With Ballard out, the Colts will need to align their new decision-makers and decisions could trigger a burn-it-down reset. Although Indianapolis does not hold its own first-round pick this year (it was traded to the Jets in the Sauce Gardner deal), there is still room for strategic moves through trades.
Possible trade candidates include:
– Anthony Richardson: The No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft hasn’t panned out as hoped. With Richardson entering the final year of his rookie contract, moving him for a draft asset or additional capital could make sense if the club isn’t planning to keep him long term. Ballard had shown some support for Richardson during the preseason, but a post-Ballard front office might see more value in trading him.
– DeForest Buckner: The veteran defensive lineman is on the last year of his contract. While a midseason turnaround could keep him in Indy, a downturn could make Buckner an attractive target for contenders seeking interior disruption and leadership.
– Charvarius Ward: The cornerback’s contract runs through 2027, and while he’s a veteran with an injury history, teams looking to bolster secondary depth could be interested if Ward remains healthy. Trading Ward could also give Indianapolis a chance to lean into younger cornerbacks for the future.
The Colts’ direction will hinge on the new leadership’s assessment of the roster and strategic priorities. A deliberate approach to rebuild and retool could unlock opportunities to acquire future assets, even if a full rebuild isn’t immediately on the table. As the organization evaluates its path, moves could come in the form of targeted trades rather than sweeping changes across the board.
