Chris Ballard sends clear message on Colts future before 2026
Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard made it clear he's focused on winning, not a contract extension, as he enters the final year of his deal. His comments put even more pressure on the Colts to contend for the AFC South in 2026.
Video Transcript
Colts GM Chris Ballard just said what all fans wanna hear about the Indianapolis Colts in 2026.
When posed with a question about his future, about a contract extension as he heads into the final year of his deal, Ballard said, quote, "No, I wouldn't do one.
I'm in the last year of my deal, and we need to win."
And frankly, that's gonna hit home for a lot of Colts fans because the Colts haven't won anything of relevance in over 10 years.
That's right, 2014 was the last time the Indianapolis Colts won the AFC South.
And for a GM, that's usually a death nail.
But in Chris Ballard's defense, everyone's gonna talk about the Andrew Luck situation, the sudden retirement, how that's pushed the franchise back, how the franchise is still looking for his replacement to this day.
And you can look at the really record that Chris Ballard has had in the NFL Draft.
A lot of great names have come through those doors with him at the helm.
But the bottom line is, this team has to win in 2026.
When you look at the start that they had last year, when you look at the fact that Shane Steichen returns, that Daniel Jones is ahead of schedule, that you just paid Alec Pierce all of this money, this team is raring to go.
They are ready to compete for an AFC South Championship, which, let's be honest, shouldn't be that hard to get.
The Texans, good team.
Titans, in the middle of a rebuild.
Jaguars were a playoff team.
But the Colts, at one time, were the hottest team in the NFL in 2025.
So it's about building upon that.
It's about making sure that you get Alec Pierce 100% because we know Michael Pittman Jr. Is gone.
Pierce is your new wide receiver number one.
You've transitioned a little bit on defense.
Guys like Zaire Franklin are gone.
Kenny Moore is gone.
It's about putting all the pieces in place and making a run at the AFC South.
So you guys let me know in the comments below, what do you think of this comment from Colts GM Chris Ballard, and do you like it?
