5 Colts Free Agents Join New Teams for 2026 NFL Season

Several key players from the Indianapolis Colts have signed with other teams in free agency.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:20pm

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A week into the NFL's free agency period, five of the Indianapolis Colts' own free agents have signed with new teams and will be playing elsewhere in the 2026 season. The Colts made moves to create salary cap space, trading away players like wide receiver Michael Pittman and linebacker Zaire Franklin, while others like offensive tackle Braden Smith, defensive end Kwity Paye, and safety Nick Cross departed in free agency.

Why it matters

The Colts are undergoing a roster shakeup this offseason, parting ways with several key contributors from recent seasons. These moves will reshape the team's depth chart and create opportunities for younger players to step up, while also freeing up salary cap space for the Colts to address other needs in free agency and the draft.

The details

The Colts traded Pittman and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Steelers in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, creating $24 million in cap space. They also dealt Franklin to the Packers before free agency, getting defensive tackle Colby Wooden in return and creating $5.75 million in cap room. Other notable departures include Smith signing with the Texans, Paye joining the Raiders, and Cross heading to the Commanders.

  • The Colts made the trade with the Packers for Franklin before the NFL's legal tampering period opened last week.
  • The Colts traded Pittman and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Steelers during the first week of free agency.

The players

Michael Pittman

A wide receiver who the Colts traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Zaire Franklin

A linebacker who the Colts traded to the Green Bay Packers.

Braden Smith

An offensive tackle who signed with the Houston Texans in free agency.

Kwity Paye

A defensive end who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.

Nick Cross

A safety who signed with the Washington Commanders in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“Moving on from Pittman created $24 million in cap room.”

— Paul Bretl, Author

“Trading Franklin created $5.75 million in cap space.”

— Paul Bretl, Author

“The Colts appear to be comfortable going into the 2026 season with second-year tackle Jalen Travis starting on the right side.”

— Paul Bretl, Author

What’s next

The Colts will need to address the holes left by these departures, either through the draft, free agency, or internal promotions. The team's defensive front seven and secondary will have new looks in 2026.

The takeaway

The Colts are undergoing a significant roster overhaul this offseason, parting ways with several key contributors from recent seasons. These moves create salary cap space but also leave gaps that the team will need to fill through the draft and free agency in order to remain competitive in the AFC South.