As we gear up for the 2025 NFL season, there's a lot of buzz around the Indianapolis Colts and their roster decisions. One key area the team needs to focus on is the running back position, and a major question on everyone's mind is whether or not they’ll bring back Trey Sermon for the upcoming season. Over the next few weeks, we'll break down the Colts’ unrestricted free agents, and today, we’re diving deep into Trey Sermon’s status and making a prediction on whether he’ll return to the team in 2025.
Let’s take a closer look at Sermon’s 2024 season. Coming into the year, he signed a one-year deal with the Colts, looking to establish himself as a reliable backup behind Jonathan Taylor. Sermon, who had flashes of potential, wasn’t able to build on those moments, finishing with a stat line that left many wondering about his future in Indianapolis. He carried the ball 56 times, but only averaged a modest 2.8 yards per attempt, a sharp drop from his 4.6 yards per rush on 35 carries the previous season. Sermon did manage to find the end zone twice and chipped in 16 receptions for 99 yards, but his overall performance didn’t quite meet the high expectations the team might’ve had for him.
While Sermon’s 2024 campaign wasn’t anything to write home about, there are still some lingering questions surrounding the Colts’ running back situation as the offseason approaches. Jonathan Taylor, the team’s franchise back, is still under contract for two more seasons, but there’s still a need for a secondary back who can carry the load in certain situations. The Colts' offense, as currently constructed, could benefit from an additional pass-catching threat out of the backfield—someone who can change the dynamic of the offense and keep opposing defenses on their toes.
Sermon, though, doesn't really seem to check all of those boxes. As we move into the next chapter of this Colts team, it’s clear they need more than what he’s offered so far. A running back who can relieve some of the pressure off of Taylor without diminishing the overall effectiveness of the offense seems like a better fit. Yes, Taylor will still be the team’s primary option, but considering the grueling nature of a 17-game season, it would be wise to give him some much-needed help. Spreading the workload more evenly would not only keep Taylor fresh but could add a new layer to the offense, especially as the team looks to build on its future success.
So, where does that leave Trey Sermon? Well, if we look at the bigger picture, the Colts may be inclined to move in a different direction at running back for the 2025 season. The team has already taken steps in that direction by re-signing Tyler Goodson to a one-year deal for the upcoming season. Goodson, who hasn’t had the same level of opportunity as Sermon, could provide the Colts with a different dynamic in the backfield, though he still has a lot to prove. Add to that the fact that the running back class for this year’s draft is absolutely loaded, and it becomes even clearer that the Colts could benefit from going younger, faster, and cheaper at the position.
Speaking of the draft, the upcoming pool of running back talent is one of the most impressive in recent memory. ESPN's Jordan Reid has a staggering 33 running backs with draftable grades on his big board—yes, 33! That’s an incredibly deep class, and the Colts will have plenty of options to choose from when the draft rolls around. Selecting a young running back who can come in and contribute right away at a more affordable price could be a major win for the franchise. With a rookie on a relatively inexpensive deal, the Colts could bring in fresh legs and a more dynamic option without breaking the bank.
When you break it down, the opportunity to add a talented rookie to the fold makes a lot of sense for the Colts. A fresh face at running back could help diversify the offense, take some pressure off of Taylor, and bring a different energy to the backfield. This is something the Colts should strongly consider this offseason, especially when you factor in the depth of the draft and the potential to save cap space with a rookie contract.
Ultimately, while Sermon had his chances and made some contributions, the 2025 season feels like it’s going to be a time for the Colts to explore new possibilities at running back. With Taylor still under contract and a loaded draft class, bringing Sermon back doesn’t seem like the right move. The Colts should use this offseason to add someone who can complement Taylor, provide another option in the passing game, and be a reliable contributor on the ground. Whether that comes through the draft, free agency, or a combination of both, the Colts will be looking to make sure their backfield is equipped for a successful 2025 season.
As for Sermon, his future in Indianapolis looks uncertain. He may still have a role to play in the NFL, but it likely won’t be with the Colts in 2025. His underwhelming 2024 season coupled with the Colts’ need for a more dynamic presence at running back makes it tough to see him back in the fold next year. It's time for the Colts to shift gears and look toward the future with new blood in the backfield—perhaps someone from that deep running back class that can give the offense a jolt and keep things moving in the right direction.
In summary, while Trey Sermon did have moments of promise, the Colts are in a position where they need to make strides in improving the depth of their running back room. Jonathan Taylor is still the bell cow, but the need for a reliable secondary back has never been clearer. Sermon’s struggles and the deep draft class in front of the Colts suggest that the team will move in a different direction. It’ll be interesting to see how the Colts handle the running back position this offseason, but for now, it seems like Sermon’s time in Indianapolis might be coming to an end. Keep an eye on the draft, as that will likely be the key to filling the gap in the backfield and giving the Colts offense a fresh, exciting option for 2025.
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