It only took NINE YEARS, but it appears that Colts GM Chris Ballard has finally learned from his past mistakes. Ballard made a big splash this offseason by signing former Vikings safety Camryn Bynum and former 49ers CB Charvarius Ward. Both players got $60 million contracts respectively and this is by far the most money Ballard has ever doled out to outside free agents.
Photo: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports
Who’s In
The additions of Bynum and Ward fulfill the needs that this team has in the secondary. Most importantly, it fits the scheme that the Colts want to run under new defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo. His philosophy benefits the secondary and the more meaningful options in the secondary, the better for this team. It’s assumed for the large contract (4 years, 60 million) that he will be immediately slotted into the starting lineup alongside Nick Cross. Bynum brings some much-needed traits for the defense. The main highlights are his durability and his tackling ability, which we all know lacked last season.
With Charvarius Ward, the Colts get an absolute stud in a position of need. Ward was undrafted out of college and worked his way to a 2nd team All-Pro in 2023 as a member of the San Francisco 49ers. It was not unexpected to see Ward move on from San Francisco as they needed to clear some room for the impending Brock Purdy contract. We know the capabilities of Ward on the field but maybe the best trait he will bring is his winning attitude. He was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs team that won Super Bowl LIV. He was also a member of the 49ers team that lost to Kansas City in Super Bowl LVIII. He has the postseason experience (17 games) this team will need in this upcoming make-or-break season.
Braden Smith and Ashton Dulin will both return next season as well. Smith will return from a leave of absence on a new team-friendly restructured contract. Special Teams ace Ashton Dulin returns on a 2-year, up to $8.5M deal to continue his key role on that side of the football.
Who’s Out
We saw DT Raekwon Davis get released last week as the only notable player to receive that designation. The franchise has also moved on from Center Ryan Kelly as he signed a new 2-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings. The price was just too expensive for someone of his age and the Colts drafted his successor in Tanor Bortolini last season. And finally, former second-round pick Dayo Odeyingbo signed a massive contract with Chicago. The production did not match that number unfortunately for Indianapolis.
It does appear that the Colts will move on from Julian Blackmon with today’s signing of Camryn Bynum. Other notable players still in flux include EJ Speed and Danny Pinter.
Is It Too Late For Ballard?
I have used the phrase “Bargain Bin Ballard” for many years, in fact, for too many years. He told us he would be different this season and must give him credit; he crushed it day one. To fill the two biggest positions of need with notable name players and then backload the contracts to allow even more flexibility is something we have never seen from Ballard before. Plenty of time to make more moves but this is a terrific start to the offseason. If they can address the hole at right guard, sign Daniel Jones, bring in some fresh competition, and keep the offensive line depth then the momentum is high heading into the draft. The pressure will move to the coaching staff to get this team their first AFC South title since 2014 and their first in Ballard’s tenure.
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