Key dates on the upcoming NFL calendar have been announced, including when free agency will begin for the Indianapolis Colts next offseason.
According to Tom Pelissero, the NFL’s legal tampering window opens on March 9, 2027.
While we still have training camp, the preseason, and the full 2026 season ahead of us, let’s take a look ahead at which Colts players are currently set to become free agents on March 9 of next year.
Several key starters are among those on this list.
DT DeForest Buckner
Against both the run and the pass, Buckner has been a force in the middle of the Colts’ defense since arriving to Indianapolis. Even in an injury-shortened 2025 season, Buckner ranked 24th among defensive tackles in pass rush win rate and 14th in PFF’s run stop rate metric.
DT Grover Stewart
Stewart provides a high-end run-stuffing presence in the middle of the Colts’ defense. With what Stewart is asked to do, he won’t always fill the stat sheet, but his ability to generate push, eat up space, and take on blocks helps stifle the opposing run game, while creating opportunities for others.
RB Jonathan Taylor
Taylor is a three-time Pro Bowler and made one All-Pro team. He played in 13 games in 2024 and all 17 games last season, rushing for 1,431 yards and 1,585 yards, respectively, as one of the more productive backs in football each year.
OL Quenton Nelson
Of this group, bringing back Nelson should be the biggest priority for the Colts. Among all guards this season, Nelson ranked fourth in Pro Football Focus’ pass-blocking efficiency and fourth in run-blocking grade. He is an eight-time Pro Bowler and has made six All-Pro teams in his career.
WR Josh Downs
Downs has been a steady and reliable target since entering the NFL, and has been particularly good at picking up first downs. With Michael Pittman now in Pittsburgh, more opportunities should be coming Downs’ way this season.
QB Anthony Richardson
The Colts did not exercise Richardson’s fifth-year option for the 2027 season, making him a free agent next offseason. As far as we know, his trade request is still on the table, but he is competing with Riley Leonard for the backup quarterback job for this season.
P Rigoberto Sanchez
Sanchez has routinely showcased his ability to flip the field. Along with the rest of the Colts’ punt coverage unit, Sanchez ranked third in average net yards per punt attempt last season, with Indianapolis surrendering just 6.3 yards per return. He also ranked 10th in average hangtime and had the sixth-fewest touchbacks and the fourth-fewest return attempts, according to PFF.
Colts other 2027 NFL free agents
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2027 NFL free agency period set; who are Colts upcoming free agents?
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
