Chris Ballard faces a crucial decision for the Indianapolis Colts' quarterback situation. With the Atlanta Falcons set to release Kirk Cousins on March 11, Ballard might be tempted to consider the veteran QB. However, sticking with Daniel Jones should be the priority.
Cousins, now 37, has had a commendable career but hasn't impressed in recent seasons with Atlanta. While he might still have some gas left in the tank, bringing him to Indianapolis could be risky for Colts fans.
Ballard has a track record of signing veteran quarterbacks like Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan, with mixed results. Only Rivers led the team to the playoffs. Adding Cousins could be seen as a bridge to 2027, but it's a gamble.
The challenge is that Jones may not be ready for the start of the 2026 season due to an Achilles injury sustained in Week 14. His injury history is concerning, and the upcoming quarterback draft class isn't promising either.
Ballard might consider Cousins' experience, hoping he could guide the team to the playoffs while waiting for a long-term solution in the 2027 draft. Although the Colts lack a first-round pick next year, trades could change that.
There's also the possibility of signing both Jones and Cousins, allowing Cousins to start while Jones recovers. However, this could hinder the development of Riley Leonard, who showed promise against a strong Houston Texans defense.
Ultimately, Ballard's future with the Colts hinges on making the playoffs in 2026. If he believes Cousins is the key to achieving that goal, he might take the plunge. But sticking with Jones could be the wiser choice for the team's long-term success.