In terms of free agency, the Colts have experienced a busy period. NFL teams typically witness significant roster changes, but since the arrival of new head coach Shane Steichen before the 2023 season, Indianapolis has been particularly proactive in reshaping its roster to align with Steichen’s preferred system. Some notable figures from the Colts’ recent history have departed for other teams, and although there have been a few disappointments in terms of players leaving, overall, the Colts have made astute roster decisions in recent years. Here’s a reflection on those we wish had stayed with the team and those we’re pleased to see thriving elsewhere.
3 former Colts players we’re glad are gone
1. Gardner Minshew
Credit is due to Minshew for stepping up admirably when rookie QB Anthony Richardson suffered season-ending shoulder surgery early in the year. Minshew performed well, compiling a 7-6 record over the 13 games he started for Indianapolis, with over 3000 passing yards and 15 touchdowns. This stretch marked the most games he had ever started, and in his role as a backup quarterback, he generally fulfilled his duties effectively. However, with Richardson reportedly recovering ahead of schedule and considering the current state of the QB market, re-signing Minshew on a deal similar to the one offered by the Raiders was never a realistic option. The Colts can find a competent backup without having to commit $25 million.
2. Yannick Ngakoue
Ngakoue had a solid season with the Colts, considering the circumstances. He notched 9.5 sacks, which was slightly below his previous season’s total of 10 with the Raiders, but he managed 16 QB hits and forced a fumble, figures that were consistent with some of the best seasons of his career. However, his production took a significant downturn after moving to the Bears, where he only recorded four sacks in 13 games. At 29 years old when the next season begins, he may still have a few decent seasons ahead of him, but at present, it appears that the Colts made a wise decision in opting for a different direction.
3. Brandon Facyson
Facyson is another player who transitioned from the Colts to the Raiders. Despite signing a two-year, $6.5 million contract last offseason, the cornerback spent most of the season on injured reserve. Even when he did get on the field, his performance was underwhelming, and it seems that Las Vegas is already seeking additional help for their secondary. Perhaps if he gets the opportunity to play a full season, the Colts might come to regret the decision a bit more. However, at the moment, it’s unlikely that many Indianapolis fans are lamenting his departure.
2 former Colts players we wish stayed
1. Bobby Okereke
Following four years with the Colts, Okereke secured a significant contract with the Giants in the 2023 offseason and subsequently enjoyed his most impressive season yet. He concluded the year tied for 8th in the league in tackles with 105, leading in forced fumbles with 4, and ranking 13th in assists with 38. Additionally, he achieved a career-high of three sacks and boasted the lowest missed tackle percentage of his career. This level of production highlights what the Colts’ linebacker corps could have greatly benefitted from this past year.
2. Shaquille Leonard
This sentiment is more rooted in nostalgia than football strategy. Leonard emerged as one of the standout players for the Colts over the past decade, earning All-Pro honors in each of his first four seasons and consistently surpassing 120 tackles annually. While his rookie season remains his pinnacle in terms of sacks (7.0), he epitomized reliability during some challenging times for the Colts. Injuries ultimately led to the decision to part ways with him, but at just 28 years old, it’s natural to ponder what might have transpired if Leonard had remained healthy and stayed with the Colts for the long haul.
