With the 2026 NFL offseason underway for the Indianapolis Colts, we will be taking a position-by-position look at the current state of the roster.
Up next is the special teams unit. You can find our previous previews below.
Specialists under contract in 2026
2025 season in review
Rhodes was again a steady presence at long-snapper for the Colts. Sanchez and the punt coverage unit, meanwhile, ranked third in net average and fifth in yards per punt return. That phase of the special teams unit was excellent.
Spencher Shrader was providing reliability at kicker, but a season-ending knee injury early in the year left the Colts scrambling. Michael Badgley struggled to maintain consistency, which led to his release. Blake Grupe then stepped in and didn’t miss a kick in his five games with the Colts.
On kick return, Anthony Gould ranked 30th in yards per return attempt, and he was 20th on yards per punt return.
Overall, the Colts ranked 12th in PFF’s special teams grade.
What is the level of need this offseason?
With Rhodes, Shrader, and Sanchez all under contract, the Colts don’t have to do anything here — although if Chris Ballard wants more competition, he could bring back Grupe to compete with Shrader.
Adding some competition at return man may not be a bad idea either.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts offseason preview: Current state of special teams unit in 2026
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
