Chris Ballard smacked his lips and looked up in thought as he leaned back in his chair.
The Indianapolis Colts general manager was trying to choose the right words after being put on the spot at the NFL Scouting Combine.
“Why do you think you are getting a ninth year?” Ballard was asked on a local radio station Wednesday morning, one day after he’d formally met with the media and hinted at his plans to fix the Colts.
Ballard’s response lasted 38 seconds as he briefly laid out the first eight years of his tenure, which includes just two playoff appearances, one postseason win and zero AFC South titles (despite the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars all winning the division title at least twice in that span). He alluded to quarterback Andrew Luck’s shocking retirement in 2019 and the failed trade for Matt Ryan in 2022. But of everything Ballard said, his recollection of the conversations he’s had with team owner Jim Irsay proved the most insightful.
“When the organization decided to move forward and on from (coach) Frank (Reich), Mr. Irsay and I had a long talk,” Ballard said. “He said, ‘Chris, look, I believe you can get this done. I’m gonna give you an opportunity to get it done.’ … I think Jim had enough patience. He knows I’m very honest, even when we have our talks. I don’t sit and try to blame others and throw everybody under the bus.
“(We) presented what we thought was a good plan, and we’ll see how it plays out this year.”
So, for those wondering why Ballard never acted like someone on the hot seat in 2024, it’s because he probably wasn’t. Asked whether he had to pitch himself to Irsay to keep his job, which Ballard said he’s grateful for, the GM scoffed at the idea.
“That’s not me,” Ballard said. “Here’s what it is. This is where we’re at, and this is what we need to get done, and I’m confident we can get it done.”
What Ballard needs to do is start reversing the Colts’ fortunes. He’s facing some big questions on how to do that, and he was asked about those very topics that will help shape whether he can deliver in his ninth season at the helm.
How do you sell another quarterback on the “real competition” you plan to add around quarterback Anthony Richardson? (Question via local radio)
Ballard: “It’s like with anything. Until we actually get out there and do it, this will be the question. Like, ‘How can you do it?’ … I don’t know what I can do to convince you that this is true. … I think it depends on who (the other QB) is.”
Analysis: Ballard is probably trying to set up a smoke screen here because it would be downright unfathomable for Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, to lose the starting job before he starts another game. If anything, the “open” competition Ballard declared seems to be a message directed at Richardson in the hopes the young QB comprehends what’s at stake for him in what is likely a make-or-break season — for him and perhaps this regime in 2025. The bottom line is that whichever starting-caliber QB the Colts reel in, that player will have to be content with Richardson being the Week 1 starter, with a chance to possibly usurp Richardson if he struggles again in 2025.
Is trading for a QB another option to add “real competition?” (Via local radio)
Ballard: “I won’t get into that. I’m not gonna say it’s not … like, we haven’t done it before.”
Analysis: Obviously, with the Los Angeles Rams allowing Matthew Stafford’s agent to talk to other teams about his value, it’s worth checking Ballard’s temperature about a potential trade for the 37-year-old. But considering Ballard’s quick dismissal, before backtracking ever so slightly, it seems unlikely the Colts would be willing to part ways with draft capital for another aging QB. The draft also feels like an unlikely path to acquire another QB to challenge Richardson, so all that leaves is free agency. Some of the top signal callers on the market include Daniel Jones and Justin Fields.
Is there an update on right tackle Braden Smith and his future with the team? (Via combine news conference)
Ballard: “Not really. I mean, it’s a personal issue he’s dealing with. … We’re supporting Braden. I think the world of him, and he’s been a great player for us. We’ll see going forward.
“What I will tell you is he’s doing really well, and he wants to play football. We’ll work through the rest of it.”
Analysis: Smith missed the final five games of the 2024 season because of an undisclosed personal issue. But taking Ballard at his word and assuming Smith wants to continue his career, I didn’t get the impression that Smith will be with the Colts in 2025 — at least not at his current price. The veteran has a $19.8 million cap hit, and Indianapolis could create $16.3 million in cap space versus $3 million in dead money by cutting him. Matt Goncalves, a 2024 third-round pick, stepped up in Smith’s absence and would be a younger and more cost-effective option.
Samson Ebukam is another potential cut candidate Ballard addressed — but in a much different tone. The GM said it would be good to get back Ebukam, who missed the entire 2024 season due to a torn left Achilles he suffered in training camp. Ballard added that Ebukam’s rehab is “going great” and pegged him as one of the players he’s excited for new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to work with, even though Ebukam turns 30 in May. Ebukam’s cap hit is $10.5 million this upcoming season, and the Colts could create $7.5 million in cap space versus just $3 million in dead money. However, Ballard’s public backing makes it seem as if he’s willing to roll the dice on an aging player returning from a devastating injury.
What are the strengths of the 2024 draft class, and how do they factor into the Colts’ draft choices? (via news conference)
Ballard: “I think D-line is really good. I think tight end is really good. The offensive line, I would tell you, the mid-round (players) are really deep. Those positions for sure. I think there are some good secondary players.”
Analysis: Draft needs are still fluid with free agency set to begin next month. However, if I’m reading the tea leaves correctly, I would expect the Colts to consider selecting a tight end (cough, cough, Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland) in the first round or a defensive back because of those glaring holes on the roster. Ballard has seven picks at the moment (one in each round of the draft), and although much of the focus is on the No. 14 selection, don’t be surprised if he adds some depth along both lines on Days 2 and 3.
Why did you hire Anarumo as your defensive coordinator? (via news conference)
Coach Shane Steichen: “When I was going through that process, I was looking at schematically what teams do, what has given me and where I’ve been, fits. He’s one of those guys that I have a lot of respect for. He’s multiple on the back end. Tight coverage, press-man stuff, which you know will be a good switch-up for us.”
Analysis: In a nutshell, Anarumo, nicknamed “Loudini” by his players in Cincinnati because of his ever-changing schemes, gives the Colts defense what it lacked under previous DC Gus Bradley: variety. Ballard also mentioned the word “multiple” when describing Anarumo, and after three years of trying and failing to build a stout defense behind Bradley’s bend-but-don’t-break philosophy, the Colts got tired of breaking. Anarumo will mix things up, and I’ve already heard from a few defensive players who are excited about the ways Anarumo will challenge them to evolve and maximize their skill sets.
