Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard sat at the podium on Thursday for one hour and five minutes taking questions from the media at his year-end press conference.
As one might expect, Ballard was hit with several questions about quarterback Carson Wentz and whether the team felt he’s the best option moving forward. We detailed just what that might entail this offseason.
Of course, Ballard didn’t give any direct answers to those questions. However, his lack of confidence in the 29-year-old was a pretty clear indication that the odds of moving on from Wentz are growing.
Ballard started out the press conference saying “at the time of the trade,” the Colts thought it was a good move. He then declined to comment on the status of a player’s future.
Chris Ballard on Carson Wentz: ‘At the time, we felt it was the right decision…I’m not going to make a comment on who is going to be here next year and who is not.’
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) January 13, 2022
That was to be expected. Despite this being one of Ballard’s most passionate press conferences, it was clear he wasn’t going to rush into a decision before the emotion of the season-finale loss to the Jaguars is washed away.
Then Ballard made the comment that the Colts don’t have a bare cupboard when it comes to the roster. But having stability at the quarterback position is vital—something they didn’t have at the end of the season.
Ballard: “We’ve got a lot of good players and a lot of good pieces. You’ve got to have stability at the QB position, and he has to play up to his potential.” Says he’s not blaming everything on Wentz, but he has to acknowledge the importance of the position.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) January 13, 2022
Potentially the most damning quote that Ballard had on the day, though, was in reference to finding a long-term solution to the quarterback position—whether that’s Wentz or someone else.
Chris Ballard: "I’d like to quit band-aiding it. I’d like for Carson to be the long-term answer or for somebody to be here for the next 10 years. Sometimes it doesn't work out that way"
— Kevin Hickey (@KevinHickey11) January 13, 2022
There is no denying that Ballard has his work cut out for him during the offseason. They need a new left tackle, upgrades at tight end and more consistent players with the pass rush.
But after this press conference, it’s getting harder to imagine that Wentz will be the quarterback beyond the 2022 season.
If he even makes it that far.
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