OK! That’s enough! Word’s gotten back up to Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard and he’s had enough. We’ve contributed to this for sure, but now that we have some clarity from the man running the show, at least something good came of it.
When Matthew Stafford was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, Colts fans were rightfully upset that the team lost out on the seemingly perfect fit, but you had to have known Ballard was not paying that price for the soon-to-be 33-year-old.
Ever since, we’ve heard Andrew Luck coming-out-of-retirement rumors (not happening!) and Carson Wentz trade rumors, among other things. We’re still dreaming of Dak Prescott or the perfect draft day fit, but you know how the media cycle goes. Once something catches wind, that’s the end of it.
But it appears as if the Wentz and Luck chatter had Ballard feel the need to respond.
Ballard said the Colts aren't going to operate out of desperation. They'll be aggressive when they need to be.
— Jim Ayello (@jimayello) February 5, 2021
Did … did Ballard just indicate that a trade for Wentz is an act of desperation?! It seems like it. And we’d agree. Four years and $128 million for someone who’s regressed exponentially is not a championship move. As for other trade options out there? Not entirely great. Matt Ryan? Derek Carr? Sam Darnold? Kirk Cousins? Jimmy Garoppolo? The only one that sounds perfect is Deshaun Watson, and you probably have to know that it’s not happening.
There’s no clear answer, and Ballard has said before (and now again!) that no hasty decisions will be made. He understands how careful he needs to operate now that there’s a near complete roster assembled with the exception of a few holes (QB and LT chief among them).
And as for Andrew Luck? Please, please don’t talk about it anymore.
Ballard on Andrew Luck’s “meeting” with Jim Irsay yesterday:
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) February 5, 2021
“There was no meeting…Andrew is retired.”
As much as we’d love Luck to come back and get to the Super Bowl with this new and improved Colts team, it’s just not happening. He’s made his decision. He’s happy with it. And life goes on. The mystique here is dead. Time for a new solution.
Fans understand how difficult it’s been watching four starting signal callers over the last four years for their team, but Ballard has done his job constructing a formidable roster while dealing with the quarterback conundrum. There’s no perfect, clear cut answer, but you can bet the front office will figure out a plan. Just don’t expect it to be one of the outrageous rumors that you’re hearing.
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