Colts' Taylor, Nelson: Free Agency Likely?

0:00On April 4th, with the NFL draft just 20 days away, the Indianapolis Colts are eyeing their 2027 free agency class after a tough. 2026 Offseason, where they lost players like Quitte Pay, Nick Cross and Braden Smith. Sports Illustrator writer Matt Verterrain predicts two stars could hit the market, running back Jonathan Taylor and Garquin Nelson. Taylor has been the engine of the Colts offense no matter whose coaching, piling up over 4,000 rushing yards under Frank Reich and Jeff. Saturday, and nearly 4,000 more, was Shane Steichen. He's a bell cowback with consistent touchdowns and first downs, showing nowhere, despite heavy carries. Fans and analysts see Taylor as irreplaceable, but Verterrain gives him just a three out of five chance of testing free agency. It boils down to the team's 2026 success. If they build on that eight and two star and make playoffs, they'll lock him up, since running. Back's rarely get big second deals around his age.

1:00Meanwhile, Quitte Nelson gets a full five out of five likelihood from Verterrain. The A Time Pro Bowler turns 31 next season, wrapping his $80 million deal, and with the Colts paying big for Daniel Jones, sauce. Gardener and others, they might let this elite lineman reset the guard market. Nelson's dominance top blocking grades, minimal sacks allowed, and a Hall of Fame resume makes it hard to imagine him leaving Indy, but cap space, and team direction could force tough calls. Keep watching how 2026 unfold for these cornerstone pieces.