Colts giving GM Chris Ballard another year keeps the team on a never ending cycle that shows a fatal flaw to the rest of the NFL
The Colts’ unwillingness to fire GM Chris Ballard continues to hold the franchise back from achieving the level of success it desires.
The Indianapolis Colts wasted no time on Sunday announcing that head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard would return for the 2026 season. This comes just after the team suffered one of the worst late-season collapses in NFL history.
After starting 8-2, the team lost seven straight to finish with a lackluster 8-9 record. Most teams would feel the need to make a fundamental change to their leadership group after a collapse of this magnitude, but it seems the Colts are not one of them. This has become a trend over the years. One that is holding them back and has become a fatal flaw, one evident to the rest of the NFL.
Colts continue to not show the willingness to make the tough choices needed to succeed in the NFL
This has been a common trend under Ballard’s leadership as GM. His attachment to players goes beyond what the business side of running a football team requires. This offseason, there will be some significant financial decisions to make, but with Ballard at the helm, it’s hard to imagine they will actually make any of them.
One example is WR Michael Pittman Jr., who is set to make $29 million this season; however, his recent play does not meet that value. If he returns in 2026, it cannot be at that number. So, asking Pittman to rework his real or releasing him has to be the team’s next steps, but will Ballard be willing to make that tough choice when it comes to a player well respected by the franchise?
Another is the harsh reality relates to Daniel Jones. He was having a career year and was on track for a big payday. It would have been a significant number, but he earned it. Seeing him tear his Achilles tendon should change that, though.
It doesn’t seem fair to say that, but it’s the reality of the business. Do the Colts have it in them to alter that price tag without risking the future of this team? I’m now skeptical that Carlie Irsay-Gordon and her sisters have decided to give Ballard an unprecedented 10th year as a struggling general manager.
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