Official Moves Fill Gaps for the Indianapolis Colts

In the NFL, roster flexibility is key to sustained success—and the Indianapolis Colts have mastered the art of making strategic official moves to fill gaps as needs arise. From free-agent signings in the offseason to midseason trades and practice squad promotions, the Colts’ front office, led by general manager Chris Ballard, has consistently targeted players who align with head coach Shane Steichen’s system and address immediate weaknesses. Official Moves Fill Gaps for the Indianapolis Colts isn’t just about listing transactions; it’s about exploring how each move—whether adding a veteran lineman or a dynamic defensive playmaker—has reinforced the team’s strengths, fixed vulnerabilities, and kept their playoff aspirations on track. For a team balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term roster building, these official moves are the backbone of their ability to adapt and thrive in a grueling 17-game season.

Official Moves Fill Gaps for the Indianapolis Colts begins with a pivotal offseason free-agent signing: offensive tackle Jack Conklin, brought in to shore up the right tackle position. After the 2023 season, the Colts identified their offensive line as a critical area for improvement—they’d allowed 42 sacks, ranking 24th in the NFL—and targeted Conklin, a two-time Pro Bowler with a reputation for elite pass-blocking. The Colts signed Conklin to a four-year, $60 million deal, a move that immediately stabilized the right side of the line alongside All-Pro left guard Quenton Nelson. “Jack is exactly the type of player we needed,” Ballard said at Conklin’s introductory press conference. “He’s durable, he’s consistent, and he’s played at a high level in big games. Adding him gives us a tackle tandem that can protect our quarterbacks and open holes for our running backs.” The move paid dividends early: through the first six games of 2024, the Colts allowed just 11 sacks, ranking 8th in the league, and Jonathan Taylor rushed for 620 yards (4.9 YPC) behind a line that created more running lanes than in 2023. Conklin’s presence also allowed the Colts to move Braden Smith—who had struggled at right tackle in 2023—to left tackle, creating a more balanced and effective unit.

Official Moves Fill Gaps for the Indianapolis Colts continues with a midseason trade that addressed a pressing need in the secondary: acquiring cornerback Chidobe Awuzie from the Cincinnati Bengals. After starting cornerback Kenny Moore II suffered a hamstring injury in Week 7, the Colts’ secondary—already thin at the position—was exposed, allowing 300+ passing yards in two consecutive games. Ballard acted quickly, sending a 2025 fifth-round draft pick to the Bengals for Awuzie, a six-year veteran with experience in both man and zone coverage. Awuzie, who had started 47 games for the Bengals and helped them reach Super Bowl LVI, stepped into the starting lineup immediately and made an impact in his Colts debut: he recorded an interception and three pass breakups in a 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans. “Chidobe gave us exactly what we needed—experience, playmaking ability, and a guy who can step in and contribute right away,” Steichen said. Awuzie’s addition also allowed the Colts to shift rookie Julius Brents to nickel cornerback, a role better suited to his speed and athleticism, further strengthening the secondary. By Week 10, the Colts’ passing defense had improved to 12th in the NFL, a testament to how quickly the trade filled a critical gap.

Official Moves Fill Gaps for the Indianapolis Colts includes a practice squad promotion that became a feel-good story and a key special teams contributor: wide receiver Ashton Dulin. Dulin, a Colts fan favorite who’d spent four seasons with the team as a special teams ace and reserve receiver, was released during final roster cuts in 2024 due to a crowded wide receiver room. However, when Alec Pierce suffered a knee injury in Week 9, the Colts signed Dulin back to the practice squad and promoted him to the active roster just three days later. Dulin didn’t disappoint: in his first game back (Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars), he returned a kickoff 45 yards to set up a game-tying touchdown and made a crucial 12-yard reception on third down to extend a fourth-quarter scoring drive. “Ashton is the kind of player every team needs—hardworking, versatile, and ready to contribute wherever we ask,” said special teams coordinator Brian Mason. For the Indianapolis Colts, Dulin’s promotion was a reminder that valuable talent can be found within the organization, and that loyalty to players who embody the team’s culture often pays off. “I never wanted to leave Indianapolis,” Dulin said. “Getting a chance to come back and help this team win means everything to me.”

Official Moves Fill Gaps for the Indianapolis Colts delves into a strategic free-agent signing during the bye week: defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, brought in to boost the pass rush. Through the first 10 games, the Colts ranked 20th in sacks (18), a statistic that worried the front office as they prepared for a stretch run against high-powered offenses like the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. Ngakoue, a nine-year veteran with 81 career sacks, was a free agent after being released by the Chicago Bears, and the Colts signed him to a one-year, $8 million deal— a low-risk, high-reward move given his proven ability to generate pressure. Ngakoue made an immediate impact, recording two sacks and four quarterback hits in his first three games with the Colts, including a critical sack of Lamar Jackson in the fourth quarter of a 31-24 win over the Ravens. “Yannick adds a dimension to our pass rush that we were missing—he can win one-on-one against any tackle in the league,” said defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. For the Indianapolis Colts, the signing was a calculated move to address a specific weakness without sacrificing future cap flexibility, a hallmark of Ballard’s roster-building philosophy. “We’re always looking for ways to improve, even during the season,” Ballard said. “Yannick gives us a better chance to win now, which is our top priority.”

Official Moves Fill Gaps for the Indianapolis Colts wraps up with a roster move that secured depth at running back: re-signing veteran Deon Jackson to the active roster after Zack Moss suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 12. Jackson, who had spent the first 11 games on the practice squad, was familiar with the Colts’ offense—he’d rushed for 450 yards and three touchdowns for the team in 2022—and was able to step in as Taylor’s primary backup without a steep learning curve. In his first start as a fill-in (Week 13 against the Houston Texans), Jackson rushed for 78 yards on 18 carries and caught three passes for 25 yards, helping the Colts control the clock and secure a 20-13 win. “Deon’s been ready for this opportunity—he’s been studying the playbook and working hard every day in practice,” Steichen said. “Having a guy who knows our system and can contribute right away is invaluable when you lose a player like Zack.” For the Indianapolis Colts, Jackson’s re-signing was a final piece of the puzzle as they entered the playoff race, ensuring they had depth at every position and no gap too big to fill. In the end, Official Moves Fill Gaps for the Indianapolis Colts is a story of strategic planning, adaptability, and trust in both veteran talent and familiar faces. Each move—whether a high-profile free-agent signing or a practice squad promotion—has been guided by one goal: putting the team in the best position to win, now and in the future. For the Colts, that’s the true value of official roster moves: they’re not just transactions—they’re investments in success.