The Indianapolis Colts and general manager Chris Ballard have been notably hesitant when it comes to free agency. As soon as the legal tampering period begins, they typically take a passive approach, preferring to build the roster through the draft. While drafting is a strong long-term strategy—offering cheaper contracts and the potential to uncover hidden gems—it also comes with uncertainty, as there’s no professional-level data on incoming players. Though the Colts will engage in both free agency and the draft to some extent, one must take priority this offseason.
Ballard’s time is running out, and the same could be said for Anthony Richardson and Shane Steichen. The Colts need to improve—and fast. A draft-focused strategy is too forward-looking and hasn’t yielded enough success under the current regime. While valuable starters should still be targeted in the first two rounds, those picks alone are unlikely to make a major impact in 2025. The Colts must be careful not to mortgage their future, but relying solely on the draft won’t bring the immediate results they need.
To see quicker improvements, free agency must play a larger role. While it carries risks—such as overspending or making costly long-term mistakes—it is also the fastest and most effective way to compete immediately. Strategic additions in free agency can be the difference between a mediocre season and a division title. If the Colts want to remain competitive and keep key personnel in place, they must make significant upgrades now. Bringing in a productive veteran and a few other key players could secure Ballard’s job beyond 2025.
Developing talent through the draft is crucial for long-term success, but if the Colts want to win next season, they can’t afford to wait. Simply hoping that young players will develop over time won’t be enough. Addressing critical weaknesses through free agency is the best way to produce immediate results. If they fail to do so, 2025 could be a very long season.