The Indianapolis Colts were highly praised in 2017 for hiring Chris Ballard as their general manager. Now, seven years later, it seems the Colts may be approaching a front-office shakeup.
Ballard, who previously served as the director of football operations for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2015 to 2016, took charge of the Colts’ franchise after the team drafted quarterback Andrew Luck. However, Luck’s retirement just before the 2019 season left the Colts without a franchise cornerstone just a few years later.
Under general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Frank Reich, the Indianapolis Colts achieved an 11-win season and made the playoffs in 2020. However, that would be the team’s last playoff appearance with Ballard at the helm, as the roster has declined over the years, putting them on the brink of their second losing record in three seasons.
The Colts have also struggled in the NFL Draft under Ballard. Despite having significant cap space each offseason, the general manager has typically used it to either retain drafted players or roll it over into the following year. Now, it seems that change may be coming.
According to Mike Jones of The Athletic, many in the NFL expect three to five teams to fire their general managers this offseason. Among those polled within the league, Colts GM Chris Ballard and Jacksonville Jaguars GM Trent Baalke are considered the most likely to be let go.
Ballard has faced significant criticism in recent years from both local media and fans for his inability to transform the Colts into a consistent contender. Although team owner Jim Irsay has shown considerable patience, with Ballard being one of the NFL’s longest-tenured general managers, a change may finally be on the horizon.
If Ballard is dismissed, the Colts’ job is likely to be one of the most sought-after openings this offseason. Indianapolis is expected to have ** $ 50 million in cap space** and already has a promising franchise-caliber quarterback in Anthony Richardson, along with young offensive talent and a head coach who is well-regarded in the league.
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