Let’s forget about the fact that Chris Ballard has been the general manager of the Indianapolis Colts since 2017 and has one playoff victory to his name. Let’s forget about the fact that the Colts have zero division championships over that span too. Let’s also cast aside the reality that it took him five years to find a potential replacement for Andrew Luck. Now, I said to forget about all of that, but can we really? It is part of Ballard’s resume. As we head into year eight, is his seat hot at all? Should it be?
Ballard is one of the most polarizing members of the Colts organization. The coach, quarterback, and GM normally are the ones that stir up the most disagreements amongst fans. Frank Reich was fired, and we have had a new quarterback every year. The one constant has been Ballard.
Some fans love him. They see him as a great drafter. His ability to wheel and deal and find those diamonds in the rough is seen as second to none. He can hang his hat on Michael Pittman Jr., Quenton Nelson, Shaquille Leonard, Jonathan Taylor, Grover Stewart, and many other stalwarts of the organization. Because of these great finds, he is often given a pass.
The other side of the fan base is quick to point out the fact that it hasn’t actually led to anything. Additionally, there is more to his role as the GM than the draft. Yes, that is where true team building is done, and it is crucial to long term success. In other areas, such as free agency, he comes up short. Never one to open his wallet, Ballard passes each offseason caring little about how many free agents go to other teams. The flexibility that rolling cap space over year-to-year provides is much more appealing.
