NEWS FLASH: Colts GM Reveals Shocking details about Joe Flacco Contract Termination

FLORENCE, ORLANDO — Chris Ballard, general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, has clearly heard the murmurs.

It was hard to overlook the doubts surrounding his choice to focus on re-signing the team’s internal free agents rather than going out and finding new players.

Ballard responded to such critiques on Tuesday.

Ballard stated, “Different is not always better,” while attending the NFL meetings in Orlando.

Ballard re-signed key players, including punter Rigoberto Sanchez, linebacker Zaire Franklin, defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis, receiver Michael Pittman Jr., cornerback Kenny Moore II, nose tackle Grover Stewart, and linebacker Zaire Franklin, to contracts totaling over $180 million, demonstrating how strongly he believes in that idea.
The Colts made no significant outside acquisitions during their free agency period, with the exception of signing backup quarterback Joe Flacco and backup defensive tackle Raekwon Davis.

Ballard made an effort to underline that internal and external expenses are equal.

“We did spend,” he said. “We simply didn’t invest in the external names. That’s when I start asking “Who?” Everyone says, “All right, go spend.” [On] whom? That’s alright, too. Our game is fantastic since it allows you to discuss and debate it.

“We ultimately believed that our free agents were talented players. We did try a few, and while we’re happy that we got [Davis], we didn’t get the other two. That’s alright. We continue to advance and construct.”

The difficulty of negotiating discussions during the hectic opening few days of the signing period, when many of the biggest names are signed and the costliest contracts agreed to, is one aspect of the free agency period, according to Ballard.
According to a team source, the Colts aggressively pursued free agency pass-rusher Danielle Hunter of the Vikings, even making an offer that was more than what the Houston Texans finally offered him: a two-year, $49 million ($48 million guaranteed) contract. But before they took advantage of other options, the Colts had some decisions to make about their own free agents following that fruitless pursuit and after weighing other possible actions.

Ballard stated, “You have to make decisions when you have free agency.” Other gamers won’t wait on you if you just stand about and wait for a guy. They’re putting it behind them. They’re going to take advantage of any opportunity to obtain money and move on. Thus, during the course of those two days of [negotiating], there’s a small amount of balancing involved to ensure that, “Okay, we’ve got a bird in the hand.” We are also aware of [our] players. They’re decent.

Ballard made a strong hint that there might be changes to the roster, especially in the secondary. After making trips to the Bills and 49ers in the previous week, safety Julian Blackmon—the Colts’ third-round selection in 2020—has resumed contact with the teams. Next month, when they choose 15th overall in the first round of the NFL Draft, the Colts will probably give some thought to a cornerback.

Generally speaking, though, the Colts are increasing their known quantities. For example, they are hopeful that Pittman, who finished the previous season with 1,152 receiving yards and four touchdowns, can improve on his career-best performance, Moore can repeat some of his exceptional accomplishments, and Stewart can remain a potent run-stuffer.

They assert that this will help the squad advance, along with development from some of the team’s young players, particularly the anticipated growth of quarterback Anthony Richardson in his second season. Week 18 of the Colts’ postseason campaign ended with Gardner Minshew starting at quarterback.

“I think consistency and continuity is huge in this league, and I think that’s what we have with our guys,” said Shane Steichen, our coach. “And it’s guys that you believe in.”

Ballard stated: “I believe that the loss of a player creates a hole. There’s a big hole when you lose someone like Grover Stewart, Kenny Moore, or Pittman. Yes, you signed a different player for a different position, but you still have a hole in your roster. Every one of our players seemed like a real player to us. Every one of them was desired.

“Anytime you can keep continuity in your own players, that’s a good thing.”