Tag: Chris Ballard

Colts GM all in on bringing back QB Daniel Jones

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard believes the Colts have what they need at quarterback, beginning with Daniel Jones.

The quarterback room went through multiple transitions as former starter Anthony Richardson yielded the spot in preseason to free-agent signee Jones, who like Richardson later sustained a season-ending injury. Indianapolis resorted to bringing Philip Rivers, 44, out of retirement before the team played its way out of playoff contention and started rookie Riley Leonard in the season finale.

Jones, 28, is recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon in December, and he becomes an unrestricted free agent in March.

“I’m looking at (Jones) both near and long (term),” Ballard said Thursday at his season-ending news conference.

“When you’re chasing the quarterback all the time, it makes it very hard,” Ballard said. “Your margin for error really shrinks down. And I feel very good about Daniel Jones and where he’s at, where he’s going. Yes, he’s got the Achilles. But I think Daniel Jones has got a really bright future here in Indianapolis.”

Ballard acknowledged the injury will impact contract negotiations but doesn’t see it as a deal breaker.

“I’m not a doctor, and I’m not God in terms of knowing what the future’s gonna hold in his healing,” Ballard said. “… The history of guys coming back has been pretty good and they’ve been older than Daniel.

“Daniel is 28 years old, and he’s a pretty freaky talent in terms of athletic ability. So no, I do feel confident that he’ll make it back. Will he be the version you saw right away? Maybe not, but he’s still going to be really good.”

Jones was really good in his first season with the Colts after inconsistent play and multiple injuries (neck, ACL) with the New York Giants (2019-24).

Jones passed for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions, leading Indianapolis to an 8-2 start. He played through a fractured left fibula and went 8-5 as the starter before his season ended with the Achilles injury on Dec. 7 in a loss in Jacksonville.

The Colts finished the season with a seven-game losing skid.

“It wasn’t all negative. The 8-2 (record) is real. That was not a mirage. It wasn’t,” Ballard said. “We were humming, and we were playing good football.”

The Giants selected Jones with the sixth overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Duke.

For his career, Jones has completed 64.7% of his passes for 17,683 yards, 89 touchdowns and 55 interceptions in 83 regular-season games (82 starts) for the Giants and Colts. He has a 32-49-1 record as a starter. Jones also has rushed 444 times for 2,343 yards and 20 TDs.

“I think (a return is) mutual on both sides,” Ballard said. “I think Daniel was a really good fit for this organization, and I think this organization and city were a really good fit for Daniel.”

Richardson had been labeled the franchise quarterback when Indianapolis drafted him fourth overall in 2023 out of Florida.

Richardson is 8-7 as a starter in parts of three seasons, completing 50.6% of his passes for 2,400 yards, 11 TDs and 13 picks in 17 games (15 starts). He also has rushed for 634 yards and 10 TDs on 115 carries.

After losing the starting job to Jones, Richardson went on injured reserve following an accident during pregame warmups in Week 6 that left him with an orbital bone injury.

“I was really happy with Anthony,” Ballard said. “I think you knew that even after we named Daniel Jones the starter. Unfortunately for Anthony, he’s had some really bad luck. … Anthony was making really good strides.”

The Colts picked Leonard in the sixth round of the 2025 draft out of Notre Dame.

Leonard, 23, appeared in five games — starting the regular-season finale, a 38-30 loss at Houston — and completed 39 of 67 passes for 415 yards, two TDs and three picks.

–Field Level Media

Colts to retain coach Shane Steichen, GM Chris Ballard

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard will return for the 2026 season, the team announced after Sunday’s season-closing 38-30 loss to the host Houston Texans.

Colts owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon will hold a news conference on Monday.

Steichen, 40, has posted a record of 25-26 in three seasons. The Colts started the 2025 season with a mark of 8-2, but lost their final seven games. After leading the team to an 8-4 record, resurgent quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a torn right Achilles in Week 14 vs. Jacksonville and the Colts struggled to score as teams focused on slowing running back Jonathan Taylor.

Indianapolis brought 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement in the wake of Jones’ injury and the team went 0-3 in Rivers’ starts. Rookie Riley Leonard was the starting quarterback in the finale.

“We showed signs early in the season that were pretty darn good, and we had some unfortunate circumstances, but that’s part of the league,” Steichen said Sunday prior to the news that he was being retained. “You have to overcome those circumstances. That’s where you have to learn from and grow from (so) when you get in those situations, again, you learn from them, and you’re like, ‘Hey, here’s how we have to win now with the circumstances that we have.’”

Prior to his tenure with the Colts, Steichen was the offensive coordinator for both the Philadelphia Eagles (2021-22) and Los Angeles Chargers (2020).

Ballard will enter his 10th season with the franchise. He was hired in 2017 after serving as the Kansas City Chiefs’ director of football operations from 2015-16.

The Colts have not won a division title in Ballard’s tenure, posting a record of 70-78-1. They have made two playoff appearances (2018, 2020), winning once and dropping a pair.

–Field Level Media

Aug 23, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) leaves the field after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USAToday Network via Imagn Images

Colts GM on QB Anthony Richardson: ‘We’re not trading him’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard made it clear Wednesday that he is not entertaining trade offers for quarterback Anthony Richardson.

The Colts announced last week that they are turning to free agent acquisition Daniel Jones over fellow former first-round pick Richardson as the team’s starting quarterback.

Many speculated that signals the end in Indianapolis for Richardson, who has struggled with injuries and accuracy since being selected by the Colts with the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

“It’s easy to say he’s done and I don’t agree,” Ballard said Wednesday. “I do not agree with that. I think overcoming challenges or obstacles along the way are good for anybody. I’m proud of Anthony of where he’s at, how far he’s come. He’s come miles.”

When asked if any team has reached out to potentially trade for Richardson, Ballard was succinct.

“No, but we’re not trading him,” he said.

Ballard admitted that he has been in communication with Richardson’s representatives but stressed that the team is not done with him.

“Not a lot of talks with AR but have had a lot of talks with his agent,” Ballard said. “Coaching staff, they talk to Anthony a bunch. One thing that’s getting overshadowed a little bit is Daniel. Both of them competed. … And at the end of the day, Daniel won the job. Does that mean we are done with Anthony? No. But I don’t want to dismiss the run he’s had here.”

For his career, Richardson has completed just 50.6 percent of his passes for 2,391 yards and 11 touchdowns against 13 interceptions in 15 games. He has also rushed for 635 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Richardson, 23, has been limited to 15 starts over his first two NFL seasons due to a myriad of injuries, including to his shoulder, oblique, foot, back and finger, as well as a concussion.

The Colts open the season Sept. 7 at home against the Miami Dolphins.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen fist bumps Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Colts sticking with coach Shane Steichen, GM Chris Ballard

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Indianapolis Colts don’t plan to move on from Shane Steichen at coach and Chris Ballard at general manager, team owner Jim Irsay said in a statement on Sunday.

Irsay laid out Indianapolis’ future plans following a 26-23 overtime victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts finished the season at 8-9 and missed out on the playoffs for the fourth year in a row.

“As we close out this season, I can’t tell you how disappointed I am that we failed to win the AFC South and earn a playoff appearance,” Irsay said in his statement. “There’s a high standard in this city for our team and anyone who steps on the field wearing the Horseshoe. The expectation is to win our division and compete for championships.

“Just being on the doorstep of the playoffs is not the standard I expect, nor what you deserve. We understand that and always accept the challenge. Believe me, I know you share my impatience and frustration. I know you invest your time, energy and money into the Colts every year. …

“I’ve been evaluating our entire operation, and I believe in Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen and our collective ability to make the improvements needed to take us to the next level in 2025.”

Irsay acknowledged that fans who wanted a leadership change “will be disappointed” but said the team would “get back to work and keep doing what we can to earn your support and make you proud to be a Colts fan.”

Steichen, 39, just concluded his second season as the Colts’ coach and has guided Indianapolis to a 17-17 record.

Ballard, 55, has been general manager ever since the 2017 campaign.

–Field Level Media

Oct 30, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay speaks at a Ring of Honor induction ceremony for Tarik Glenn on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, during a game against the Washington Commanders at Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Max Gersh/IndyStar-USA TODAY Sports

Colts owner Jim Irsay tips off team’s plans at QB

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Indianapolis Colts are apparently planning on drafting a quarterback.

So says Colts owner Jim Irsay, who during the course of introducing new head coach Shane Steichen on Tuesday, appeared to spill the beans that they’ll find their next QB in the draft.

Stand down Jimmy Garoppolo and Derek Carr et al.

Irsay was answering a question, in length, about how he knew Steichen was the right choice to lead the Colts.

“Offense, in my mind, is a little more complex and takes a little longer to develop, but knowing we’re going to have to find a young quarterback to develop, that’s a key factor,” Irsay said, in part.

The Colts pick fourth in the upcoming draft. The Chicago Bears, holding the No. 1 pick, are not likely to draft a QB. Neither are the Arizona Cardinals, who draft third and have a franchise QB in Kyler Murray.

The Houston Texans will certainly be drafting a QB at No. 2, and all signs point to Alabama QB Bryce Young.

“The Alabama guy doesn’t look bad,” Irsay would say a little later in the press conference.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard said last month he would “do whatever it takes” to trade up and get the QB they want. Ohio State’s CJ Stroud is the top QB on some big board rankings, with Kentucky signal caller Will Levis expected to be the third QB taken.

The Colts are still struggling to land on their heir apparent to Andrew Luck, who abruptly retired after the 2018 season. They have trotted out Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan, unsuccessfully, ever since.

–Field Level Media

Sep 19, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich talks with quarterback Carson Wentz (2) during a timeout in the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

GM: ‘What’s best for Colts’ to drive Carson Wentz decision

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Colts general manager Chris Ballard wouldn’t commit to the future of the quarterback position — and incumbent Carson Wentz — when asked Tuesday at the scouting combine in Indianapolis.

“I don’t have the direct answer for you,” Ballard said. “We’re working through it. … Ultimately we’ll do what’s best for the Colts.”

ESPN reported on Feb. 13 that the Colts plan to trade or release Wentz by March 18. If he is still on the roster on that date, he is due his full $22 million base salary and a $6.29 million roster bonus.

If the Colts release Wentz before that date, they would owe him $15 million, according to the report.

Ballard said nothing Tuesday to dispel the report, and said a decision on Wentz will be made with owner Jim Irsay and head coach Frank Reich.

“Frank, Mr. Irsay and I will sit down over the next few weeks. We are going to do what’s best for the team both in the short and long term,” Ballard said.

Wentz, 29, went 9-8 in his first season as the starter in Indianapolis. He completed 62.4 percent of his passes for 3,563 yards with 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions but finished poorly.

He averaged just 166.5 passing yards in losses to the Las Vegas Raiders and lowly Jacksonville Jaguars in Weeks 17 and 18, knocking the Colts out of AFC playoff contention.

The Colts traded a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and a 2021 third-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles to acquire Wentz last March.

–Field Level Media

Feb 25, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard speaks to the media during the 2020 NFL Combine in the Indianapolis Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Colts GM does not commit to Carson Wentz for 2022

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard on Thursday said he does not regret acquiring Carson Wentz, however he appeared to stop considerably short of committing to the quarterback for the 2022 season.

“When we made the decision to make a move on Carson, at the time of the decision, we felt good about it,” Ballard said at the season-ending press conference. “And I still don’t regret the decision at the time. … I won’t make a comment on who’s going to be here next year and who’s not going to be here next year.”

Wentz, 29, reunited with Frank Reich when he joined the Colts at the start of the league year in March. Indianapolis, in turn, parted ways with a first- and third-round pick in the deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Wentz became the latest starter in a rapidly spinning quarterback carousel that has included Andrew Luck (retired), Jacoby Brissett (Miami Dolphins) and Philip Rivers (retired). Rivers played one season with the Colts, leading the team to the playoffs in 2020 before ending his career.

Ballard referenced the team’s ever-changing quarterback situation on Thursday.

“I’d like to quit band-aiding it,” Ballard said. “I’d like for Carson to be the long-term answer or for somebody to be here for the next 10 years. Sometimes it doesn’t work out that way.”

Reich didn’t give Wentz much of a vote of confidence on Monday when asked if the latter would be the starting quarterback next season.

“Next year’s roster will be next year’s roster. I don’t want to open it up about one player and then start talking about all of them,” Reich said. “… We’ll take it piece by piece. We’ll evaluate (Wentz’s) play. We’ll evaluate how we’re coaching him, how I’m coaching him, with each position in the pass game. Take it apart piece by piece, and then put it back together. … We’ve got to be better in the passing game. It was definitely below our standards, and there’s multiple reasons for that. We have to take ownership of that as coaches and players.”

Wentz threw for 3,563 yards with 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 17 games this season. The Colts, however, lost their final two games of the season, including a disastrous 26-11 setback to the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Colts owner Jim Irsay released a statement Wednesday in which he apologized to the fans for the team’s finish to the season.

“We ended our season in perhaps the worst way possible and missed our chance to compete for history,” Irsay said in the statement.

–Field Level Media