Roster Moves Announced with Releases and Signings by the Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts have kicked off their offseason roster overhaul with a series of strategic moves—including high-profile releases and targeted signings—aimed at addressing positional gaps, freeing up salary cap space, and aligning the team with new head coach Jim Caldwell’s offensive and defensive philosophies. After a 9-8 season that fell just short of the playoffs, Colts general manager Chris Ballard has made it clear that roster flexibility and talent acquisition are top priorities, with moves focused on strengthening the offensive line, adding depth to the secondary, and securing reliable special teams contributors. These roster adjustments aren’t just about trimming the fat; they’re about building a more balanced, resilient team capable of competing in the AFC South. Roster Moves Announced with Releases and Signings by the Indianapolis Colts breaks down the most impactful releases, the rationale behind key signings, and how these moves position the Colts for success in the upcoming season.

Roster Moves Announced with Releases and Signings by the Indianapolis Colts first examines the high-profile release of veteran left tackle Eric Fisher, a move that freed up approximately \(10 million in salary cap space. Fisher, who signed a three-year, \)30 million deal with the Colts in 2022, struggled with consistency last season, allowing 7 sacks and 14 quarterback pressures—career highs for the 11-year veteran. With the Colts looking to rebuild their offensive line to better protect quarterback Anthony Richardson, Ballard made the difficult decision to part ways with Fisher, citing the need for “younger, more athletic options” at the tackle position. The release wasn’t unexpected—Fisher had been linked to trade rumors since the end of the season—but it still sent ripples through the Colts’ fan base, with many acknowledging the veteran’s contributions while understanding the team’s long-term goals. “Eric gave us two solid seasons, and we’re grateful for his leadership,” Ballard said in a press conference announcing the move. “But in this league, you have to make tough choices to stay competitive. This move gives us the cap space to invest in other areas and gives our younger linemen a chance to step up.”

Complementing the Fisher release, Roster Moves Announced with Releases and Signings by the Indianapolis Colts details the Colts’ first major signing of the offseason: veteran guard Robert Hunt, who inked a four-year, $56 million deal after spending five seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Hunt, a 2020 second-round pick, has established himself as one of the NFL’s most reliable interior linemen, allowing just 2 sacks in the past two seasons and earning Pro Bowl honors in 2023. His addition addresses a critical need for the Colts, who ranked 24th in the NFL in rushing yards per game last season and struggled to create consistent running lanes for Jonathan Taylor. Hunt’s versatility—he can play both guard and tackle—also provides Caldwell with flexibility in crafting the offensive line rotation. “Robert is exactly the kind of player we want to build around,” Caldwell said. “He’s tough, consistent, and has a track record of success against some of the league’s best pass rushers. Adding him to our line will make us better both in the run game and in protecting Anthony [Richardson].” The signing has been widely praised by analysts, with many noting that Hunt’s presence could elevate the entire offensive line’s performance.

Roster Moves Announced with Releases and Signings by the Indianapolis Colts also highlights the Colts’ decision to release veteran safety Julian Blackmon, a move that reflects the team’s desire to youth up the secondary. Blackmon, a 2020 third-round pick, was a staple of the Colts’ defense for four seasons, recording 10 interceptions and 32 pass breakups—but he struggled with injuries last season, missing six games with a hamstring issue, and his coverage skills had begun to decline. The release frees up $6.5 million in cap space, which the Colts plan to use to sign younger defensive backs. Shortly after Blackmon’s release, the Colts announced the signing of free-agent safety DeShon Elliott, a six-year veteran who spent last season with the Detroit Lions. Elliott, known for his physicality and run-stopping ability, recorded 76 tackles and 2 interceptions in 2023 and is expected to pair with returning safety Rodney Thomas II to form a more dynamic secondary. For the Indianapolis Colts, this pair of moves—releasing Blackmon and signing Elliott—represents a calculated risk: letting go of a familiar face to bring in a player whose skill set better fits Caldwell’s defensive scheme. “Our secondary needs to be more aggressive, and DeShon brings that mindset,” said Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. “He’s a playmaker who can stop the run and disrupt the pass, and we’re excited to see how he fits in with our group.”

Another layer of Roster Moves Announced with Releases and Signings by the Indianapolis Colts is the team’s focus on special teams, with the release of long-time punter Rigoberto Sanchez and the signing of free-agent punter Corey Bojorquez. Sanchez, who had been with the Colts since 2017, saw his average yards per punt drop from 45.3 in 2022 to 42.8 in 2023, and he struggled with consistency in pinning opponents inside their 20-yard line. Bojorquez, a five-year veteran who played for the Cleveland Browns last season, averaged 48.1 yards per punt in 2023 and ranked 10th in the NFL in net punting average (42.3 yards). His addition is part of the Colts’ broader effort to improve special teams, which ranked 28th in the NFL in Special Teams DVOA last season. For the Indianapolis Colts, special teams often fly under the radar, but these moves signal a recognition that strong special teams play can be the difference in close games. “Special teams win games, and we need to be better in that area,” said Colts special teams coordinator Brian Mason. “Corey has proven he can change field position with a single punt, and that’s exactly what we need. His consistency will be a huge asset for us next season.” The Colts also announced the re-signing of kicker Rodrigo Blankenship, ensuring stability at the kicker position after Blankenship made 85% of his field goal attempts last season.

Roster Moves Announced with Releases and Signings by the Indianapolis Colts also delves into the Colts’ handling of their running back room, with the decision to retain veteran Zack Moss and release backup running back Deon Jackson. Moss, who served as Taylor’s primary backup last season, rushed for 574 yards and 4 touchdowns and proved to be a reliable option when Taylor was sidelined with injuries. The Colts re-signed Moss to a two-year, $8 million deal, ensuring they have a proven backup in case Taylor misses time again. Jackson, meanwhile, was released after rushing for just 231 yards and 1 touchdown in 2023; his departure clears the way for younger running backs like Evan Hull to take on a larger role. The Colts also added depth at the position by signing free-agent running back Kareem Hunt, a seven-year veteran who spent last season with the Cleveland Browns. Hunt, who has 4,902 career rushing yards and 45 touchdowns, provides the Colts with a pass-catching threat out of the backfield—something they lacked last season—and can spell Taylor in third-down situations. For the Indianapolis Colts, these running back moves balance continuity (retaining Moss) with new talent (signing Hunt), ensuring the offense has enough firepower to compete in the tough AFC South. “Our running game is a big part of who we are, and we need to have depth at that position,” Caldwell said. “Zack has proven he can step up when needed, and Kareem adds a different dimension with his ability to catch the ball. Having both of them will make our offense more unpredictable.”

The final dimension of Roster Moves Announced with Releases and Signings by the Indianapolis Colts is how these collective moves reflect the Colts’ broader strategy: building a team that’s competitive now while keeping an eye on the future. By releasing high-salary veterans like Fisher and Blackmon, the Colts have freed up over $23 million in salary cap space, giving them the flexibility to sign additional free agents or extend key players like Taylor and Richardson. The signings of Hunt, Elliott, and Bojorquez address immediate needs while avoiding long-term contracts that could hinder future flexibility. For the Indianapolis Colts, this balanced approach is critical in a division that includes the defending AFC South champion Houston Texans and a resurgent Jacksonville Jaguars team. “We’re not looking for quick fixes—we’re building a sustainable winner,” Ballard said. “These roster moves are about putting the right pieces in place to compete year in and year out. We have a young core with a lot of potential, and these additions will help them grow and succeed.” As the offseason progresses, the Colts are expected to make more moves—possibly in the draft or via additional free-agent signings—but the early roster adjustments have already sent a clear message: the team is committed to improving, and it’s willing to make tough choices to achieve that goal. For Colts fans, these moves offer hope that the team can return to the playoffs and compete for a division title in the upcoming season.