Colts begin rebuild but lack future first-round picks

The Indianapolis Colts have moved quickly to reshape their roster, dismissing longtime general manager Chris Ballard and trading Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to San Francisco. The trades netted three future draft picks, none earlier than the third round, and left the team at 2-5 on the season.

The organization also entered the offseason without its 2026 and 2027 first-round picks after sending wide receiver Adonai Mitchell and those selections to the New York Jets for cornerback Sauce Gardner in November. As a result, the Colts will not have a first-round pick in either of the next two drafts, a factor that could affect any plan to acquire a franchise quarterback.

Analysts note that recent NFL rebuilds—Miami, Chicago, Washington, Carolina and Buffalo—each eventually used a top-seven draft pick on a quarterback. Those teams also retained or acquired first-round capital to make those selections. By contrast, Indianapolis must rely on later-round picks, existing players such as Gardner, and potential future trades to address the quarterback position.

"We are committed to building a competitive roster and will explore all options to improve our quarterback situation," a Colts spokesperson said.

The Colts retain their 2028 first-round pick and have eight selections in the 2027 draft, including two third-rounders and two fourth-rounders. Additional moves, such as a possible trade involving running back Jonathan Taylor, could add further assets, but the absence of early picks narrows the path to a quick turnaround.