(updated with end-of-season statistics)
The Indianapolis Colts will head into another offseason without a playoff berth, so 2025 roster construction can begin by considering players on expiring contracts.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard generally prefers extending Colts players to chasing free agents, though not a lot of Colts starters are eligible to hit free agency. Center Ryan Kelly is the highest-profile player with an expiring deal, and he has said he wants to stay.
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Players from the 2021 draft class are up for extensions of their rookie deals − Dayo Odeyingbo, Kylen Granson, Sam Ehlinger and Will Fries. The Colts used their fifth-year option on 2021 first-round pick Kwity Paye before this season.
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Colts players with expiring contracts
(player name, position, age, 2024 salary cap hit, according to Spotrac)
Ryan Kelly, center, 31, $15.36 million
The 2016 first-round draft pick and four-time Pro Bowl performer is at the end of a four-year, $50 million contract. He has missed nine games to injury over the past two seasons.
Mo Alie-Cox, tight end, 31, $5.92 million
The former college basketball player is part of an underwhelming position group this season. He has 12 catches for 147 yards and one touchdown this season.
E.J. Speed, linebacker, 29, $5.46 million
The sixth-year player has grown from special teams ace into one of the NFL’s leading tacklers with 142 this season. If the Colts don’t extend him, somebody will pick him up.
Ashton Dulin, wide receiver, 27, $3.68 million
Dulin has been a valuable special teams player who gets occasional targets. Is he comfortable in that role, or will he seek a larger receiving role elsewhere?
Dayo Odeyingbo, edge rusher, 25, $1.97 million
At the end of his rookie contract, the 2021 second-round pick is part of the Colts’ wave of pass rushers (16.5 sacks in four seasons). An extended deal would presumably come with a pay bump. Do the Colts believe he has earned it?
Kylen Granson, tight end, 26, $3.3 million
An occasional threat for a big play, the 2021 fourth-rounder hasn’t taken advantage of an opportunity at an underwhelming position group (14 catches, 13.0 yards per, 31 targets).
Julian Blackmon, safety, 26, $3.89 million
He came to the Colts in the 2020 draft while recovering from a serious injury, and he has battled some more in Indianapolis but has become a reliable back-end defender (86 tackles, three interceptions in ’24 season). He played this season on a one-year deal after he tested free agency when his rookie contract expired. A shoulder injury forced a move to free safety early this season and he has not built on his breakout season in 2023.
Cameron McGrone, linebacker, 24, $985,000
The 2021 fifth-round draft pick has appeared in 22 games, almost exclusively on special teams.
Sam Ehlinger, quarterback, 26, $1.09 million
He started three games during a particularly rough 2022 season, but hasn’t taken a snap since Week 14 of 2023. Extending him at a low price would ensure someone familiar with the offense is available in a pinch.
Will Fries, offensive line, 26, $3.24 million
The seventh-round pick in 2021 developed into a full-time starting right guard in his third season, but a leg injury ended his 2024 season in Week 5. The Colts value experience on the O-line.
Rigoberto Sanchez, punter, 30, $2.5 million
The Colts have no complaints with Sanchez, whose salary ranks 13th in the NFL among punters. He has averaged career-best 49.7 yards per punt in 2024 (42.6 net). His last touchback came in Week 9.
These more recent Colts acquisitions came in with lower salaries and lower expectations. How many should return?
Joe Flacco, quarterback, 39, $4.5 million
He started a few games and filled in when Anthony Richardson was injured, completing 65.3% of his passes for 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Would he be enough of an insurance policy at QB at age 40?
Grant Stuard, linebacker, 26, $1.06 million
The fourth-year player moved up from special teams duty to the defensive rotation in 2024 (40 tackles), making his return more likely.
Wesley French, offensive lineman, 28, $988,344
The restricted free agent suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the preseason.
Chris Lammons, cornerback, 28, $1.06 million
He has appeared in 14 games, mostly on special teams. He has forced three fumbles.
Taven Bryan, defensive tackle, 28, $2.25 million
He has split time between the defense and special teams, with one sack and one fumble recovery in the 2024 season.
Tyler Goodson, running back, 24, $915,000
He plays more on special teams than on offense. He had 32 carries and 11 catches in the 2024 season, scoring two touchdowns.
Danny Pinter, offensive lineman, 28, $1.22 million
The 2020 fifth-round draft pick filled in for injured O-line starters on special teams.
Ronnie Harrison, safety, 27, $547,222
He played almost exclusively on special teams.
David Long, cornerback, 26, $656,667
He has played exclusively on special teams.
Trey Sermon, running back, 25, $1,06 million
He’s the primary backup to Jonathan Taylor, with 56 carries and 16 catches. He scored two touchdowns.
Juwann Winfree, wide receiver, 28, $570,000
He played almost exclusively on special teams.
Trevor Denbow, safety, 26, $985,000
He played on special teams before suffering a season-ending knee injury in October.
Ryan Coll, offensive lineman, 23, $470,000
He has not played for the Colts.
Segun Olubi, linebacker, 25, $915,000
He played almost exclusively on special teams. He has forced and recovered a fumble.
What is the NFL salary cap?
It’s the amount of money teams can spend on players in a given season. Unlike the NBA or MLB, the cap cannot be exceeded.
What is the projected 2025 NFL salary cap?
$273.3 million per team.
Who is the highest-paid NFL player?
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is set to count $89.8 million toward the 2025 salary cap.
What is the NFL dead cap?
Salary that counts against the cap from players who have been cut.