After years of being stuck in a loop of underwhelming seasons followed by inadequate roster changes in the offseason, general manager Chris Ballard deviated from his typical roster building philosophy. Instead of relying on drafting and developing players, he went all in on free agency.
So far, his gamble has paid off. Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano named both the additions of quarterback Daniel Jones and cornerback Charvarius Ward as “stud” signings.
The Colts handed Jones a one-year deal worth $14 million with the opportunity to earn the starting job and prove himself to be a viable starter in the NFL. After winning the starting position over Anthony Richardson Sr., Jones has flourished.
Five games into the season, Jones is third in the NFL in passing yards (1,290), first in QBR (79.7) and has led the Colts offense to a 4-1 start. Over that span, Indy is fourth in yards per game (381.2) and has scored 32.6 points per game, second-most in the league.
Manzano had dubbed Jones a “darkhorse MVP candidate” for his hot start, attributing the offensive success to his efficiency as a passer.
Ward, after signing a three-year, $54 million contract, has made an instant impact on the Colts new-look defense under Lou Anarumo.
“Ward has quickly rewarded his new team, taking command of the No. 1 cornerback role,” Manzano wrote. “He’s in the midst of a bounce-back season after his down 2024 season because opposing quarterbacks are avoiding his side of the field.”
Ward is still without an interception this season, something Manzano says is a good thing. The 29-year-old has been targeted 23 times, the most on the team, but is allowing a 60.7 completion percentage, the best among Colts cornerbacks.
To make things even sweeter for the Colts, Manzano has tabbed two of their big-name departures, Will Fries and Ryan Kelly, as dud signings by the Minnesota Vikings.
The offensive line in Minnesota leads the league in sacks allowed with 23. Kelly has faced injury issues as well, recently being placed on injured reserve with a concussion.
So, despite a massive roll of the dice, Ballard seems to have hit the jackpot.