The Indianapolis Colts have a Daniel Jones decision coming this offseason, but they’re also staring down another contract call they can’t afford to drag out.
Right tackle Braden Smith, the quiet engine of an offensive line that PFF currently ranks number 2 in the league, is finally healthy and playing at a dominant level.
And he’s now potentially just weeks away from becoming the most coveted tackle on the 2026 free agent market.
And league voices are making one thing clear: The Colts cannot let him get there.
A Core Piece of Daniel Jones’ Success
GettyColts QB Daniel Jones
If Indianapolis truly believes Daniel Jones is their long term answer (and every move they’ve made this season suggests they do) then keeping his supporting cast together has to be a priority. Smith is at the center of that conversation.
After battling injuries in 2023 and 2024, Smith is finally back to full strength, and the Colts are getting the prime version of the eight year veteran. Through the opening stretch of the season, Smith has played 626 snaps and managed just a low 4 penalties and only allowed 1 sack.
Edge rushers simply aren’t getting past Smith. While Bernhard Raimann gets more national attention, Smith has quietly been the steadier, more dominant of the tackles.
And that’s been the story his entire career. Smith has never made a Pro Bowl despite seasons like 2020 and 2023 where he didn’t allow a single sack.
And now, Braden Smith’s contract situation is now sitting on Chris Ballard’s desk with the urgency of a flashing red light.
Smith turns 30 in March and will instantly become one of the league’s top free agent linemen if he hits the market. Offensive tackle is already a premium position (right tackles included) and several teams with far more cap flexibility than Indianapolis are expected to be aggressive in 2026.
The Risk Indianapolis Can’t Ignore
GettyColts RT Braden Smith
However, as Bleacher Report analyst Kristopher Knox notes, “The only real issue with extending Smith now is the fact that general manager Chris Ballard would have to create some wiggle room. The Colts have just $2.4 million in current cap space.”
Know goes on even further and states, “Indianapolis is projected to have $57.7 million in 2026 cap space.”
Waiting until the offseason risks losing Braden Smith to a team willing to outbid them the moment the market opens. So that leaves one solution… act now.
Smith’s current deal carries a $10.4 million cap hit in 2025 with no dead money beyond this season, giving Ballard flexibility to rework and extend the contract today. A new deal would:
- Lower his current cap hit
- Free up space for other moves
- Ensure Smith never hits the open market
- Lock down an elite protector for Jones’ blind side
Given how good Smith has been, and how essential he is to Jones’ resurgence, this is practically a necessity.
If the Colts are serious about building around Daniel Jones and being a competitive football team, they need to make their next move before it’s too late.
Extend Braden Smith.
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