Colts general manager Chris Ballard made it clear he isn’t interested in using a contract year as leverage, even with his deal set to expire after the season.
Ballard said he would not have taken a new extension before the year if one had been put on the table, stressing that the organization has to come first.
“I’m in the last year of my deal,” Ballard said, via Pro Football Talk. “We need to win.
I think I will always - and y’all all know me well enough - I’m always going to do the best thing for the organization. Ultimately, that’s my job.
Anytime you do selfish, alternative, ulterior motive in play - that’s not good for the game, it’s not good for the organization. We will always do what’s best for this club.
I have too much respect for the Colts, I have too much respect for what Mr. Irsay stood for as an owner, too much respect for the girls - for Carlie [Irsay-Gordon], Casey [Foyt], and Kalen [Jackson] - as they start their venture as owners into this thing.
No, we’ll always do the right thing.”
There’s also movement on the player side in Indianapolis. Running back Jonathan Taylor said talks have taken place about a possible new contract and sounded optimistic about where things stand.
“I have faith things are moving in the right direction.”
Cornerback Charvarius Ward also opened up about how close he came to stepping away from football altogether. Ward said he was nearly done before finding a new source of motivation through his children.
“It felt like I belong out here. I was probably like 85% sure I was gonna retire.
But I found a different ‘why,’ a different purpose. Doing it for Jr., doing it for Amani, my daughter (who passed away).
They bring me joy.”
In Jacksonville, linebacker Jack Kiser is expected to be back at some point during camp after dealing with a right knee injury.
Houston has a few contract and injury situations worth watching as camp gets going. Wide receiver Jaylin Noel is not expected to stay on the active/non-football injury list for long after injuring his finger, while Tank Dell avoided the PUP list to open training camp but will be brought along slowly as he works back into football shape.
The biggest long-term question in Houston remains C.J. Stroud. Texans general manager Nick Caserio said he has spoken with Stroud’s agent and called a possible extension a “possibility,” though sources say nothing is imminent or definite.
Caserio said the Texans will handle the situation by focusing on what works best for the team.
“You take all the information and make the best decision possible. It’s not necessarily about what other teams are doing.
We do what is best for our team. We try to figure out what we can agree upon.
We try not to overcomplicate or overthink it and make an assessment. We try to make the right decision.”
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said he doesn’t spend much time on contract talk with players, including Stroud, and believes the field will ultimately decide those matters.
“When it comes to contracts, and I really don’t get into a lot of deep discussions with guys when it comes to the contract situation. But I truly believe you get the contract by what you do on the field.
It doesn’t matter about what you say, what I say. It’s about how you perform on the field, and if you’re worthy of getting a contract and you deserve it, it’ll happen for you.”
Ryans also praised veteran running back David Montgomery, saying he “fits the brand of ball that I want to play” and pointing to the need for a stronger ground game.
“It’s no secret that we need to improve our running game. It has not been good enough since I’ve been here.”
Stroud, for his part, said he is leaving the contract business to agent David Mulugheta and staying locked in on football.
“I’m just focused on football.”
He also addressed the quarterback-coach change from Jerrod Johnson to Jerry Schuplinski, calling the transition difficult while crediting both coaches for what they bring.
“It was tough. Jerrod is a very talented coach, been in my life since I was 16.
I see him being a top offensive coordinator or God willing a head coach one day. Jerry has come in more of a system guy, has helped me in that area.
He’s been great. Communicates very well.”
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A few of the calls are straightforward on paper and still feel anything but settled in practice. There are real battles at linebacker, where the spot next to Foye Oluokun remains open, and at cornerback, where recent playing time and strong offseason work have pushed some names into the conversation. Even tight end has a squeeze coming, with special teams value and blocking ability shaping the debate, while the line groups leave just enough room for one more player to force his way into the picture. [Read more 🡒]
Liam Coen Just Sparked A New Jaguars Debate About Receiver Help
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It is the kind of visit that can open a broader conversation about whether Jacksonville still needs more help at receiver, especially as Coen settles in and evaluates the roster around Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars also added Zach Banner and Kyle Williams to the staff through the NFLs Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship program through the end of training camp, but the bigger question hanging over the offense is whether this latest look at Jones leads anywhere beyond a simple meeting. [Read more 🡒]
Jaguars Fans Were Stunned To See Travis Hunter At Emergency Scene
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For Jaguars fans, the sight was especially notable because Hunter is still in the middle of his recovery from a right knee injury suffered in October. The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft signed a four-year deal with Jacksonville and is expected to be a full participant by training camp, so any public appearance involving him tends to carry extra weight these days. [Read more 🡒]