Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard did not want to settle with what they had after a disappointing 2021 season.
He might have even blamed himself for the team’s collapse that barred them from playoff contention.
That’s why he got busy this offseason with 11 transactions as of writing.
He re-signed reliable players like Matt Pryor, Tyquan Lewis, and Mo Alie-Cox.
Then, he also brought in free agents Rodney McLeod, Brandon Facyson, and Armani Watts.
But Ballard’s masterpiece wouldn’t be complete without the deals for Matt Ryan and Stephon Gilmore.
Those two transactions alone provide a massive boost for the Colts’ playoff chances in a stacked AFC.
The Athletic’s Stephen Holder pointed out the favorable moves that landed the former league MVP and the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year.
Some of us writers have been getting heat for going soft on Chris Ballard. Well, this man…
1) dumped Wentz for 2 thirds (correcting his own mistake)
2) Got Matt Ryan for ONE third rd pick
3) flipped Rock Ya-Sin for a proven edge
4) replaced Ya-Sin with a former DPOY
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) April 15, 2022
Adding Value Without Giving Away Too Much
Holder tweeted that Ballard got some value in return when he traded Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders for two third-rounders.
It may not be first-round picks, but those are still valuable positions to land a potential starter.
Those selections also give Indianapolis more flexibility in its draft strategy.
Likewise, they lost only a third-round pick for Ryan, a steadier option at quarterback than Wentz.
Wentz’s Week 18 performance against the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars was the final wedge that convinced even head coach Frank Reich that he’s not their guy.
Meanwhile, Ballard also traded cornerback Rock Ya-Sin for Yannick Ngakoue, who had ten sacks for the Las Vegas Raiders last season.
Finally, Ballard completed the Colts’ transformation by signing Gilmore on a two-year, $23 million deal.
Gilmore’s addition fortifies their defense, for they now have an All-Pro in three levels.
Ballard deserves distinction for Executive of the Year if these transactions click and the Colts have a deep playoff run.
NEXT: Colts DB Comments On The Stephon Gilmore Signing