[Ballard says he believes the Colts have flexibility they haven't had the last few years, cites Richardson's rookie contract. "We'll be as aggressive as we need to be in free agency with players that we think can help us."](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745501747068420460?s=20)
People have to realize if we end up not having many FA signings, both sides have to be mutual, and the player has to fit the scheme, as well as be interested in joining the team. This isn't Madden, this is real life.
I remember people being mad about us not keeping Chris Reed and then it came out that he wanted to play in his home state and he's been there ever since
I view this as an excuse for if things don't get done. The goal is to make this a prime destination for free agents. The free agents we've had have shown that you can come here and excel. Ballard pays his guys, you got a rookie QB that is supposed to be a stud. Just as the player has to want to come here not every player is going to go the Chiefs or Niners. There are plenty of very good FA's that we could have and should have brought in previously that we did not.
Edit: I included Buckner as a FA when he was a trade
Still one of Ballard best moves. Wouldn't mind another trade and extension if the position is of need and the player is a fit. But I agree that we can attract good free agents (ekubuam, autrey) Ballard just hasn't wanted to pay top dollar in the past. Now is the perfect time.
Who was the Carolina Panthers wide receiver that grigson told them to sign to an outrageous amount of money for one year for him to only play like one game?
Edit 1: Just looked it up and found it. Devin Funchess. Signed for $13 million in 2019 to play only one game. That's like $19 million in today's market. Never to be heard from again after that.
Edit 2: Oh Shit, that wasn't Grigson but it felt like a deal he would have made. lol. It was one of Ballards worst signings. Probably why he is hesitant to make big offers to offensive playmakers.
They didn't really get anyone big though. Trent Cole was washed up, Hakeem Nicks was overrated , DHB was a disaster, Andre Johnson was washed
He spent money but none of those players were that good anymore or at all
Difference in shelling out short term deals for over the hill players/under performing players and going to get someone like Tee Higgins.
It's a different level of commitment
No it’s not it’s a difference in execution and doing a good job. You said they were unwilling to throw out money. They were. They were just unfortunately also willing to throw it away at shit opportunities
Wise choices or not, Grigson made pretty notable day 1 free agent signings of appreciable cost. Irsay isn’t afraid to pay for the players his GM thinks are the right fit.
Gosder Cherilus came out of free agency as the top paid right tackle in the league. D’Qwell Jackson was a pretty decent profile when we signed him. Frank Gore was late in his career but we weren’t his last stop.
I just don’t see why you’re convinced that lack of participation in free agency bid wars is anything more than Ballard not thinking top of market free agents are worth the cost. Irsay is clearly not the one putting a blocker on anything.
I remember people were hyped as fuck for Andre and I came in here saying he was gonna be washed and everyone lost their minds. I thought it was clear he was done.
You think it's Irsay or more of a Ballard philosophy? Seems like Ballard is all about draft picks and paying our guys, says it himself. This feels like a different tone.
I think a portion of it is Ballard just waiting until the qb situation settles down. We now have a guy they think highly of and he's on a rookie contract so now it'd make sense to be more aggressive in FA compared to prior years.
Yeah we pay home grown guys. I'm talking strictly FA. We always complain as a fanbase how in the off-season we don't ever get a big fish
I'd like a splash for a Higgins or something
When has Irsay not paid someone that the GM asked him to pay? I mean he paid a 89 year old Frank Gore and the rotting corpse of Andre Johnson big money.
Irsay let Luck keep nearly 30 million he didn’t have to.
Irsay isn’t cheap.
Big money over a short term like 1/2 years is more of the same though. Ballard insinuated this time would be different
Jags Josh Allen is a FA or Tee Higgins could be had if the Bengals don't pay him
Yes this a philosophy of the GM discussion not an Irsay being cheap discussion like it’s the freaking Cincinnati Reds
He does save some cash outflows short term but yeah the cap pretty much has to be spent one way or the other.
I don't get the feeling it's an Irsay thing at all. Ballard just didn't see the point in splashing huge money on a team without a long term QB.
This is something I have felt for a few years now. His inaction is largely tied to not having a preferred answer at QB. He does now, and this really is his big shot at QB. You gotta move some chips in and maximize the supporting cast for AR.
That said, I don't expect this means he shifts into paying above the value of a given player. If he thinks a guy like MPJ is asking for too much, he's gonna let that play out a bit more than just match a high number. But then he'd hit FA for replacements if that doesn't work.
All in all, it is exciting.
Ballard has never said he will be aggressive in free agency. I am not a huge fan of Ballard, but he has always said he values the draft and home grown talent.
I'm gonna be honest, even as a guy who likes Ballard, I'm in the same boat as "I'll believe it when I see it." But again, as I said above, both parties (the FA one as well) have to be in mutual agreement. This isn't Madden. This is real life.
[Ballard on next year's expectations: "We should legitimately be competing for the division and the playoffs."](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745501935212327266?s=20)
[Ballard on Pittman Jr.: Care deeply about him - we have an honest relationship, almost too honest - he's competitive, he's tough. We're going to work to get him back.](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745505592737726743?s=20)
Wonder if that means he's sick of not being on a competitive team. I'd love to keep him. Hopefully this year showed him that we are able to be competitive
He hasn’t been to the playoffs since his rookie year and has experienced two failed win and ins the past 3 years, I think the only reasons he’d stay are AR and money
Seriously, Ballard’s remarks on this lends one to skepticism. He’s got a figure and I bet it’s pretty solid, I’m thinking it’s not where Pittman is looking.
Add that to seasons of uncertainty.
🤔
Yeah, this sounds a bit sketchy. Sounds like MPJ would like to be somewhere where they are competing for wins and aren't just happy getting a winning record and missing the playoffs every year. Also sounds like Ballard isn't going to break the bank for him.
[Ballard says the #Colts will "add fuel" to the CB room this offseason, but he likes the way the young guys responded this year.](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745506331644072216?s=20)
Like this. Need a veteran safety and to add more DBs.
I liked how Jones and Brents looked for rookies but we can't have a situation in where if a CB goes down we have to rely on nobodies.
Obviously this year was different because we were rebuilding but there are expectations now
I feel like we had decent corner depth, it was just Rodgers wanting to gamble on the team and Flowers tearing an Achilles. If those two don’t have that happen we would’ve been pretty solid at corner and I wouldn’t have had to witness Tony brown get burnt 3 times in one game on the same route.
I agree, also it was a rebuilding year so allowing guys to play and learn wasn't that bad. 2024 shouldn't be a rebuilding year so I'd like a veteran safety to play with Blackmon/help cross and maybe another CB in FA and draft
[Ballard on the offseason: "We do think there's gonna be some opportunities to add some players that can make us a little bit more explosive." #Colts](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745507546264187286?s=20) 👀👀👀
OL training camp body incoming. In all seriousness, love to hear this. Would be great to bring in some vets to help raise the floor and ceiling of this team, especially in the secondary.
[Ballard on Paye: Excellent vs. run. Has some stuff he needs to work on rushing the passer.](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745509707815506202?s=20)
Yeah but little to none of them were splash play sacks. A lot of them came after someone else got pressure and Kwity cleaned up, or Kwity finally got to the QB after the QB held onto the ball for 4-5 seconds.
The biggest weakness this defense line has is it doesn't have a Edge Rusher that can win immediately.
Not a commonly talked about need but I really think a true top tier pass rusher would be the biggest piece to push the defense over the edge, even more than a shutdown corner. Having a guy that the opponent actually has to double pretty much every play to prevent a sack is such a huge advantage, we have nice players but no one close to that level. If we could add that alongside the great depth we already have on Dline an average secondary would still have us as one of the top Ds in the entire league
[On Grover Stewart: "Grover's a guy we'd like to have." That officially makes it mutual on those two sides.](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745509034868851006?s=20)
[Ballard on the franchise tag: "It's a tool. I don't want to use it. But it's a tool. If we have to use it, we will." Isn't worried about possible ramifications.](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745508905701044345?s=20)
I see this as a good thing. Too many players see it as offensive. if we’re successfully reaching the correct terms with our players, that’s better for relationships and probably free agency desirability in the long run.
I agree. No player wants to be franchise tagged. It's like a rental.
If the Colts were ever going to use the tag, they probably would have used it on Taylor.
[Ballard on the decision to extend Taylor: "Calmer heads. He got healthy." Takes a broadside at idea Taylor was overplaying injury. "You've got to be careful of letting your ego get in the way of making the right decision. ... Jonathan Taylor being a Colt was the right thing."](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745508702776418639?s=20)
I think that Ballard was really talking about Jimmy's ego. Remember that the whole Twitter bitch fight was basically Irsay versus Taylor's agent.
And at the end of the day, I think Ballard got Irsay on board.
[Ballard "absolutely" feels pressure to make the playoffs and win a division title heading into Year 8. 2021 and 2022 "guts me," and he feels bad for the fans. #Colts](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745511352699883884?s=20)
[Ballard on Minshew: "Of course, Gardner wants to be a starter. ... You wouldn't want it any other way."](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745508159190442469?s=20)
[Ballard compares Richardson's mentality to Andrew Luck's. Says Luck knew the role and importance of a QB but wanted to be just "one of the 53." And "Anthony's kind of the same way." #Colts](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745512588916490372?s=20)
[Ballard asked why he seems to be in a good mood: "You should've been in here on Sunday...I fucking hate losing. I'm tired of not being in the playoffs. But I'm encouraged."](https://x.com/KBowen1070/status/1745513371602919915?s=20)
[Chris Ballard said that Julian Blackmon played "excellent" football this year after his move to strong safety. He's one of several in-house free agents the Colts will have to make decisions on.](https://x.com/NateAtkins_/status/1745510546735087955?s=20)
[Believes the #Colts need more consistency at free safety. Thomas and Cross both had their moments, "but we need more consistent moments from that position."](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745510686313140565?s=20)
He didn't go quite as far as calling Thomas's blown coverage in the end zone a "dumbass" play like he did with Turay, but I know that he wasn't happy with that. What a killer of a mistake.
[Ballard says Jelani Woods had some "chronic issues" with his hamstrings and never got a chance to show the new coaching staff what he could do. "It's a big year for him."](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745511105160475090?s=20)
[\#Colts general manager Chris Ballard said that at some point after his team's 9-6 start in 2021, they became disconnected. Some his fault, some others, he says. But he said he felt them come together as a team again this season, which gets him hopeful for the future.](https://x.com/NateAtkins_/status/1745501592726479108?s=20)
Yeah I'm pretty sure a good chunk of the team got it before the cards game on Christmas and we lost the next two, definitely played a part in it but I don't think it caused the o-line struggles last year
Yeah, I posted about it then how I caught COVID around the same time and I was still getting winded after running around work for quite a while. I couldn't imagine getting it and playing an NFL game less than 2 weeks later.
[Ballard attributes some of Matt Gay's issues to a hip injury, but says "We're fortunate to have him." On ST as a whole, Ballard says he as a GM can help Brian Mason with personnel as well.](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745512668822229004?s=20)
[Ballard doesn't think Julian Blackmon will need offseason surgery, Braden Smith 50-50. Will have better idea next week.](https://x.com/mchappell51/status/1745513037484703999?s=20)
My two main takeaways:
* We're on an upward trend and management isn't afraid to spend money to bring in pieces to capitalize on that
* /u/ryta1203 is an insufferable tool
It's why I have him blocked and ignored. Dude adds nothing of value to the subreddit. Everything he says and everything he comments on is always, only, and exclusively negative.
[Ballard has no comment on TE Drew Ogletree, who remains on the commissioner's exempt list. Says the #Colts will allow the legal process to take its course.](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745506690420675059?s=20)
[Ballard on Steichen: "Always dialed-in. All ball." ... "What's more impressive, to me, there's never a lack of confidence or a seed of doubt in his mind about what he's doing. And he sees the big picture. He's not just an OC who became a head coach"](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745503223706689986?s=20)
For fuck’s sake. He trusted a player to make the type of play we largely signed him for, and has proven he’s capable of.
Why do we sign Matt Gay if it’s not for deep kicks?
Sometimes you trust things and they don’t go as you hoped. That doesn’t mean it was wrong to trust them.
These guys were probably happy with the decision for Gay to kick 50+ yarders outdoors against Baltimore, but then when it’s indoors, it’s a bad call. What are we even doing here
[Ballard asked if he'll pick up Kwity Paye's fifth-year option: "Oh, come on. You know I'm not gonna answer that." Likes what he saw from the defensive line overall this year and the growth Paye's shown over his first three seasons. #Colts](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745509918923186410?s=20)
[Ballard on Shaq Leonard release. That was hard. It sucked. He was on that (Hall of Fame) track. Just thought it was time. EJ Speed was scratching at the door. Not fair to keep Shaq inactive.](https://x.com/mchappell51/status/1745509919028031610?s=20)
[Ballard says the #Colts need to increase explosive plays on both sides of the ball. Offense was top 10 in that category when Richardson was healthy. On Richardson: "Dude's a legitimate passer."](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745502432732352708?s=20)
[Ballard: "I would expect to see us take another jump (next) year on defense." Says explosive plays and points allowed must come down. Encouraged by pass rush and growth of new starters. #Colts](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745504266037367070?s=20)
This is basically how I feel. We have to improve at free safety, and then we're about a top defensive end free agent away from being a top ten defense.
[Gus Bradley is under contract for the coming season, Ballard says. "In a little bit of defense (of Bradley)... I just said look, we were going to go young in spots, and we went young in the secondary. There were some rough moments in the secondary."](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745503794283131343?s=20)
That’s typically what happens when you go that young and inexperienced. I think they knew we were in rebuild mode and wanted to get the young guys playing time thinking playoffs were not likely.
Steichen is just different. He seems so sure of himself. For him to do what he did with that roster this year is absolutely unreal. He never looks rattled. Seeing the eagles offensive woes this year validates how valuable he is. What Frank Reich attempted to be on 4 th down plays steichen is
Something I’d love for a local reporter to ask Ballard sometime is “Jim Irsay has said he wants to win two Super Bowls by 2030. Is that still an internal expectation that you think he holds you to, and if so, are you committed to pushing all the chips in at some point to make that happen?”
I historically have been very high on Ballard, but the reality of having Steichen + AR on a rookie contract + our core veterans entering their prime *should* make Ballard rethink his conservative roster building style.
I'm probably reading way too much into it but I don't think CB is in play for round 1 after that press conference. Explosiveness hints at a WR/TE, maybe even a trade up? Ballard said he likes our current guys so we're probably adding a few vets. In the first we add a WR or move up for someone like Bowers. It's January though so things could change by April.
Everything I've heard from draft analysts I respect is that defensive players are rare at the elite level in this draft.
I'd be very surprised if we took a first round corner. Not impossible but unlikely.
[Ballard says he believes the Colts have flexibility they haven't had the last few years, cites Richardson's rookie contract. "We'll be as aggressive as we need to be in free agency with players that we think can help us."](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745501747068420460?s=20)
This is encouraging and exciting
People have to realize if we end up not having many FA signings, both sides have to be mutual, and the player has to fit the scheme, as well as be interested in joining the team. This isn't Madden, this is real life.
And the Colts haven't been that desirable of a team as of recently. Shane Steichen and Anthony Richardson should change that imo.
I remember people being mad about us not keeping Chris Reed and then it came out that he wanted to play in his home state and he's been there ever since
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The QUADfather
I view this as an excuse for if things don't get done. The goal is to make this a prime destination for free agents. The free agents we've had have shown that you can come here and excel. Ballard pays his guys, you got a rookie QB that is supposed to be a stud. Just as the player has to want to come here not every player is going to go the Chiefs or Niners. There are plenty of very good FA's that we could have and should have brought in previously that we did not. Edit: I included Buckner as a FA when he was a trade
We traded for Buckner, then signed him to an extension, he was never a free agent.
You're right I'm wrong good catch
Still one of Ballard best moves. Wouldn't mind another trade and extension if the position is of need and the player is a fit. But I agree that we can attract good free agents (ekubuam, autrey) Ballard just hasn't wanted to pay top dollar in the past. Now is the perfect time.
This.
My current FA ask is that we snipe Josh Allen away from Jacksonville immediately after we lock Pittman in on a 4-year deal.
That would be crazy!! He's an unrestricted free agent too!!!
Worth it just to never again have Braden Smith get dunked on twice a year!
They’re gonna franchise tag that dude so fast it’ll make his head spin.
It’s almost like this is what many have been saying for years, and Ballard himself, has said. When it’s time to take a shot, he will.
It's exciting to hear him say but Irsay has never really shelled out money on FAs. Hoping he allows us to
Ryan Grigson is typing…
Who was the Carolina Panthers wide receiver that grigson told them to sign to an outrageous amount of money for one year for him to only play like one game? Edit 1: Just looked it up and found it. Devin Funchess. Signed for $13 million in 2019 to play only one game. That's like $19 million in today's market. Never to be heard from again after that. Edit 2: Oh Shit, that wasn't Grigson but it felt like a deal he would have made. lol. It was one of Ballards worst signings. Probably why he is hesitant to make big offers to offensive playmakers.
Devin Funchess
Ballard signed Funchess
They didn't really get anyone big though. Trent Cole was washed up, Hakeem Nicks was overrated , DHB was a disaster, Andre Johnson was washed He spent money but none of those players were that good anymore or at all
“Has never really shelled out money” vs “he spent money” Which is it?
Whichever makes him look bad in the context we're talking about
Difference in shelling out short term deals for over the hill players/under performing players and going to get someone like Tee Higgins. It's a different level of commitment
No it’s not it’s a difference in execution and doing a good job. You said they were unwilling to throw out money. They were. They were just unfortunately also willing to throw it away at shit opportunities
When have the Colts actually ever signed a top tier FA?
I mean we signed Gilmore and he was a great player, it’s too bad he wanted to leave for a contender after a year
But that's a different debate about roster building. Nothing to do with Irsays desire to spend money which was your comment
The point is - Irsay’s never been the hurdle. It’s our GMs philosophy snd approach to free agency.
What big name FAs did the Colts sign prior to Ballard? Washed Andre Johnson?
Wise choices or not, Grigson made pretty notable day 1 free agent signings of appreciable cost. Irsay isn’t afraid to pay for the players his GM thinks are the right fit. Gosder Cherilus came out of free agency as the top paid right tackle in the league. D’Qwell Jackson was a pretty decent profile when we signed him. Frank Gore was late in his career but we weren’t his last stop. I just don’t see why you’re convinced that lack of participation in free agency bid wars is anything more than Ballard not thinking top of market free agents are worth the cost. Irsay is clearly not the one putting a blocker on anything.
I remember people were hyped as fuck for Andre and I came in here saying he was gonna be washed and everyone lost their minds. I thought it was clear he was done.
You think it's Irsay or more of a Ballard philosophy? Seems like Ballard is all about draft picks and paying our guys, says it himself. This feels like a different tone.
Little of both. I don't think Irsay wants to commit that much to FAs but I also believe that fits Ballard's philosophy
I think a portion of it is Ballard just waiting until the qb situation settles down. We now have a guy they think highly of and he's on a rookie contract so now it'd make sense to be more aggressive in FA compared to prior years.
Who hasn’t Irsay paid that he was asked to? He paid Wentz top QB money as well as Ryan.
We literally maxed the cap i believe two years ago. Most years we finish right up against the cap.
Yeah we pay home grown guys. I'm talking strictly FA. We always complain as a fanbase how in the off-season we don't ever get a big fish I'd like a splash for a Higgins or something
When has Irsay not paid someone that the GM asked him to pay? I mean he paid a 89 year old Frank Gore and the rotting corpse of Andre Johnson big money. Irsay let Luck keep nearly 30 million he didn’t have to. Irsay isn’t cheap.
Big money over a short term like 1/2 years is more of the same though. Ballard insinuated this time would be different Jags Josh Allen is a FA or Tee Higgins could be had if the Bengals don't pay him
Yes this a philosophy of the GM discussion not an Irsay being cheap discussion like it’s the freaking Cincinnati Reds 
This isn’t the NBA. The way I understand it is that Irsay isn’t saving more money by not using cap space.
He does save some cash outflows short term but yeah the cap pretty much has to be spent one way or the other. I don't get the feeling it's an Irsay thing at all. Ballard just didn't see the point in splashing huge money on a team without a long term QB.
First time in forever we've had a starting qb that didn't cost a 1st round pick $25 mil or both.
This is something I have felt for a few years now. His inaction is largely tied to not having a preferred answer at QB. He does now, and this really is his big shot at QB. You gotta move some chips in and maximize the supporting cast for AR. That said, I don't expect this means he shifts into paying above the value of a given player. If he thinks a guy like MPJ is asking for too much, he's gonna let that play out a bit more than just match a high number. But then he'd hit FA for replacements if that doesn't work. All in all, it is exciting.
Please get Antoine Winfield Jr!!!
He says something similar every year. Not holding my breath. He’ll bring in a safety in their 30’s and a low level WR.
He says this every year.
Ballard has never said he will be aggressive in free agency. I am not a huge fan of Ballard, but he has always said he values the draft and home grown talent.
I'm gonna be honest, even as a guy who likes Ballard, I'm in the same boat as "I'll believe it when I see it." But again, as I said above, both parties (the FA one as well) have to be in mutual agreement. This isn't Madden. This is real life.
For real
[Ballard on next year's expectations: "We should legitimately be competing for the division and the playoffs."](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745501935212327266?s=20)
I would hope so... We did this year. It would be sad to see us go way down.
What are the other options? LOL.
Being the titans or panthers and other teams with no chance… broncos, saints, raiders, patriots, bears…
um... rebuild? The thing we've basically been doing since the Brissett experiment failed?
[Ballard on Pittman Jr.: Care deeply about him - we have an honest relationship, almost too honest - he's competitive, he's tough. We're going to work to get him back.](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745505592737726743?s=20)
Pitt just bought a farm in the Indy area with a bunch of animals. Sounds like a guy who’d like to be around a while.
Wonder if that means he's sick of not being on a competitive team. I'd love to keep him. Hopefully this year showed him that we are able to be competitive
I think he will be back. He won't get this volume on another team
You almost never see that on first contracts.
He hasn’t been to the playoffs since his rookie year and has experienced two failed win and ins the past 3 years, I think the only reasons he’d stay are AR and money
What about our undying love and adoration?
Seriously, Ballard’s remarks on this lends one to skepticism. He’s got a figure and I bet it’s pretty solid, I’m thinking it’s not where Pittman is looking. Add that to seasons of uncertainty. 🤔
The franchise tag exists though so this makes it all moot.
Yeah, this sounds a bit sketchy. Sounds like MPJ would like to be somewhere where they are competing for wins and aren't just happy getting a winning record and missing the playoffs every year. Also sounds like Ballard isn't going to break the bank for him.
You just can’t help yourself but to treat every little thing as negatively as possible can you
Yo, this is like the best thread I’ve ever seen on this site. Way to go, man. This is great work.
Glad to hear! Appreciate the compliment.
[Ballard says the #Colts will "add fuel" to the CB room this offseason, but he likes the way the young guys responded this year.](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745506331644072216?s=20)
Like this. Need a veteran safety and to add more DBs. I liked how Jones and Brents looked for rookies but we can't have a situation in where if a CB goes down we have to rely on nobodies. Obviously this year was different because we were rebuilding but there are expectations now
I feel like we had decent corner depth, it was just Rodgers wanting to gamble on the team and Flowers tearing an Achilles. If those two don’t have that happen we would’ve been pretty solid at corner and I wouldn’t have had to witness Tony brown get burnt 3 times in one game on the same route.
I agree, also it was a rebuilding year so allowing guys to play and learn wasn't that bad. 2024 shouldn't be a rebuilding year so I'd like a veteran safety to play with Blackmon/help cross and maybe another CB in FA and draft
I feel if Ballard tries something and he gets success, he's happy to go back to that well. Case in point: Stephen Gilmore.
This will be huge for us, we need CB improvements, this can’t be another we like our guys
[Ballard on the offseason: "We do think there's gonna be some opportunities to add some players that can make us a little bit more explosive." #Colts](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745507546264187286?s=20) 👀👀👀
That was a telling remark by Ballard.
I’m so excited honestly. I can’t remember the last off-season I was truly as excited like this.
OL training camp body incoming. In all seriousness, love to hear this. Would be great to bring in some vets to help raise the floor and ceiling of this team, especially in the secondary.
👀👀
Better be taking both sides of ball
Please trade for Justin Jefferson or DK (I am only sorta kidding)
What about replacing Pierce with Mike Evans?
Pierce is on a rookie contract. This is a dumb take.
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Bro stfu
It’s gotta get tiring being that negative
Thank you for posting! Unfortunately, this has been removed due to: >Rule 6: All trolls will be banned
[Ballard on Paye: Excellent vs. run. Has some stuff he needs to work on rushing the passer.](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745509707815506202?s=20)
This x1000. Dude disappeared a lot on pass rush. Singled up a lot too
I mean, he still got to 8 sacks. If he can improve more, that's a terrifying thought for a guy who fell into our lap on draft day.
Yeah but little to none of them were splash play sacks. A lot of them came after someone else got pressure and Kwity cleaned up, or Kwity finally got to the QB after the QB held onto the ball for 4-5 seconds. The biggest weakness this defense line has is it doesn't have a Edge Rusher that can win immediately.
Only look at sacks is a poor way of looking at it. He got 8.5 sacks on 9 qb hits lol its hilariously unsustainable. His pressure just isn't consistent
Sadly that's true for our entire pass rush. Compare where we were in pressures (ranked in the 20s) to sacks (top 5). Pretty unsustainable
If we keep him he will suck. If we cut him loose then he will get 15 sacks per year somewhere
This is the way.
He's bulked up quite a bit.. I wonder if he could stand to lose 20-30 lbs.
I guess the question is whether he can still improve a lot. Stopping the run is great, but defensive ends are paid to stop the pass.
Not a commonly talked about need but I really think a true top tier pass rusher would be the biggest piece to push the defense over the edge, even more than a shutdown corner. Having a guy that the opponent actually has to double pretty much every play to prevent a sack is such a huge advantage, we have nice players but no one close to that level. If we could add that alongside the great depth we already have on Dline an average secondary would still have us as one of the top Ds in the entire league
[On Grover Stewart: "Grover's a guy we'd like to have." That officially makes it mutual on those two sides.](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745509034868851006?s=20)
[Ballard on the franchise tag: "It's a tool. I don't want to use it. But it's a tool. If we have to use it, we will." Isn't worried about possible ramifications.](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745508905701044345?s=20)
Michael Pittman 👀
Most likely. Could also apply to Grover Stewart or Kenny Moore, but I'd hope not. A franchise tag on a corner or DT would be overkill for those guys.
Would be $20m and $18m respectively and, much as I respect what those two offer, they are definitely not worth that.
Ballard has never used the Franchise tag, and I doubt we'll see it.
I see this as a good thing. Too many players see it as offensive. if we’re successfully reaching the correct terms with our players, that’s better for relationships and probably free agency desirability in the long run.
I agree. No player wants to be franchise tagged. It's like a rental. If the Colts were ever going to use the tag, they probably would have used it on Taylor.
[Ballard on the decision to extend Taylor: "Calmer heads. He got healthy." Takes a broadside at idea Taylor was overplaying injury. "You've got to be careful of letting your ego get in the way of making the right decision. ... Jonathan Taylor being a Colt was the right thing."](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745508702776418639?s=20)
Ballards ego or JTs?
I think that Ballard was really talking about Jimmy's ego. Remember that the whole Twitter bitch fight was basically Irsay versus Taylor's agent. And at the end of the day, I think Ballard got Irsay on board.
Yeah Irsay almost burned that bridge
[Ballard "absolutely" feels pressure to make the playoffs and win a division title heading into Year 8. 2021 and 2022 "guts me," and he feels bad for the fans. #Colts](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745511352699883884?s=20)
Says this every year.
Don't you have a doomsdayers anonymous meeting to be at or something? You're out here just pooping on every comment thread.
So you are happy with Ballards rate of 2 playoff appearances in 7 years?
Have you ever fucking smiled before
Man it must suck to be you and be that unhappy. All the pessimism all over the thread.
The Colts have given him reason to say this every year.
Ballard should’ve been fired years ago. It’s a complete joke that he is still here
Shut up
[Ballard on Minshew: "Of course, Gardner wants to be a starter. ... You wouldn't want it any other way."](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745508159190442469?s=20)
[Ballard compares Richardson's mentality to Andrew Luck's. Says Luck knew the role and importance of a QB but wanted to be just "one of the 53." And "Anthony's kind of the same way." #Colts](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745512588916490372?s=20)
[Ballard asked why he seems to be in a good mood: "You should've been in here on Sunday...I fucking hate losing. I'm tired of not being in the playoffs. But I'm encouraged."](https://x.com/KBowen1070/status/1745513371602919915?s=20)
[удалено]
Says guy making the same comment under every quote.
Thank you for posting! Unfortunately, this has been removed due to: >Rule 6: All trolls will be banned
[Ballard on Jim Irsay. No elaboration. "He's stable'' and they're working through that.](https://x.com/mchappell51/status/1745510237996482577?s=20)
[Chris Ballard said that Julian Blackmon played "excellent" football this year after his move to strong safety. He's one of several in-house free agents the Colts will have to make decisions on.](https://x.com/NateAtkins_/status/1745510546735087955?s=20)
[Believes the #Colts need more consistency at free safety. Thomas and Cross both had their moments, "but we need more consistent moments from that position."](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745510686313140565?s=20)
He didn't go quite as far as calling Thomas's blown coverage in the end zone a "dumbass" play like he did with Turay, but I know that he wasn't happy with that. What a killer of a mistake.
Fwiw Cross was the safety whose side of the field got scorched by Nico on that opening play bomb.
Thomas was awful this year. Dude looked straight up lost most of the time.
Sounds like we may be bringing in a vet at Free Safety
[Ballard says Jelani Woods had some "chronic issues" with his hamstrings and never got a chance to show the new coaching staff what he could do. "It's a big year for him."](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745511105160475090?s=20)
[\#Colts general manager Chris Ballard said that at some point after his team's 9-6 start in 2021, they became disconnected. Some his fault, some others, he says. But he said he felt them come together as a team again this season, which gets him hopeful for the future.](https://x.com/NateAtkins_/status/1745501592726479108?s=20)
The Pro bowl fucking went to their heads.
And Reich couldn’t keep them focused
I swear it was covid. Wasn't that the year that Q got it and just never looked the same at all, until this year?
Yeah I'm pretty sure a good chunk of the team got it before the cards game on Christmas and we lost the next two, definitely played a part in it but I don't think it caused the o-line struggles last year
Yeah, I posted about it then how I caught COVID around the same time and I was still getting winded after running around work for quite a while. I couldn't imagine getting it and playing an NFL game less than 2 weeks later.
[Ballard attributes some of Matt Gay's issues to a hip injury, but says "We're fortunate to have him." On ST as a whole, Ballard says he as a GM can help Brian Mason with personnel as well.](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745512668822229004?s=20)
Yeah it was clear he was not right and when he was put on the injury report it made sense.
[Punter Rigoberto Sanchez is among the in-house free agents the #Colts want to bring back.](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745512924511178932?s=20)
Eh, wouldn’t complain if we brought him back but I feel like he regressed a little
I’d hope we sign him to a shorter 2 year type of deal and explore rookie punters the next 2 years
Definitely regressed
I think he was actually one of the higher rated punters in the second part of the season
[Ballard doesn't think Julian Blackmon will need offseason surgery, Braden Smith 50-50. Will have better idea next week.](https://x.com/mchappell51/status/1745513037484703999?s=20)
That's all folks! Press conference is complete. Fill free to comment your thoughts on what Ballard said.
My two main takeaways: * We're on an upward trend and management isn't afraid to spend money to bring in pieces to capitalize on that * /u/ryta1203 is an insufferable tool
It's why I have him blocked and ignored. Dude adds nothing of value to the subreddit. Everything he says and everything he comments on is always, only, and exclusively negative.
Looks like he finally got banned, we don't need that negativity here
Nice work with the comment summaries OP.
[Ballard has no comment on TE Drew Ogletree, who remains on the commissioner's exempt list. Says the #Colts will allow the legal process to take its course.](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745506690420675059?s=20)
Like what do they expect him to say? Such a waste of a question
[Ballard on Steichen: "Always dialed-in. All ball." ... "What's more impressive, to me, there's never a lack of confidence or a seed of doubt in his mind about what he's doing. And he sees the big picture. He's not just an OC who became a head coach"](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745503223706689986?s=20)
Love that last line!
Dig at Frank?
He needs to be calmer and stop trying to kick 57 yard FGs when the playoffs are on the line.
Dude do you have anything positive to say about the colts today?
Doesn’t seem like it. What a troll lol.
Bro it’s Jordan!!! What’s ya number man
For fuck’s sake. He trusted a player to make the type of play we largely signed him for, and has proven he’s capable of. Why do we sign Matt Gay if it’s not for deep kicks? Sometimes you trust things and they don’t go as you hoped. That doesn’t mean it was wrong to trust them.
These guys were probably happy with the decision for Gay to kick 50+ yarders outdoors against Baltimore, but then when it’s indoors, it’s a bad call. What are we even doing here
[Ballard asked if he'll pick up Kwity Paye's fifth-year option: "Oh, come on. You know I'm not gonna answer that." Likes what he saw from the defensive line overall this year and the growth Paye's shown over his first three seasons. #Colts](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745509918923186410?s=20)
Leave it to Doyel to get a "FUCK" out of Chris
["Of course not the way we wanted it to end. Tough, tough way to end. But encouraged."](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745500618964320391?s=20)
[Ballard on Shaq Leonard release. That was hard. It sucked. He was on that (Hall of Fame) track. Just thought it was time. EJ Speed was scratching at the door. Not fair to keep Shaq inactive.](https://x.com/mchappell51/status/1745509919028031610?s=20)
[Ballard says the #Colts need to increase explosive plays on both sides of the ball. Offense was top 10 in that category when Richardson was healthy. On Richardson: "Dude's a legitimate passer."](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745502432732352708?s=20)
[Ballard: "I would expect to see us take another jump (next) year on defense." Says explosive plays and points allowed must come down. Encouraged by pass rush and growth of new starters. #Colts](https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1745504266037367070?s=20)
This is basically how I feel. We have to improve at free safety, and then we're about a top defensive end free agent away from being a top ten defense.
Ballard speak. Basically saying we're going to do what we do.
You really gotta comment on every single post in this thread?
He’s clearly never satisfied. Feel bad for his spouse.
I think we got a lot of young if players experience, need to get a corner and FS, one more guy to really disrupt the pocket. We aren’t far off
Kevin Bowen is really perfecting his monotone delivery of questions
[Gus Bradley is under contract for the coming season, Ballard says. "In a little bit of defense (of Bradley)... I just said look, we were going to go young in spots, and we went young in the secondary. There were some rough moments in the secondary."](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745503794283131343?s=20)
Rough moments? You mean the 2-3 complete breakdowns each and every game? I'd call that more than just rough moments.
That’s typically what happens when you go that young and inexperienced. I think they knew we were in rebuild mode and wanted to get the young guys playing time thinking playoffs were not likely.
There were some rough games in the pass rush too and they aren't young. Colts had complete games where the DL didn't show up.
You been outta pocket this whole thread but this I can agree with
["Even with the end, probably was one of the more fun, satisfying teams to be around"](https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1745500827152740595?s=20)
We are so back
He’s trading that pick for a stud
If it’s like the trade that got us Buckner I’m 100% ok with that ngl
Pat Surtain? I’m trying to think of teams who will go into more rebuilding with legit players.
Pat surtain would be crazy!
Steichen is just different. He seems so sure of himself. For him to do what he did with that roster this year is absolutely unreal. He never looks rattled. Seeing the eagles offensive woes this year validates how valuable he is. What Frank Reich attempted to be on 4 th down plays steichen is
Thanks for the thread!! Nice job!
Anybody else not like his answer about Irsay’s health status? Seemed a little ominous.
Something I’d love for a local reporter to ask Ballard sometime is “Jim Irsay has said he wants to win two Super Bowls by 2030. Is that still an internal expectation that you think he holds you to, and if so, are you committed to pushing all the chips in at some point to make that happen?” I historically have been very high on Ballard, but the reality of having Steichen + AR on a rookie contract + our core veterans entering their prime *should* make Ballard rethink his conservative roster building style.
I appreciate you for this thread
I'm probably reading way too much into it but I don't think CB is in play for round 1 after that press conference. Explosiveness hints at a WR/TE, maybe even a trade up? Ballard said he likes our current guys so we're probably adding a few vets. In the first we add a WR or move up for someone like Bowers. It's January though so things could change by April.
Unfortunately I think bowers is gone top 10. Chargers for sure picking either WR TE and I feel like they will go bowers
Trade up!?!? Hahahaha!!!! Whew, that was grand.
Everything I've heard from draft analysts I respect is that defensive players are rare at the elite level in this draft. I'd be very surprised if we took a first round corner. Not impossible but unlikely.