Indianapolis Colts: Ranking best moves by GM Chris Ballard in 2024

27/06/2024

The offseason isn't quite over yet, but the Indianapolis Colts are focused on preparing for the start of training camp at the end of July.

While there still may be a few moves coming down the pike, it's likely that general manager Chris Ballard is done making major transactions. Maybe there's a surprise signing in the form of Justin Simmons, Quandre Diggs or Stephon Gilmore, but it doesn't seem likely at this point.

With training camp roughly a month away, it's time to take a quick look back at the best moves Ballard made during the 2024 offseason.

Indianapolis Colts' best offseason moves in 2024

6. Hiring Charlie Partridge

One of the underrated moves made by the Colts this offseason was bringing in Partridge as the defensive line coach. The Colts opted not to renew the contract of former defensive line coach Nate Ollie despite a franchise-record 51 sacks in 2023.

MORE: Colts GM explains what excites him about Charlie Partridge

Partridge brings vast experience from the collegiate level and will be able to help continue the development of younger pass-rushers like Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo as well as rookie Laiatu Latu.

5. Signing Joe Flacco

The Colts were able to get by with Gardner Minshew as the replacement for Anthony Richardson following the rookie's shoulder injury, but his conservative play style still wasn't enough to help get Indy into the playoffs.

Signing Flacco to a one-year deal was a strong move. Not only is Flacco a better fit for Shane Steichen's offense as a quarterback who wants to look downfield, but the veteran's presence and knowledge will rub off on Richardson simply from being in the same room together.

4. Bolstering Offensive Line Depth

One of the key objectives for the Colts this offseason was bolstering an offensive line that bounced back in a major way in 2023. The starting five is already set, and it was that way when the offseason started. But using some solid draft capital at the position will go a long way.

Taking Matt Goncalves in the third round gives the Colts a versatile option to work both at guard and tackle if needed. Meanwhile, the Colts may have found their center of the future in Tanor Bortolini. Either way, the injuries that hit the offensive line in 2023 made an impact, and the Colts should be better suited in case that happens again.

3. Drafting Laiatu Latu and Adonai Mitchell

It's not often a team gets high praise for their first two picks in the draft, but the Colts certainly did. While it was a mild surprise that they took Latu at No. 15 overall, looking at the move in hindsight makes a ton of sense. The pass rush needed a bendy, speed rusher, and his profile differs completely from what Ballard targeted in the past.

MORE: 5 things to know about Colts DE Laiatu Latu

Mitchell fell to the Colts in the second round, and it could wind up being the steal of the entire draft. Though he needs to compete for the starting role with Alec Pierce, Mitchell brings the type of upside that could give the Colts a pair of dynamic playmakers at the top of the wide receiver depth chart.

2. Locking up DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart

Though they were in different scenarios with Stewart slated for free agency this offseason and Buckner set for next year, the Colts decided to lock up the interior defensive line in one fell swoop. Doing so bolstered an already promising unit for at least the next two seasons.

The impact that comes from this duo should not be understated. Even when one of them is absent, the lack of presence is felt. Making sure they are both leading the defensive line for the immediate future was a major win.

1. Michael Pittman Jr. Contract Extension

The most important objective for the Colts this offseason was also their best move. It was never a doubt that Pittman was going to return, and both sides came together on a solid deal. It's vital for the development of a rookie quarterback to surround him with as much talent as possible.

Pittman has been one of the most productive wide receivers in Colts history through his first four seasons. His 336 receptions are the most for a Colts player in his first four seasons, and his 3,662 yards rank third behind T.Y Hilton and Marvin Harrison. It was a big deal that this contract got done.

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