Colts GM Chris Ballard defends himself against criticism for cutting several 2024 draft picks

The Indianapolis Colts will enter the 2024 season as one of the most exciting teams in the NFL. They have a young and talented group and are looking for their first division title since 2014.

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It’s been a tough few years for the Colts, and this season could be a do-or-die season for their seven-year general manager, Chris Ballard. Ballard has posted a 54-60-1 record in his tenure, with just one win coming in the playoffs.

The Colts, once a powerhouse in the AFC, are looking to reach those heights again; however, Ballard might not be around if things take a turn for the worse in 2024.

Ballard was asked Wednesday if he was in an awkward spot heading into next season, and he was blunt in his response.

“It’s no different than any other year,” Ballard told reporters, according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder.

“The last three years not making the playoffs is a disappointment. I’m not going to sit here and say it wasn’t. But I still have a very strong belief in what we’re doing, how we’re doing it and how we’re going to get there… You either believe in something or you don’t believe in anything. It’s easy to waver and do what the world wants you to do. You either believe in something or you don’t. This is what we believe.

“If they fire me, so be it.”

This comes after the Colts recently released three of their 2024 draft picks (their fifth-, sixth- and seventh-round picks), just four months after selecting them.

Often times, these draft picks don’t turn into anything special. However, the fact that these players were let go months after being selected says more about the job Ballard and management are doing in terms of scouting.

While this isn’t a good look for Ballard, he did draft quarterback Anthony Richardson in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Richardson only played four games in his rookie season, but still showed his ability before suffering a season-ending right shoulder injury. He is expected to do big things this upcoming season.

Holder mentioned that Richardson’s success could be related to Ballard’s future with the team in the future.

“Much of Indianapolis’ success this season will depend on the development of second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, who the Colts hope will take off after his return from an injury that limited him to four games as a rookie. Similarly, Ballard’s tenure could ultimately be tied to Richardson’s long-term success or failure.”

Ballard and the Colts will be looking for a healthy and productive season after posting a 9-8 record in 2023. Otherwise, it could be Ballard’s last in Indianapolis.

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