Colts Make Key Free Agency Moves Ahead of 2026 Season

Indianapolis reshapes roster with kicker re-signing and defensive line trade

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Indianapolis Colts have been active in the early stages of the 2026 NFL free agency period, re-signing kicker Blake Grupe and trading linebacker Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for defensive tackle Colby Wooden. These moves are part of the team's efforts to get younger and faster on defense while also addressing the kicking game.

Why it matters

The Colts are looking to build on a disappointing 2025 season and return to playoff contention in 2026. Solidifying the kicking game and reshaping the defensive front seven are key priorities as the team aims to get back to being a competitive force in the AFC.

The details

The Colts re-signed kicker Blake Grupe, who joined the team late last season and provided stability, going a perfect 10-for-10 on field goals and 11-for-11 on extra points. Grupe will compete with Spencer Shrader for the kicking job once Shrader is healthy. In a separate move, the Colts traded linebacker Zaire Franklin to the Packers in exchange for defensive tackle Colby Wooden. This trade helps the Colts get out of salary cap trouble and aligns with their goal of getting younger and faster on defense, with Wooden providing a steady rotational presence on the defensive line.

  • The NFL's legal tampering period opened on March 9th, allowing teams to negotiate with outside free agents.
  • Any agreed-upon deals became official on March 11th at 4:00 PM ET.

The players

Blake Grupe

A kicker who was signed late last season by the Colts and provided stability, going a perfect 10-for-10 on field goals and 11-for-11 on extra points.

Zaire Franklin

A linebacker who was traded by the Colts to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for defensive tackle Colby Wooden.

Colby Wooden

A 25-year-old defensive tackle who is entering the final year of his rookie deal with the Packers and will provide a steady rotational presence on the Colts' defensive line.

Grover Stewart

The Colts' starting defensive tackle, behind whom Wooden will provide depth and rotational support.

Spencer Shrader

The Colts' incumbent kicker who will compete with Blake Grupe for the starting job once he is healthy.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.