In August 2021, Chris Ballard signed a five-year contract extension with the Indianapolis Colts. This would come after his initial hire in 2017, when there was so much hope for the future. Even in 2021, there was great optimism. The Colts were coming off a playoff appearance in 2020 and brought in an exciting and young quarterback, Carson Wentz. Unfortunately, it was the 2021 season that sparked the current drought in the organization. When will the Colts get back to the playoffs? When will the Colts finally find a reliable quarterback? In four years, these questions have yet to be answered. However, for the first time in four years, the optimism surrounding the Colts is loud, and that is due to the work that Chris Ballard has been doing this offseason.

Chris Ballard is entering his ninth season with the Colts and is getting close to the end of his contract. With the work that he has done so far in 2025, he is certainly due for an extension.

Why Chris Ballard Deserves a Contract Extension

The Acquisitions In Free Agency

The biggest reason why Chris Ballard is due for a contract extension is because of the job he has done in free agency. In 2024, the defense was a huge weak spot, and the Colts needed to rebuild this unit. Ballard also knew that and acquired two solid defensive backs in Charvarius Ward and Cam Bynum. Both guys have starting experience and will look to be the anchor that this Colts secondary needs.

Last season, the Colts struggled to find continuity at quarterback. They utilized both Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco. Unfortunately, both guys struggled, and the team, subsequently, struggled. With much anticipation for the Colts to acquire a quarterback, Chris Ballard signed Daniel Jones from the Minnesota Vikings. Time will tell who will be the starting quarterback in 2025. For now, the Colts will utilize a quarterback competition to ensure that the best playmaker leads the team. Both Richardson and Jones have great potential and have demonstrated tremendous talent in the league. The issue will be whether or not they can replicate the good parts of their game and minimize the bad parts. Regardless, Ballard did a fantastic job in acquiring Daniel Jones as a veteran mentor to Richardson, and a potential long-term quarterback if Richardson does not work out.

The Selections In the Draft

Another reason why Chris Ballard is due for a contract extension is because of the job he did in the draft. For the last nine years, Ballard has done a tremendous job, finding reliable guys via the draft. He drafted Quenton Nelson, Zaire Franklin, Jonathan Taylor, and Shaquille Leonard. This is just to name a very small list of many playmakers who have contributed big to the organization.

In this year’s draft, Chris Ballard selected, arguably, the best tight end in the draft in Tyler Warren. Their biggest need in 2025 was a reliable tight end, and Ballard met that need. Time will tell whether Warren’s talent in college will translate to the NFL. If he can, then he will be the next top tight end for the Colts.

On top of getting the best tight end, the Colts also acquired many depth pieces who can grow and develop. Ballard acquired a running back who can compete for the backup role, as well as a very solid edge rusher to complement Laiatu Latu. Needless to say, this organization does not have any excuses in 2025. All of the pieces are here and just need to be put together for a successful season.

Main Image: Kelly Wilkinson – USA Today Sports

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