Top 3 2026 NFL free agents that could fill a need on the Colts roster that not enough people are talking about
While many fans are buzzing about various positions the Colts could target in free agency, there’s one intriguing option that’s flying under the radar, though.
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but the Indianapolis Colts have some big decisions to make at the quarterback position this offseason.
Many expect the team to re-sign Daniel Jones, even after his 2025 season ended early due to a torn right Achilles tendon. Former first-round pick Anthony Richardson is entering the final guaranteed year of his rookie contract, with the team’s fifth-year option decision looming.
At this point, it would be quite a shock if the Colts picked up that option. It seems that both sides need a fresh start, so I believe the Colts trading Richardson this offseason is highly likely. If that happens, the team’s need for a veteran backup could increase significantly. So here are three upcoming free agents that the Colts could target.
Russell Wilson
First up is someone who has a chance to end up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day, Russell Wilson. Wilson was selected in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. The same draft that landed the Colts’ Andrew Luck with the first overall pick.
The last few years of Wilson’s career haven’t gone to plan as he has played for three teams in four years and was benched this past season by the New York Giants. His days of getting guaranteed week-one starting jobs in free agency seem officially over.
The mystery surrounding Jones’ injury recovery, though, could make Indy a desirable destination for veteran backups. I think Steichen would be able to maximize the final years of Wilson’s career, and I think he would be excellent training camp competition for Riley Leonard.
Marcus Mariota
It feels like every time Marcus Mariota hits free agency, the Colts have been mentioned as a potential landing spot. The team gave him serious consideration in 2022 before trading for Matt Ryan.
Mariota showed he can still be pretty effective this past year with the Washington Commanders. His best performance came against one of the NFL’s best defenses, the Denver Broncos. He threw for a season-high 294 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing one interception, as the team ultimately lost 27-26 in overtime.
Steichen would be able to use Mariota’s ability as a runner and his experience playing in play-action to his advantage. At this stage of his career, he seems to be adapting well to being a full-time backup, and I wouldn’t be shocked if his next stop is with the Colts.
Jimmy Garoppolo
Last but not least is another QB that was linked to the Colts a few years back, Jimmy Garoppolo. The former New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and Las Vegas Raiders QB — and, most recently, Matthew Stafford’s backup on the Los Angeles Rams — is set to hit free agency.
Garoppolo, like Mariota, seems to have come to terms with being a backup in the NFL at this stage of his career. So if he leaves the Rams, I think the Colts would certainly be on his list of possible landing spots.
Jones’ injury is severe enough that the Colts have to go into the season assuming he won’t be able to play all 17 games, and if he can do it and shock them, it’ll be a pleasant surprise. Garoppolo is willing to sit back and take what the defense gives him, and he throws a very accurate football. He is probably the Colts best bet at finding a QB as close to Jones’ skill set to run the same offense in case he does miss some time at any point.
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