The Indianapolis Colts were extremely busy on the first day of the NFL free agency negotiating window being open. Not only were they able to re-sign wide receiver Alec Pierce, they also traded wideout Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
For Pierce, the Colts have received some mixed reviews. They ended up giving him a massive four-year, $116 million deal. Pierce had a breakout season in 2025, but there are real questions about whether or not he was worth that kind of money.
In addition to those two moves, Indianapolis added to the defensive side of the ball. Former Tennessee Titans pass rusher Arden Key agreed to terms on a two-year, $20 million contract.
With that being said, the Colts suffered a tough loss on Tuesday afternoon.
According to a report from NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic, starting offensive tackle Braden Smith has left Indianapolis to sign a two-year, $20 million contract with the AFC South rival Houston Texans.
Losing Braden Smith to the Texans Hurts for the Colts
Smith has dealt with quite a few injury issues over the years, but he was a top-tier starting tackle when healthy. Seeing him leave is difficult, but watching him sign with the Texans makes it much worse.
ESPN’s Aaron Schatz broke down what Smith brings to the field prior to the start of NFL free agency.
“Smith has been steady for the Colts, ranking 34th out of 68 qualifying players in pass block win rate last season (90.6%),” Schatz wrote.
With his tenure in Indianapolis now over, Smith goes out having played in 107 games throughout his eight years in the league. Even though the Colts will miss him, the injury troubles make him a bit more replaceable than he was a few years back.
Where Do Things Stand Between Indianapolis and Daniel Jones?
So far to begin free agency, Indianapolis has been unable to work out a deal with quarterback Daniel Jones. That seems to be one of the next moves the team needs to make.
The Colts have been very open about their interest in retaining Jones. Many believe that it’s just a matter of time before the two parties work out a new contract.
Currently, the transition tag has been placed on Jones. Other teams could come calling to try and steal him away. The two parties have reportedly been apart on the terms of a new deal.
According to a report from Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Indianapolis made an initial offer of around the three-year, $100.5 million deal the Seattle Seahawks gave Sam Darnold. However, he reported that Jones responded with a contract worth around $50 million per year.
Obviously, there is still work to be done. Both sides will need to give a little in order to get a new deal completed. However, the expectation remains that Jones will be the starting quarterback for the Colts moving forward.
Colts Suffer Brutal $20M Free Agency Loss to AFC South Rival