As the 2025 NFL season concludes, the Indianapolis Colts have entered their offseason with a focused effort on strengthening their squad. With general manager Chris Ballard confirmed to remain at the helm, the Colts are positioned to address critical roster needs. Targeting top players in the free-agent market is vital to improve the team’s chances in the next season, especially as the Indianapolis Colts free agents could fill several crucial gaps.
Potential Edge Rusher K’Lavon Chaisson Could Boost Colts’ Pass Rush
Among the top names linked to the Colts is K’Lavon Chaisson, an outside linebacker currently with the New England Patriots. Coming off his best season yet, Chaisson tallied 31 tackles and 7.5 sacks, along with 54 quarterback pressures, 18 hits, and forced two fumbles. Adding Chaisson alongside Laiatu Latu would reinforce the Colts’ pass rush, which ranked 20th last season according to Pro Football Focus.
Financial projections estimate Chaisson might command a three-year contract worth up to $26.9 million. Although the Patriots possess extensive salary cap space, making it unlikely that Chaisson hits free agency, the Colts’ urgent need on the edge could prompt an aggressive offer to secure his services.
Veteran Defensive Tackle DJ Reader Offers Depth and Familiarity
Another promising defensive addition would be DJ Reader, a defensive tackle from the Detroit Lions known for his previous work with Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo during their time in Cincinnati. At 31 years old, Reader brings valuable experience and could serve as depth behind starters DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, both of whom will be 32 when the season begins and face potential uncertainty given Buckner’s recent neck surgery.
Reader posted a career-high of 3.0 sacks in 2024, followed by a solid 2025 season with 28 tackles and 20 quarterback pressures. His Pro Football Focus pass-rushing grade ranked him 24th among eligible defensive tackles, highlighting his consistent impact. Projected to seek a two-year deal up to $7.7 million, Reader could mentor young players like Adetomiwa Adebawore while providing stability on the defensive line.
The Colts have one of the most dominant defensive tackle duos in the NFL with DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, but they’ll both be 32 when the regular season starts,
Drake Wally, Sports Illustrated writer
Reader put up 3.0 sacks (career-high) with the Detroit Lions in 2024 and had another solid season in 2025 with 28 tackles, 20 QB pressures, and a Pro Football Focus pass-rushing mark of 71.8 (24th out of 134 eligible defensive tackles).
Drake Wally, Sports Illustrated writer
Devin Bush Could Bring Leadership and Versatility to Linebacker Corps
Linebacker Devin Bush also stands out as a valuable target for the Colts. While Zaire Franklin has served as a defensive leader, his performance in 2025 fell significantly, being ranked 179th among linebackers by Pro Football Focus. In contrast, Bush was PFF’s fifth-best linebacker last season, demonstrating a marked improvement after shifting teams.
Drafted 10th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019, Bush immediately made an impact with 109 tackles and effective coverage stats. Although his performance declined during later years with the Steelers, he rejuvenated his career with the Cleveland Browns in 2025, achieving career highs in tackles (125), forced fumbles (two), and interceptions (three), including two defensive touchdowns.
At just 27 years old, Bush brings excellent coverage skills and a knack for forcing turnovers, matching well with the Colts’ defense which ranked 12th overall in takeaways last season. Financial estimates suggest Bush could sign a three-year contract valued near $8.9 million.
Devin Bush hit the NFL like a flamethrower when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019 out of Michigan with the 10th overall pick,
Drake Wally, Sports Illustrated writer
Bush’s rookie season saw him put up an impressive stat line of 109 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two interceptions, four pass breakups, and 1.0 sacks. After that, Bush’s production fell off a cliff with the Steelers, leading to him finding new destinations with the Seattle Seahawks (2023), then the Cleveland Browns (2024 and 2025).
Drake Wally, Sports Illustrated writer
Bush catapulted back to relevancy with the Browns’ elite defense in 2025, setting career-bests in tackles (125), fumbles forced (two), and interceptions (three). He also took two picks back for defensive touchdowns.
Drake Wally, Sports Illustrated writer
Bush is a do-it-all type of linebacker, and the Browns’ cap situation is a disaster, which could mean he’s a very realistic candidate for a linebacker-needy team like the Colts.
Drake Wally, Sports Illustrated writer
Offseason Moves That Could Shape the Colts’ Upcoming Season
The Colts face a pivotal offseason where bolstering their defense through free agency will be essential. Targeting edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, defensive tackle DJ Reader, and versatile linebacker Devin Bush could significantly improve Indianapolis’ defensive capabilities. These acquisitions would address key areas of need, such as reinforcing the pass rush, adding depth to the defensive line, and revitalizing linebacker leadership.
Given the Colts’ current roster situation and the projected contracts, pursuing these free agents aligns with both the team’s strategic goals and financial outlook. As the offseason progresses, watching how Chris Ballard and Lou Anarumo navigate free agency will offer insight into the Colts’ potential to contend in 2026 and beyond.
