The first wave of NFL free agency has swept through and as has been his custom, Chris Ballard has been inactive. He has re-signed cornerback Xavier Rhodes to a one year deal. Rhodes was acquired last season after playing for the Vikings for seven seasons. His last two seasons with Minnesota were hampered by injuries. He was signed as a free agent with the Horseshoe and stayed healthy in 2020. This is a good deal for the Colts. However, this really is about the only free agent movement that Ballard has made. As I write this the news, the Colts are signing former Los Angeles Charger tackle Sam Tevi. Tevi is, at best, a journeyman and can’t be counted on to replace Anthony Castonzo at left tackle but hopefully will provide some much-needed depth to the offensive line.
Ballard sees free agency as a way to patch short term holes on the team roster. “You patch holes with free agents. You build a team through the draft,” Ballard has always said.
Of course Ballard made the deal for Carson Wentz, but that wasn’t a free agency move. Ballard has been tight-fisted with the team’s cap money and as a result the Colts are second among teams with total cap money available. The Colts need an edge rusher, a wide receiver, a cornerback, and a left offensive tackle. There were some highly regarded prospects available when free agency opened but Ballard chose to ignore them. This is nothing new but it drives the media crazy. The Colts were named one of the “losers” in free agency this year. Colt fans also are frustrated as big money free agents go to another team. However, Ballard is not going to budge from a formula that has worked for him. Wait until after the draft when the second wave of free agents becomes available. Then you will see the Colt’s GM make some bargain deals that will support the team.
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