Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard promised a different game plan and overall tone this time around and he has held up his end of the bargain. He was far more aggressive and has really attacked the needs of this football team. While he did not have that opening few minutes of free agency move that we all wanted, he did not disappoint. Did Ballard overpay for some of these secondary guys? Potentially, but with the uncertain future of the entire regime looming, it was necessary.
New Signings
Safety Camryn Bynum
Bynum was the first player on the board for the Indianapolis Colts. The need for safety was obvious and Bynum fits Lou Anarumo’s scheme perfectly. He is a ball-hawking safety that this team desperately needed. The tackling machine allows some versatility at the position and can allow them to play a 3-safety set as Bynum did in Minnesota.
Defensive Back Charvarius Ward
The former 49ers defensive back finally gives the Colts an undisputed “shutdown corner.” While I don’t believe in that term, he is going to be the corner that will shadow the opposing team’s top wideout. Don’t get me wrong, Jaylon Jones played terrific last season, but there were games he was overwhelmed. Ward will finally give this team an outside corner that offensive coaches will have to account for and alter game plans for.
Running Back Khalil Herbert
I don’t like this signing; I love this signing! While the defensive signings were key, this was arguably the biggest need on the board. Outside of Jonathan Taylor, the entire running back room was a complete disappointment. Sermon and Goodson were not reliable or consistent enough to warrant a full-time roster spot for 2025. Herbert struggled to find the field last season (after the trade) but has shown himself capable of being a strong RB2 option for a team in need of depth. Which is exactly what this team needs. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield will help as well.
Quarterback Daniel Jones
The division amongst the fanbase was expected here but it was inevitable. Ballard promised us competition and that’s exactly what Jones will bring. Many believed they needed an even bigger name, but this was the best realistic option that was out there. Does he strike fear in other team’s game plans? No, he does not but we know Steichen can be creative and Jones allows them to create similar game plans no matter who is under center.
Defensive Tackle Neville Gallimore
Ballard grabs a rotational piece with a chance at some upside. Gallimore has never been the main starter or anyone who just jumps off the box score. He is the presumptive replacement for Raekwon Davis and a much cheaper one. The contract Gallimore signed is believed to be just over $1 million and matches with the production he has given. Gallimore had 2.5 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, and a safety in last season’s playoffs. The Colts are hoping to get that version of him this season and if they can, this is a terrific pickup for the price.
Defensive Back Corey Ballentine
The revamping of the secondary continues with the signing of former Green Bay Packer Corey Ballentine. This is a depth piece for the secondary and will be a notable addition to special teams. His size indicates that he will most likely be a slot corner or nickel package player on defense. In my opinion, Ballentine is an upgrade over Chris Lammons and will be a welcome addition to this football team that needs more consistency from the secondary.
Re-Signings
-WR Ashton Dulin
-Center Wesley French
-CB David Long Jr
-G/C Danny Pinter
Outside of David Long Jr, none of these re-signings are surprising. For French and Pinter, the need for depth is there after letting both Will Fries and Ryan Kelly sign with Minnesota. Unfortunately, both players priced themselves out of this football team. Dulin has too much value on special teams as the gunner to let him leave. As for David Long Jr, look for him to compete in training camp and try to make the roster.
Players Moving On
-Center Ryan Kelly
-Guard Will Fries
-DE Dayo Odeyingbo
-TE Kylen Granson
-LB Grant Stuard
As mentioned above, I believe Kelly and Fries were primed for a big-number contract that the Colts were not prepared to match. The same can be said for Odeyingbo as he got a sizeable contract from the Chicago Bears. That number did not match the production, plain and simple, thus it was a bet on potential which certainly flashed over the past two seasons. I thought Stuard would be back, but he will be a perfect fit in Detroit for what they want to do and how they want to play. Finally, with Granson, it’s no surprise that Indianapolis did not re-sign him. The entire tight end room needs some new injection of talent and this allows for that. Look for Chris Ballard to target all these positions in the draft.
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