Indianapolis

Colts

Buckner underwent season-ending neck surgery late last year. It’s a good sign that he’s meeting with reporters and that GM Chris Ballard also had the same timeline for his return yesterday. The star defensive tackle is entering his age-32 season and the final year of his contract in 2026.

It’s a positive sign for Jones four months removed from his Achilles tear, and it’s in line with general manager Chris Ballard’s April 20 assessment that Jones is “progressing really well” in his offseason recovery. Signing a massive contract extension with the Colts, Jones will be the team’s starter in 2026. Whether he misses a couple early season games depends on the speed of his recovery from the Achilles injury. With Anthony Richardson unlikely to be back with the team, Riley Leonard could function as Indy’s No. 2 quarterback behind Jones. Jones ranked sixth in drop back EPA before tearing his Achilles.

Ballard noted that Jones is throwing and moving while adding that Jones and the team are “shooting for Week 1" for him to be back on the field. Jones suffered his injury in Week 14 and is looking at a long road to recovery after undergoing surgery in December, but he remains optimistic that he can return in time for the start of the season based on how his rehab has gone thus far. His status will be one to watch as we get closer to camp, but if Jones can avoid landing on the PUP list when camp opens, then it would be safe to assume he’s trending toward a return for Week 1.

Ballard said that Pierce, who signed a four-year, $114 million contract this offseason, is expected to be back sometime during training camp. According to Ballard, Pierce “kept dealing with some pain in his ankle” and opted for surgery after consulting multiple doctors. It doesn’t sound like this is an issue to be overly concerned with at this time, but the clock is officially ticking for Pierce to be ready to go by camp after the Colts paid him WR1 money this offseason and traded Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers. We’ll likely get another update on his recovery as training camp draws closer.

The Colts have agreed to explore trades for both Moore and Richardson, so it doesn’t come as much of a surprise to hear that neither player plans to be present for the voluntary offseason workout programs. For now, the trade market for both players has been quiet, but it’s possible they gain more steam during or after the NFL Draft, once teams have had a chance to evaluate their rosters and identify where needs still exist. Speaking later in the day, Colts GM Chris Ballard said the chance would consider releasing Moore if they were unable to find a trade partner for the veteran corner.

Sarratt spent “several quality moments” with Colts WR coach Reggie Wayne and the team’s local Pro Day earlier this month. Chappell wonders if the meeting “was a preview of coming attractions.” Per Chappell, EDGE is the Colts’ top need, followed by an NFL-ready linebacker. They do not possess a first-round pick and are armed with just one apiece in Rounds 3-6, plus two in the seventh. Although Chappell views linebacker as the No. 2 need, he will still lobby for a wide receiver in the third or fourth round. Adding another piece to the passing game puzzle would benefit QB Daniel Jones, who is coming off a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture. Were Sarratt to land in Indianapolis, it could be tough for him to produce fantasy-relevant numbers in year one, competing with TE Tyler Warren, WR Alec Pierce and WR Josh Downs.

Moore and the Colts agreed to seek a trade on Friday. Breer notes that the Cowboys have not really settled their nickel spot and that the Vikings would value Moore’s versatility. The soon-to-be 31-year-old probably would not cost more than a Day 3 pick, per Breer, so if the Cowboys or Vikings miss out on potential draft cornerback fits, trading for Moore as a pivot makes sense.

Adderley, who unretired this offseason in what would be his age-29 season, was last seen posting a 62.2 PFF grade for the 2022 Chargers. It would be a major upset if he won a real role on the Colts given the long layoff, but it’s certainly possible he makes the roster.

A nine-year vet of the league who rose to stardom after going undrafted in 2017, Moore has totaled 649 tackles, 21 interceptions, and 68 pass breakups during his time with the Colts and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2021. The soon-to-be 31-year-old corner is a premier slot corner and played 578 of his 715 defensive snaps in the slot last season, per PFF. Moore started seven of the 14 games he appeared in last season and notched one interception, and is entering the final season of his contract. With no guaranteed money remaining on his current deal, Moore is likely eyeing a sign-and-trade deal.

The Colts’ intent to increase Pierce’s involvement was made apparent by the four-year, $116 million contract he signed last month. Downs produced career lows in targets (84), receptions (58) and yards (566) last year, struggling to compete with TE Tyler Warren as a slot weapon. This is the second positive report for Downs this week, though which is encouraging. Downs currently finds himself in the fantasy WR4 discussion, but could improve his standing by becoming the Colts’ go-to pass catcher in the short-to-intermediate target depth this summer. Pierce has a wide range of potential outcomes as he attempts to transition from a downfield role to being the team’s X-receiver. He can be valued similarly to Downs and may possess a higher upside.