Following offseason programs for the Indianapolis Colts, there are a handful of veteran players who could be on the hot seat entering training camp.
As we’ve stated before, what takes place during OTAs and minicamp won’t be what ultimately determines who makes the final roster or what playing time looks like. Those decisions will largely be based on what takes place during training camp.
That said, what happens during offseason programs is certainly noteworthy and can shed light on where things stand heading into the summer.
So, given what we know right now, these five Colts’ veterans could find themselves on the roster bubble during cutdowns.
OT Blake Freeland
The Colts don’t have a ton of experienced depth along the offensive line, and Freeland does provide that, to a degree. However, 701 of his 724 career snaps came in 2023. The following season, he took on a backup role, while Freeland missed all of last year due to injury. With Luke Tenuta back and Nolan Rucci a UDFA who could make a roster push, Freeland is not roster lock by any means.
TE Will Mallory
Mallory has filled the TE4 role in recent years and will likely do so again. The other tight ends on the depth chart behind him are Sean McKeon and Carson Towt. That said, after playing just 109 offensive snaps over the last two seasons — including only 16 in 2025 — Mallory is expendable, whether that be McKeon emerging or the Colts looking elsewhere during roster cutdowns. I also don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility that the Colts roster just three tight ends and utilize practice squad elevations to bolster the depth chart on game days.
IDL Jerry Tillery and Derrick Nnadi
These two are in the same boat. Although both were signed as free agents this offseason, their contracts are very easy for the Colts to get out of, with there being little guaranteed money. Between DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Colby Wooden, and Adetomiwa Adebawore, that’s already four potential roster spots accounted for. If the Colts keep just five tackles, that would then leave one of these players on the outside looking in.
CB Cam Taylor-Britt
Like Tillery and Nnadi, Taylor-Britt was a free agent signing but has a contract that the Colts can move on from. While he has played under Lou Anarumo previously, Taylor-Britt is at a crowded position group as well. Taylor-Britt, along with Mekhi Blackmon, Jaylon Jones, Johnathan Edwards, and Cameron Mitchell, are competing for two or maybe three roster spots.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 5 Colts veterans potentially on roster hot seat in training camp
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
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By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
