The Indianapolis Colts made a bold move earlier offseason by trading cornerback Stephon Gilmore to the Dallas Cowboys. Such a move sent one of the best players on the roster out of town and into the NFC.

Gilmore is a veteran presence with an All-Pro resume to boot. A move like that typically points to a rebuild. Especially with the Colts entering the first season of the Shane Steichen era.

However, general manager Chris Ballard revealed the thought process of the trade. In his eyes, it was too good of an opportunity for both parties to pass up on. Ballard believes that the two sides came out as winners.

Ballard addressed the deal during his pre-draft press conference. He explained that Gilmore is nearing the end of his career, and Indianapolis had the opportunity to acquire a draft pick in the trade.

"I think it was good for both of us," Ballard said of the trade. "He's just at a point in his career that, he's at the end of his career. I thought he was a decent fit for the defense. But a chance to get a pick for him in the last year of his deal. Shed a little bit of the contract money off."

Furthermore, Ballard made sure to point out that Gilmore is in a good situation in his own right now, too. Gilmore joins a Dallas Cowboys defense that is filled with playmakers, highlighted by Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs.

The veteran corner should fit in well with his new team while filling an important need on the roster. Therefore, it's easy to see where Ballard is coming from. The two sides sit in a good position coming out of the deal.

"I thought was good for both of us, be able to send him to Dallas, which is a good spot and a good fit defensively for him," said Ballard. "That kind of went into it."

Now, the Indianapolis Colts will enter the 2023 NFL Draft potentially looking for their Stephon Gilmore replacement. Fortunately, this year's draft class happens to be loaded with talent in the secondary.