Grover

Stewart

Schefter listed out DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, and Downs as players that could potentially be on the move as the Colts continue what from all outside appearances looks to be a fire sale. He thinks Buckner will be the next player on the move and likely go for less than Quenton Nelson. Downs certainly hasn’t impressed with his opportunity this season, but he’s a valuable receiver and Indianapolis didn’t exactly but him in an ideal scenario with Alec Pierce hurt and Keenan Allen playing alongside him while Daniel Jones struggles to regain his 2025 form.

Taylor, 27, has totaled more than 320 offensive touches in each of the last two seasons. His current $14 million annual salary makes him the seventh-highest-paid running back in the league. Taylor has set multiple Colts records, operating as the centerpiece of Indianapolis’ offense for years. FOX 59’s Mike Chappell writes that it is “uncertain whether there’s a mutual desire to keep Taylor in Indy beyond 2025.” Multiple Colts stars, including DTs DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, OG Quenton Nelson and WR Josh Downs, are also entering the final year of their deal. Chappell believes owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon “might believe it’s more prudent to allow the upcoming season to run its course rather than reinvest in lucrative contracts.” Time will tell.

Stewart has been with the Colts for seven years and has been a starter for five. He missed six games in 2023 because of a PED suspension. Stewart totaled five TFLs and .5 sacks in 11 games. He notched four sacks in his last full season. Despite the dip in pass-rush production, Stewart remained a strong defender against the run in 2023. Now 30 years old, Stewart is on track to spend the entirety of his career as a member of the Colts.

The loss of Stewart marks a brutal blow to the Colts’ defensive line. The veteran defensive tackle has started all six games for the Colts this season, totaling 20 tackles and two TFLs while adding nine pressures. A six-game suspension means Stewart won’t be able to return until the Colts’ Week 14 matchup against the Bengals.

Stewart is playing at a high level in his contract year, especially against Baltimore in Week 9, and now will earn at least $20 million guaranteed through the 2023 season. The former fourth-round selection out of Albany State turned 27 years old in October and will pair with DeForest Buckner for years to come.

Stewart (6’5/334) was a dominant freak in the D-2 ranks, piling up 27 career sacks before running 5.17 with 30 bench-press reps at Albany’s Pro Day. Not invited to the Combine, Stewart is a superb athlete for his monstrous size in the mold of Bears DE Akiem Hicks. Stewart’s transition is steep coming out of D-2, but he offers a mouth-watering NFL ceiling based on size and movement skills.

With first-round S Malik Hooker also signing on Thursday, only third-round OLB Tarell Basham is left unsigned out of the Colts’ draft class. Standing 6-foot-5 and over 330 pounds, Stewart is a solid athlete for his size and put up 30 reps of 225 pounds at Albany State’s Pro Day. He might take some time to adjust to NFL competition, but Stewart carries a high ceiling.