Indianapolis Colts 2025 NFL Offseason: NFLPA Report Card, Defense, and Help for Anthony Richardson

The Indianapolis Colts’ 2025 NFL offseason is poised to be one of critical importance. With the team navigating a fresh era under head coach Shane Steichen, who was hired in 2023, and the long-term future of their quarterback Anthony Richardson now at the center of their plans, the Colts find themselves at a pivotal moment in their franchise history. Their NFLPA report card, reflecting player satisfaction, is another important component in understanding how they approach this offseason. If they are to succeed in the coming years, they will need to bolster their defense and provide more support for Richardson, who is a young and talented quarterback but still learning the ropes of the NFL.

In this comprehensive offseason analysis, we will dive deep into the state of the Colts’ defense, examine the current and future needs for Richardson, and provide a thorough look at the NFLPA report card to gauge the overall health of the franchise from a player perspective.

1. Overview of the Indianapolis Colts: A New Era

The 2023 season was a year of transition for the Colts. After the abrupt firing of former head coach Frank Reich midseason, the Colts brought in Shane Steichen, the offensive coordinator from the Philadelphia Eagles, who had just helped lead Jalen Hurts to an MVP-caliber season. Steichen was seen as a forward-thinking offensive mind, a key figure in developing a young quarterback—something the Colts needed in their rebuilding effort.

Anthony Richardson, drafted with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, was the centerpiece of that rebuild. A highly athletic quarterback with an impressive physical profile, Richardson showed flashes of his immense potential but also struggled with the consistency that is expected from a young quarterback transitioning to the NFL. By the end of his rookie season, Richardson had flashed the potential to be a franchise QB, but his development in 2025 will be key.

As the Colts look ahead to the 2025 season, their front office and coaching staff have their work cut out for them. The offseason needs are apparent, and with an emphasis on improving both the defense and the offensive weapons around Richardson, the Colts have clear goals they must pursue.

2. NFLPA Report Card: Player Satisfaction

One of the key aspects of any offseason is how players feel about their organization. The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) releases an annual report card that surveys players from all teams to gauge their satisfaction with various aspects of their franchise. These factors include everything from treatment of players to facilities, travel arrangements, and communication.

For the Colts, their 2024 NFLPA report card revealed some interesting insights. Historically, the Colts have ranked as a mid-tier franchise in terms of player satisfaction, though the transition to Steichen’s regime has left some uncertainty among the locker room. New coaching staff, different expectations, and a shift in culture can take time, and it seems that the Colts are still adjusting to that change.

In the 2024 NFLPA report card, some standout areas for improvement for the Colts include:

1. Training Facilities and Medical Staff: The Colts have traditionally had solid training facilities, but their medical staff received mixed reviews. Injuries have been a concern for the team in recent seasons, and some players have voiced their frustration with how certain injuries were handled. This is particularly important as the team enters 2025 with the goal of developing Anthony Richardson while managing the wear and tear on a young quarterback.
2. Communication and Transparency: As with many teams, there were some complaints regarding transparency in the organization, especially as it relates to the management of player contracts, injuries, and overall team philosophy. A lack of clear communication can erode trust between players and coaches, which Steichen will need to address as he solidifies his leadership role.
3. Travel and Logistics: Player satisfaction with the Colts’ travel arrangements and accommodations ranked higher than average, but some players still indicated room for improvement, particularly in terms of ensuring a smooth, stress-free travel experience for the team on long road trips.

While these aspects are not dire, they show areas in which the Colts can improve. Steichen will have to create a more harmonious environment that both supports his young quarterback and brings the locker room together as a cohesive unit, especially if the Colts are to achieve success in the coming years.

3. Strengthening the Defense

In terms of on-field performance, the Colts’ defense has been one of the more inconsistent units in the league in recent seasons. With a defense that has shown flashes of dominance, especially against the run, but struggled at times in the secondary and with getting consistent pressure on the quarterback, the Colts’ front office must address these areas if they want to compete with the league’s top teams.

Defensive Line: The Need for Pass Rush

The Colts’ defensive line has been the team’s biggest strength over the last few years. Players like DeForest Buckner, who anchors the interior, and Grover Stewart have been forces in the middle. However, the Colts’ pass rush has been underwhelming. In the 2023 season, they ranked toward the middle of the league in terms of sacks, with only 42 on the year, a far cry from top-tier pass rush units.

The Colts need to make investments in edge rushers who can provide the kind of consistent pressure that can elevate their defense to the next level. With the AFC South being home to quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence and Deshaun Watson, along with elite offensive lines in teams like the Tennessee Titans, a strong pass rush is essential to success.

There are a few key areas where the Colts could improve:

• Drafting an Elite Edge Rusher: The 2025 NFL Draft will feature several talented edge rushers who could be available for the Colts. With a top-ten pick, the Colts could focus on bolstering their pass rush by selecting one of these promising young defenders. A player like Jared Verse (Florida State) or Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) could help the Colts put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
• Free Agency: If the Colts don’t want to rely solely on the draft, adding a veteran pass rusher in free agency could be a key move. Names like Yannick Ngakoue, who has been productive throughout his career, or someone like Marcus Davenport could provide the immediate impact needed to boost the Colts’ defense.

Secondary: Rebuilding and Depth

While the Colts’ defensive line needs attention, their secondary has been inconsistent as well. The cornerback group, in particular, needs improvement. Stephon Gilmore, a former All-Pro, has been a solid addition, but at 33 years old, he isn’t the long-term solution.

The Colts must continue to invest in young cornerbacks who can complement Gilmore and eventually take over the lead role. They may need to focus on:

• Developing Young Talent: The Colts have some promising young defensive backs, but they must continue to develop them into reliable starters. Look for the Colts to build around guys like Kenny Moore and Isaiah Rodgers, who have shown flashes of high-level play.
• Adding Depth in Free Agency: The Colts may also look to add a veteran cornerback through free agency, either as a short-term option or to mentor younger players. A player like James Bradberry or Byron Jones could fit the bill.
• Safety Position: The safety position for the Colts also lacks stability. While Julian Blackmon has been solid, the Colts could use an upgrade at the position. The 2025 offseason could bring a chance to improve this spot with some quality free-agent options.

Linebacker: Stability and Versatility

Linebacker is another position of concern for the Colts. The team has had solid performances from players like Shaquille Leonard, but injuries have hampered Leonard’s ability to stay on the field. Without Leonard at full strength, the defense has lacked a true playmaking linebacker. This could be an area of focus for the team as they try to maintain stability on defense and bolster their versatility.

4. Helping Anthony Richardson: Offensive Support

On the other side of the ball, Anthony Richardson represents the Colts’ future. The team must give him every opportunity to succeed, and that means providing both a strong offensive line and dynamic playmakers around him. Let’s break down the areas where the Colts need to improve to maximize Richardson’s potential.

Offensive Line: Protecting Richardson

Anthony Richardson’s development will be closely tied to the quality of protection he gets from his offensive line. While the Colts have some solid pieces, such as Quenton Nelson, the offensive line as a whole has been inconsistent. There have been struggles in pass protection, which hurt Richardson’s ability to make reads and make plays.

Addressing the offensive line is a key priority for the Colts this offseason. They will need to:

• Draft an Offensive Tackle: With the 2025 draft, the Colts could look for a long-term solution at tackle. A player who can protect Richardson’s blind side will be crucial for his development.
• Free Agency for Depth: While the draft will be important, the Colts may also look to add depth or even a starting-caliber offensive lineman in free agency.

Weapons for Richardson

In addition to a better offensive line, the Colts must provide Richardson with the weapons he needs to develop into a top-tier quarterback. Michael Pittman Jr. is a solid wide receiver, but the team needs more playmaking options.

The Colts should look for:

• A Top Wide Receiver: Adding a dynamic wide receiver—whether in free agency or the draft—could help give Richardson the weapons he needs. The Colts could pursue a player like DeAndre Hopkins, who has been a proven playmaker, or target someone with upside in the draft.
• Tight End Playmakers: The tight end position has been underutilized in the Colts’ offense. A young, talented tight end could give Richardson a reliable safety valve. The 2025 draft offers plenty of intriguing options in this regard.

Coaching and Development

Lastly, the Colts’ coaching staff, led by Shane Steichen, has a huge role to play in Richardson’s development. Steichen’s ability to build a system around Richardson’s unique skill set will be crucial. This means integrating his athleticism into the offense, ensuring that he is comfortable in both short-term and long-term schemes.

 The 2025 Offseason Is Pivotal

The Indianapolis Colts have a long road ahead, but they are positioned to make significant strides in the 2025 offseason. By addressing their defensive weaknesses—particularly in the pass rush and secondary—and providing Anthony Richardson with the necessary offensive support, the Colts could take a big step forward. Moreover, ensuring that their locker room is unified and the player satisfaction is at a high level will go a long way toward creating a successful culture.

The NFLPA report card highlights areas of concern, but these are not insurmountable problems. By focusing on improving player welfare, securing the right defensive pieces, and surrounding Richardson with better offensive talent, the Colts could be primed for success in 2025 and beyond.

The 2025 offseason is not just about filling roster holes; it’s about setting a foundation for the future—a foundation that can support Richardson’s development and make the Colts competitive in the ever-competitive AFC South.