The Indianapolis Colts their biggest offseason in recent memory after failing to make the playoffs during the 2019 season. It’s a long process and one that will be littered with difficult decisions for general manager Chris Ballard.
Now three years in as the leader of the front office, Ballard faces some big decisions over the next few months. Most of it revolves around the quarterback situation, but there are some other decisions that will be tough for Ballard.
Here are the five toughest decisions Ballard has to make this offseason:
The QB situation
The Colts currently have three quarterbacks under contract for the 2020 season. That would be starter Jacoby Brissett, veteran backup Brian Hoyer and the project in Chad Kelly. With that room, quarterback has become the biggest need for the Colts this offseason.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean Ballard will pull the trigger on a quarterback this offseason. It is highly unlikely he goes with a veteran in free agency. The more likely route is grabbing a prospect in the 2020 NFL draft.
While drafting a quarterback like Jordan Love or Justin Herbert would give the Colts a much more positive outlook for the future, there is just as much of a chance Ballard sticks with Brissett and adds weapons around him.
That is undeniably the biggest decision Ballard has to make.
What to do with Jabaal Sheard
As veteran leaders go, there aren’t many that are better than Sheard. He was Ballard’s first outside free-agent signing in 2017 and while his production has been unspectacular, his presence in the locker room and consistent play has benefitted the Colts greatly.
But now, Sheard is a free agent. He turns 31 years old in May and could have played his last snap with the Colts. From a pass rush perspective, Sheard doesn’t offer much. He sets a strong edge against the run, but he’s limited as a pass rusher. If he’s not winning with power, he’s not winning.
However, Ballard stated earlier in the offseason that the need for a veteran presence among the young defensive line is a necessity. They let Al Woods go, and Ballard said he has come to regret it. What they do with Sheard will be interesting.
The No. 13 pick
Tying into the quarterback decision that Ballard has to make, the first-round pick for the Colts will be a very impactful choice on the immediate future. There are several ways they can go about making this decision.
The two most obvious (and most likely) come at the quarterback position and the defensive line. If Ballard likes one of the quarterbacks in the draft, he could use the No. 13 pick there. But, there is also a chance he uses that draft capital on a pass rusher like Javon Kinlaw or Derrick Brown, especially seeing how much help they need on the interior.
It is unlikely Ballard goes with a wide receiver—that doesn’t seem to be his M.O., and it isn’t clear if they want to add a defensive back at that point either. Regardless, this will be a very difficult decision leading up to the moment he makes the pick.
A change in philosophy?
Since taking over as general manager, Ballard has made it clear they aren’t going to be a team that overspends and splurges in free agency. They build through the draft and add complementary pieces from the free-agent market.
But maybe that philosophy should be tweaked a little bit. Finding production at a value is great, but there are times when some top-shelf talent is needed. While it is unlikely that Ballard shifts from his process, the Colts need to find ways to add some premier talent to the roster.
There are a few players that might be worthy of a big contract like Chris Jones or Yannick Ngakoue, but it might not happen if Ballard continues his process of staying quiet in free agency.
How much to pay Marlon Mack?
It was reported Monday that the Colts are in talks with getting an extension done with their starting running back, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. But how much they give him will be a tough decision for Ballard.
While the endless debate of the importance of running backs rages on, the Colts are likely to give Mack a second contract. Typically, that doesn’t end well given the short shelf life of the position. But Mack has been great and a productive back in Fran Reich’s system.
But even so, the Colts are going to have to give him a nice pay raise on the extension. It won’t be necessary to break the bank, but it will be interesting to see if Mack gets an above-market deal, which goes against Ballard’s philosophy.
