Indianapolis, IN

8 pending free agents the Colts should re-sign

Published

2 years ago

February 15, 2024

8 pending free agents the Colts should re-sign

The Indianapolis Colts have plenty of decisions to make with the 2024 offseason officially arriving, and that includes what to do with the crop of players set to hit free agency.

Working with roughly $58.9 million in salary-cap space, according to Over The Cap, the Colts will have enough money to re-sign a number of pending free agents before they hit the market in the middle of March.

Here’s a look at eight pending free agents the Colts should look to re-sign this offseason:

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The top priority for the Colts during the early part of the offseason is re-signing Pittman to an extension. Though he said he’d be willing to play under the franchise tag if it meant getting an extension done, the Colts should be looking to lock up their No. 1 wideout to a long-term deal. Pittman has been nothing but productive despite a carousel at the quarterback position, and he’s proven he can thrive in a leadership role. This one is a no-brainer.

(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

It will be interesting to see what happens with Moore. The Colts should look to re-sign the versatile slot defender after he bounced back in a major way during the 2023 campaign. Moore returned to his Pro Bowl caliber form in the second year under Gus Bradley and even though there is promise with Julius Brents and Jaylon Jones, it’s Moore who has been the leader in the secondary over the last few seasons.

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

In theory, players missing six games due to a suspension likely hurt their stock in a contract year. The opposite could not be truer for Stewart. While the suspension was disappointing, we got a glimpse of what the run defense looked like for six consecutive games without Stewart. The performance of the unit was so poor that Stewart may actually have gained leverage during his absence. Stewart is right in the prime of his career as a defensive tackle, and he’s adding more juice as a pass rusher as well.

(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Few players have earned the type of respect that Lewis has. Despite suffering season-ending knee injuries halfway through the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Lewis came back in 2023 to post a career year. It’s unlikely he will sign for the $2.1 million he did last offseason but as long as the money isn’t outlandish, Lewis should be retained as a crucial depth piece.

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

This should be another interesting case. Moss formed a solid 1-2 punch with starter Jonathan Taylor, and he deserves his flowers for the production he posted early in the 2023 season. Though that production tailed off with Gardner Minshew under center, Moss proved he can be a solid change-of-pace back. The Colts should look to re-sign him as long as it’s not for borderline starter money.

Syndication: The Indianapolis Star

Sanchez is a free agent for the first time in his career. Despite coming off an Achilles injury that claimed his entire 2022 season, Sanchez averaged a career-high 48.3 yards per punt attempt during the 2023 campaign. He also downed 21-of-68 punts inside the 20-yard line, marking the fifth time in six seasons he’s surpassed the 20 mark.

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The Colts should re-sign Minshew only if it’s for backup money. There’s a chance he will hit the market looking for borderline starter money after holding that role for the majority of the 2023 campaign. Minshew is a solid backup option and a fantastic locker room presence. He understands the nuances of Shane Steichen’s offense, and he’s a solid mentor for Anthony Richardson. But the NFL is a business, and it’s probably unwise for the Colts to overspend on an insurance policy even if it comes at the game’s most important position.

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This is one of the tougher decisions the Colts have to make this offseason. The talent with Blackmon is clearly there as he thrived as the strong safety in Gus Bradley’s defense. However, Blackmon continued to deal with injuries, which has been an underlying storyline throughout his career. If a deal can get done around the $6-8 million mark, then the Colts should jump on that while still adding to the room via free agency or the 2024 NFL draft.

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Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis Colts Player Spotlight: Tight End Mo Alie-Cox

Published

4 hours ago

March 1, 2026

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Indianapolis Colts Player Spotlight: Tight End Mo Alie-Cox

The Indianapolis Colts changed the landscape of Shane Steichen’s offense by taking tight end Tyler Warren with the 14th-overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Warren took the field in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins and didn’t look back. He’d set the Indianapolis rookie reception record with 76 while also piling on 817 receiving yards and five touchdowns (four receiving, one rushing).

Warren’s emergence put the other Colts tight ends in the shadow of the limelight. However, one name on the depth chart is ultra-reliable, willing to do the dirty work, and has been a staple for the Colts. That name is veteran Mo Alie-Cox.

This is part four of a series where I’ll detail Colts players who may not get the limelight they deserve. Alie-Cox might not be the playmaker Warren is, but he’s vital to the success of the Colts’ offensive attack.

From the Hardwood to the Gridiron

Feb 8, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Virginia Commonwealth Rams forward Mo Alie-Cox (12) dribbles as George Washington Colonials forward Tyler Cavanaugh (34) defends during the first half at Charles E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images | Brad Mills-Imagn Images

The craziest part of Alie-Cox’s journey to the NFL is that he didn’t play a single snap of college football during his days with the Virginia Commonwealth Rams. This was, of course, due to the program not having a football team.

Very few players have accomplished this, but the most notable is unquestionably NFL Hall of Fame tight end, Antonio Gates. Gates played at Kent State University and didn’t see any action on the college gridiron.

What stood out about Alie-Cox was is immense stature and athleticism, standing around 6’5″ and weighing approximately 260 pounds. This type of build and athletic profile made him perfect for a tight end spot.

Alie-Cox was undrafted in 2017, but Indianapolis liked what they saw from his private workouts and development into a tight end.

Alie-Cox went through a series of signings, injuries, practice squad designations, and releases. However, 2018 is when he saw his first NFL action with then-quarterback Andrew Luck.

He’d play nine games and stack a modest seven catches for 133 receiving yards and two scores. After this season, Alie-Cox got more respect from the Colts coaching staff to begin building his reliable resume.

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Respected and Reliable Asset for the Colts

Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) rushes up the field Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Miami Dolphins, 33-8. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Alie-Cox isn’t a freakish offensive weapon like Warren, but he boasts other great attributes that have helped propel Indy’s offense while also providing a steady hand as a pass-catcher in big situations.

Through eight years with the Colts, Alie-Cox has played 125 games, earned 53 starts, and secured 127 catches for 1,550 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns.

He averages just a single catch per game through his NFL tenure, but two things stand out most about Alie-Cox: his red zone prowess, and his excellent blocking skills inline.

Alie-Cox averages a touchdown reception for every 7.94 catches, and always poses a threat when Indianapolis is in the red zone. Given his small usage as a receiver, this is a high clip to catch scores.

As for his blocking, he’s the top man for the job for all Colts tight ends, and 2025 was no different for the former basketball talent.

Alie-Cox led the way for Colts tight ends when discussing his Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade, which stood firm at 64.6 on 220 run-blocking snaps. This placed Alie-Cox 37th out of all NFL tight ends in 2025.

Alie-Cox might not blow anyone’s mind as a pass-catcher, but he’s one of the best rotational pieces for any tight end room in the league. And the Colts are happy to have his services.

Outlook With Colts

Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart (90) and tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) run on the the field for the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

I chose to refrain from putting any Colts in-house free agents into my Player Spotlight series, but Alie-Cox gets a big pass here.

I would be shocked beyond belief if Indianapolis doesn’t get Alie-Cox a new deal in 2026. He’s cheap to keep, and his value to the franchise can’t be overlooked simply because he isn’t a household name.

In fact, the Colts would be wise to keep him in Indianapolis for the rest of his career. He’s an excellent vet to have available, does every job he’s asked to do at a high level, and brings a great presence to the locker room.

Alie-Cox has put together a solid NFL career against all odds after not playing a lick of college football or getting an invitation to the 2017 NFL Combine.

The Colts need to prioritize re-signing quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce, but they must make room in the salary cap to keep Alie-Cox in their roster ranks.

Previous Spotlight Articles
–Cam Bynum
–Mekhi Blackmon
–Adetomiwa Adebawore

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Anti-war protest sparks in Indianapolis amid US-Iran conflict

Published

16 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Anti-war protest sparks in Indianapolis amid US-Iran conflict

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – More than a dozen protesters gathered at Military Park. In a dramatic escalation, the US and Israel engaged in military strikes against Iran and protesters are upset, including veteran Lucas Lee.

“I know what it’s like to be on the edge, potentially going somewhere where your life is at risk. And I believe this war is something we shouldn’t be fighting in. It’s important to stand up, because not only is standing up the right thing to do, but it could potentially save lives.”

Protesters held signs that read ‘Hands off Iran’ in front of the corner of West and New York intersection.
Several cars honked in support. Democratic City County Councilor Jesse Brown attended as well.

IPS School Teacher Noah Leininger organized the Anti-Iran War Rally. “The United States spends 1 trillion dollars on war every single year. While there are massive unmet needs right here in our own communities. People need jobs, healthcare, housing, and schools. And instead our government spends a trillion dollars every year to go and bomb elementary school age girls,” he said.

Iranian officials say the U.S. and Isreal hit a girl’s primary school in southern Iran killing at least 115 people.

The US strikes have not only created tension in the Middle East, but also here at home.
Mark Oakley who supports military action Iran, confronted the anti-war protesters. “Freedom for Iranian people, freedom for Americans. Freedom for everybody, but this [protest] is not it. When you’re debating about innocent people getting killed. You are debating the wrong thing.”

Additional police were called in to de-escalate the situation.

Chris Gomez, attended the protest because he wanted to take action. “Trump ran on a platform called the party of peace. That’s what Republicans run their policy on a party of peace, but look where we are now.”

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Indianapolis Opera’s free concert spotlights influential Black composers

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

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Indianapolis Opera’s free concert spotlights influential Black composers

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Opera will host a free concert in honor of Black History Month Saturday night at 6 p.m. to celebrate the legacy and artistry of Black composers. The event features a range of spirituals, contemporary art songs, and operatic works performed a cappella.

Lyndsay Moy, the director of education, outreach, branding and design for Indianapolis Opera, said the event is designed to keep this specific music accessible to the public.

Resident artist Ian Williams, describes the concert as a mix of traditional repertoire and new songs. The artists will perform without microphones or instrumental accompaniment. “All of this is just straight out of our voices, so there’s no microphones,” Williams said. “We’re just creating the sound ourselves and putting it into a space, so it’s a little bit of, a little bit of breathing, a little bit of extra work there, yes.”

“So many composers tonight have been so influential in the broader vocal canon and it’s important and wonderful for us to be able to offer this kind of concert for free to our community to keep this kind of music accessible and more importantly to feature these fabulous artists like Ian so much talent,” Moy said.

Williams noted that the concert allows the organization to celebrate classic composers who were not well known during their own time. “It’s very cool because we get to celebrate some of classic composers all the way back to William Grant Steele, who was one of the who wrote operas back in the day, even during the time of Porgy and Bess, but he wasn’t, it wasn’t well known,” Williams said.

One of the featured pieces is the traditional spiritual “Fix Me Jesus,” which was arranged for the University of Michigan choir. Williams said the arrangement by Stacey Gibbs maintains the traditional spiritual style while adding rich harmonies.

While formal tickets for the event are currently sold out, those interested in attending can email tickets@indyopera.org to be added to a waitlist.

Check out the video above to hear a sneak peak of the Indianapolis Opera!

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