Colts, NFL Prepare for Free Agent Frenzy

Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard looks to re-sign key players before the start of free agency.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The NFL's free agency period is set to begin on Monday, March 13th at noon, with the new league year starting on Wednesday, March 15th at 4 p.m. The Indianapolis Colts, led by GM Chris Ballard, are preparing to approach players with expiring contracts and try to reach deals before the open market begins. Ballard has already taken some steps to construct the Colts' roster for next season, including re-signing some players. However, the top priority remains signing wide receiver Alec Pierce to a multi-year contract extension before he potentially tests free agency.

Why it matters

Free agency is a critical time for NFL teams to retain their top talent and add new pieces to improve their rosters. The Colts are looking to keep their core group together, especially star wide receiver Alec Pierce, who is expected to command significant interest on the open market. Ballard's ability to re-sign Pierce and other key free agents will be crucial to the Colts' success next season.

The details

The Colts have already taken some steps to prepare for free agency, including re-signing some players. However, the top priority remains signing Alec Pierce to a multi-year contract extension before the negotiating window opens on Monday. Pierce is one of the NFL's premier deep-threat receivers and is expected to draw serious attention from other teams. Ballard has stated that re-signing Pierce and quarterback Daniel Jones are the team's top offseason priorities.

  • The NFL's new league year begins on Wednesday, March 15th at 4 p.m.
  • The free agency negotiating window opens on Monday, March 13th at noon.

The players

Chris Ballard

The general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, responsible for constructing the team's roster and overseeing free agency.

Alec Pierce

A wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Pierce is one of the team's top priorities to re-sign before the start of free agency.

Daniel Jones

The quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, who is also one of the team's top priorities to re-sign this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“'Daniel and Alec are such big pieces and then we move and fit from there.'”

— Chris Ballard, General Manager, Indianapolis Colts (fox59.com)

What’s next

The Colts will have until Wednesday, March 15th at 4 p.m. to finalize any deals with their own free agents before the open market begins.

The takeaway

The Colts' ability to re-sign key players like Alec Pierce and Daniel Jones will be crucial to their success next season. Ballard and the Colts front office will be working hard over the next few days to try and reach agreements with their top free agents before they hit the open market.