I honestly don't think this is the case. Hendrickson's cap hit would've been low for 2026 had they signed him. The Ravens have a $15 million cap hit for him for 2026, and that's on a $28 million AAV deal. I think the Colts like to roll cap space over, which is a smart strategy if there's not a quality player to spend the money on. They have just over $19 million of cap space now, and they're likely wanting to roll that on the hope that Daniel Jones can be the answer at QB, so they can use it toward getting a long term extension done.

After Hendrickson came off the board, there wasn’t much of a pathway open to dramatically improve DE through free agency. When you look at NFL.com’s list of the top free agent DE’s, Hendrickson was 1st. Kwitty Paye was 3rd, and sandwiched in between was Boye Mafe, who might set a splendid edge, bur racked up a total of 2 sacks in 2025.

If Arden Key stays healthy, I expect him to turn in 8 sacks. I hope for 12.

There's also things to consider like Pierce's and Raimann's cap hits both jumping from like $9m each to $30-35m each next season, for example.

I agree. However we were in that position for a reason. It isn't like pass rush is a recent issue. Just frustrates the hell our of me.

Chaisson and/or Oweh would've been better free agent options. Key should be a DPR, with an early down player in front of him. I think the Colts hoped that would be Tuimoloau, but he's not living up to his potential. I'm personally hoping that Caden Curry just forces his way onto the field and becomes a pleasant surprise. I know it was only preseason, but a 17.5% pressure rate and good run defense is hard to ignore. If he can do anything close to that against first teamers, the Colts will put him on the field.

1) Both deals likely have built in restructures.

2) Even with those numbers factored in, the Colts have $60m of cap space before any rollover is added.

And carrying 11 DL seems excessive. Especially since ~half of them are JAGs at best.

with no backup plan


traded Pittman for nothing except cap space that we didn't use.

That is a great point i hadn't thought of. He could easily be on this team with no consequence to the team make up whatsoever. Could have been traded for nothing like he was any time you needed to clear cap space. Such a mismanaged team

Pittman’s cap number on his previous contract would have the Colts over the cap right now.