts afford to let Alec Pierce walk?

Alec Pierce was drafted to be the perfect complement to Michael Pittman Jr. and serve as the second main receiving threat. The Indianapolis Colts are four years into the Pierce experiment and the results have been less than desired. With that said, Pierce turned it on exactly when he needed to and is leaving the […]

The Colts’ Michael Pittman Jr. Decision Is Coming

A couple of months ago, I wrote that the Colts would eventually have to make a decision on Michael Pittman Jr.’s contract — a deal with one year remaining and a $29 million cap hit. That moment has arrived. While a release remains the cleanest and most likely path forward, it isn’t the only option […]

PFF lists Colts breakout, new lead wideout as team’s top franchise tag candidate

According to PFF’s Bradley Locker, Indianapolis Colts wideout Alec Pierce is their project franchise tag candidate for the Horseshoe among a listing of each of the NFL’s 32 teams: Indianapolis Colts: WR Alec Pierce The Colts could ostensibly deploy the franchise tag on either Daniel Jones or Pierce, but the latter feels more likely given his radiating […]

ESPN projects familiar face to be Colts starting QB to begin 2026 campaign

According to ESPN’s Seth Walder, the Indianapolis Colts will have a surprising, yet recently familiar face, as their 2026 opening starting quarterback—only it’s not Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson Sr., or Riley Leonard. Rather, it will be 2023 Colts Pro Bowler Gardner Minshew, who Walder projects to return to Indianapolis and initially start in the interim […]

Highlights from Colts’ Shane Steichen’s NFL Combine Press Conference

On changes moving forward after a disappointing season. “I think the way the season started was obviously pretty special, then down the stretch obviously with some unfortunate circumstances. We gotta find ways to win ugly games. I think that’s whether it is through practice, how we practice late in the season, putting those guys in […]

Takeaways from Colts GM Chris Ballard NFL Combine Press Conference

On negotiations with Alec Pierce and Daniel Jones with the new league year starting soon. ”Yep, good. I’ve had great discussions with both of them. We will continue to work this week and see if we get something done. It’s been very positive. Look when both sides are driven to get it done, it usually […]

A Visitor’s Guide to Downtown Indianapolis Food & Drinks

Indianapolis has been proud to host the NFL Combine for nearly 4 decades, which has served as not only the biggest pre-Draft event in the NFL Calendar for testing athleticism and getting official measurements; but also get medical checks, interview with prospects. Teams, agents, and media get to network, interview, and prepare for the Draft […]

NFL

Offseason vision to steer Colts back into playoff contention

Indianapolis Colts brass delivered a unified message about the most important offseason priorities inside the Indiana Convention Center, which includes signing quarterback Daniel Jones and receiver Alec Pierce to long-term contracts. Colts General Manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen did not come to make headlines at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, but rather […]

Colts free agent profiles: Braden Smith

Indianapolis, IN — The Indianapolis Colts have been at an advantage thanks to strong tackle play this decade, with a brief transitional period at left tackle that otherwise found its footing rather quickly. On the opposite side of the line, however, has been locked down by longtime Colt Braden Smith. Initially scoffed at by draft […]