Smith-Cotton Alum Rejoins Colts on 1-Year Deal

Blake Grupe, a former high school standout, signs contract to remain Indianapolis' kicker.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 9:17pm

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The Indianapolis Colts have re-signed kicker Blake Grupe, a Smith-Cotton High School alumnus, to a one-year contract worth up to $1.4 million. Grupe joined the Colts in November 2025 after being released by the New Orleans Saints and went on to make 11 of 11 field goals and 10 of 10 extra points in five games for the AFC South squad.

Why it matters

Grupe's return provides stability at the kicker position for the Colts, who will look to build on their playoff appearance last season. As a local product, his success also highlights the talent pipeline from Missouri high schools to the NFL.

The details

Grupe, who was picked up by the Colts in November 2025 after being released by the New Orleans Saints, made 11 of 11 field goals and 10 of 10 extra points in five games for Indianapolis last season. The one-year deal he has signed is worth up to $1.4 million.

  • Grupe joined the Colts in November 2025 after being released by the New Orleans Saints.
  • Grupe signed his new one-year contract with the Colts on March 9, 2026.

The players

Blake Grupe

A kicker who attended Smith-Cotton High School and has now signed a one-year deal to remain with the Indianapolis Colts.

Indianapolis Colts

An NFL team that plays in the AFC South division and has re-signed kicker Blake Grupe to a one-year contract.

New Orleans Saints

An NFL team that released kicker Blake Grupe in 2025, leading to him joining the Indianapolis Colts.

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What they’re saying

“Grupe would return to the team next season as their place kicker.”

— Mike Garafolo, NFL Network reporter

What’s next

The Colts are scheduled to play the Chiefs this fall at Arrowhead, which would be Grupe's second professional game at the stadium.

The takeaway

Grupe's new contract with the Colts provides stability and continuity at the kicker position, allowing him to build on his strong finish to the 2025 season and potentially help the team make another playoff push in 2026.