The Indianapolis Colts face a big offseason, one that might be the biggest of Chris Ballard’s tenure thus far as general manager.
As the offseason gets underway officially following the Super Bowl this week, the Colts have several objectives they need to accomplish. But with those objectives comes major question marks for the front office and coaching staff.
Here are the four biggest questions the Colts face this offseason:
Will they find a new QB?
Arguably the biggest question for the Colts this offseason comes at the most important position on the field. There are many who believe the Colts will use their draft capital to bring in a new quarterback such as Jordan Love or Justin Herbert. There is also the chance they stick with Jacoby Brissett despite his uninspiring season as a starter in 2019, hoping he might find more production with better weapons around him. Regardless, the biggest question surrounding the Colts camp this offseason will be with the quarterback position.
Are there extensions on the way?
Chris Ballard has made it clear that the front office has no qualms with handing out extensions to the players they feel deserve it. There are a few players that could be worthy of an extension this offseason. The names that come to mind begin with center Ryan Kelly and running back Marlon Mack, both of which are in the final year of their rookie contracts. There is also a decision that must be made with Malik Hooker, who has a fifth-year option coming up. It is likely that someone will get an extension this offseason, but it remains to be seen who that might be.
Will Ballard spend in free agency?
Chris Ballard isn’t a man contingent on changing his philosophies but some tweaking might be in store when it comes to free agency. Despite having immense salary cap space, Ballard hasn’t splurged at all in free agency. With a crop of talented players set to hit the market this offseason, Ballard might have to slightly move away from his frugal spending to bring in a top-tier free agent. Logic says he probably won’t waver in his stance against spending big in free agency, but there are a few players that warrant consideration for big contracts. We know Ballard likes to build through the draft while adding complementary pieces, but it begs the question if that should change slightly this offseason.
Will Anthony Castonzo be the left tackle in 2020?
The Colts still haven’t heard back from Castonzo this offseason on his decision of retirement. The veteran left tackle is a massive piece to the offense and should he decide to hang them up, the Colts would be in big trouble. While the needs are clear for the Colts in that they have to address the quarterback and wide receiver positions, left tackle would become a major need if Castonzo does retire. This is especially true seeing as they don’t have a player that can fill in.
