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How will Chris Ballard’s no-extension mentality impact Colts 2024 free agents?

Chris Ballard made it clear the Indianapolis Colts aren’t interested in extending players after last season. How will that affect Indy’s pending free agents?

By Kurt Breidenstein

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Indianapolis Colts v Philadelphia Eagles / Michael Owens/GettyImages
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Tier three pending Colts free agents

OG Danny Pinter

An unfortunate end to Pinter’s season has already arrived. Pinter broke his ankle in the preseason and was placed on the season ending IR. Pinter and Will Fries were competing for the starting right guard position. While Fries had the upper hand, Pinter was expected to be a key depth piece on the line. Pinter could also fill in at center when needed.

The former Ball State standout will now have to enter free agency coming off a major injury, which will hamper his ability to receive a long-term contract. Ballard will typically offer you a prove-it contract coming off of a major injury and don’t see that being any different with Pinter.

Prediction: Contract Extension- 1yr/$2 million

QB Gardner Minshew

Minshew will be a true wild card for his plans next season. He showed he can play at QB1 levels during the preseason. With Richardson being named the starter this season, Minshew will need to make a career decision for himself. Does he want to be the Chase Daniel type who makes great money being a capable fill in backup and mentor role to the younger quarterbacks or does he want to really keep trying to be a starting quarterback in this league? Either way will be effective for him but it’s what he truly wants for his career, and he will be a great mentor to Richardson this season due to his knowledge of Steichen’s system.

Prediction: Will test free agency

RB Deon Jackson (RFA)

Like Zack Moss, Jackson will be part of the committee until (or if) Taylor returns to the lineup. Jackson is the presumptive Week 1 starter. Jackson is more of a change-of-pace back in the backfield. He is more of a third down pass-catching running back, but these are needed more and more in today’s modern league. Jackson will have an opportunity to really step up this year ahead of his restricted free agency next season. A deep draft and free agency class next season will most likely keep Jackson in Indy if they will welcome him back.

Prediction: Contract Extension-1yr/$3 million (or whatever the RFA rate is for RBs next season)

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