Indianapolis Colts fans are up in arms after the team came up short in the Matthew Stafford sweepstakes. After all, there was mutual interest between both parties, and he — given his intangibles and affordable contract — just seemed like the perfect match for Indy.
Trade talks were reportedly “hot and heavy” over the weekend, and the deal ultimately came to fruition in blockbuster fashion, as Stafford was dealt to the Rams in exchange for Jared Goff, two first-round picks (!) and a third-rounder.
The collective reaction from fans was mostly disappointment and shock, as the Colts were widely considered the front runners to end up with Stafford. Hating seeing fans like this, cornerback Kenny Moore took it upon himself to reassure everybody with an awesome tweet amid the team’s continued search for a quarterback.
everybody panicking except us. just chilllll.
— Kenny Moore II (@KennyKennyMoe3) February 2, 2021
Colts CB Kenny Moore isn’t worried about the team’s quarterback search.
If Moore and the rest of the guys in the Colts’ locker room are keeping a cool head in light of all this uncertainty and criticism from pundits for not pursuing Stafford aggressively enough, then fans should no doubt follow their lead.
This isn’t an ideal situation for anybody, including general manager Chris Ballard, who was obviously aware that something like this could happen after he signed veteran Philip Rivers to a one-year contract last offseason. At the end of the day, we simply have to trust that he’ll do what’s best for the franchise.
Notes on the Stafford deal, via @AlbertBreer:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 1, 2021
*Panthers offered No. 8 pick + a late round choice.
*Washington offered No. 19 & a 3rd rounder.
*Colts never offered No. 21 but discussed other packages.
*49ers never made an official offer
*Jets checked in but talks didn’t go far.
Since taking over the GM reins in 2017, Ballard has proven to be one of the best executives in the league. He absorbed a veteran-littered roster with minimal cap space, and, in a span of just four years, has managed to find so many impact players that the stars often get lost in the shuffle.
Seeing as though the Colts are a franchise quarterback away from being able to compete for a championship, the process of finding one was always going to be slow-moving. Given all that he’s done to replenish this roster since he entered the fold, fans should express patience with Ballard instead of demanding that he finds his guy as soon as possible.
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