Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard is typically the one who handles the contract extensions on the roster but he has one of his own coming this offseason.
Ballard’s current contract runs through May 2022, but owner and CEO Jim Irsay said he wants to get a deal done before training camp begins this offseason, reported by Zak Keefer of The Athletic.
Given the roster he has built while navigating the treacherous terrain of losing a franchise quarterback just 18 months ago, Ballard has the Colts back in the playoffs, and Irsay wants to get a deal done without any complications.
Irsay’s belief also stems from the faith he has in third-year coach Frank Reich and the job fourth-year general manager Chris Ballard has done in the 18 months since Andrew Luck retired. It is not lost on Irsay that the Colts are four games above .500 since Luck retired, and just a year later, are already back in the playoffs.
It’s why Irsay intends on extending Ballard’s contract at some point before training camp begins next July, he said Monday night. Ballard is currently signed through May 2022; Irsay expects the deal to get done without any snags several months before the contract is set to expire.
This really shouldn’t be a surprise but more of a confirmation that Ballard will be around barring any changes. He has built a balanced roster and one that might be just a few players away from being a serious contender in the AFC.
Along with Ballard, head coach Frank Reich won’t be going anywhere either. Irsay mentioned Reich’s name along with the general manager as a duo to not take for granted.
“Chris will be here, and Frank will be here,” Irsay said via The Athletic. “You don’t take those two for granted. … I firmly believe in Chris and Frank, and I believe they haven’t hit their prime yet. You have to learn on the job. Another few years, and they’ll both be in their primes.”
The Colts are looking to make a run at the playoffs but it seems the duo at the top will be here for a while.
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