Colts GM Chris Ballard makes big statement about future of Daniel Jones

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones lately made it identified he’d “like to be again” for one more marketing campaign with the membership after he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon on Dec. 7.

Colts proprietor Carlie Irsay-Gordon additionally appeared open to extending the group’s working relationship with Jones. Whereas talking with reporters on Thursday, Colts basic supervisor Chris Ballard addressed Jones’ unsure future. 

Do Colts view Daniel Jones as long-term reply at quarterback?

“I’m taking a look at him close to and long-term,” Ballard mentioned about Jones, per Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star. “I believe Daniel Jones has a very brilliant future right here in Indianapolis.” 

Jones gained eight of his first 10 begins with Indianapolis earlier than he suffered some type of fibula harm through the membership’s Week 12 recreation in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. He then tore his Achilles in Week 14, whereas the Colts misplaced seven straight video games after their Week 11 bye. 

Professional Soccer Reference stats present that Jones ended the season ranked eighth within the NFL amongst certified gamers with a 63.7 adjusted QBR and ninth with a 100.2 passer score. Over 13 video games, he threw 19 landing passes and eight interceptions. 5 of these picks occurred from Week 9 by means of Week 14. 

Jones is presently on monitor to achieve free company in March, however the Colts may retain his rights through the franchise tag or the transition tag. 

Chris Ballard additionally has an unsure future

Erickson famous that Ballard is about to enter the ultimate 12 months of his contract. 

“Whether or not I had six years left on the deal or one 12 months left on the deal, I’m going to deal with it the identical means,” Ballard mentioned about feeling “urgency” to win as quickly as subsequent season. Ballard additionally acknowledged that Colts possession has to in the end “do one of the best factor for the franchise.” 

In accordance with Erickson, Irsay-Gordon lately requested Ballard if the manager nonetheless has his “juju to do that.” Ballard advised reporters on Thursday he felt that was “a good query.” 

“…It guts me when issues don’t go proper,” Ballard continued. “I advised her unequivocally, I haven’t misplaced my shimmer, juju, my confidence.” 

Irsay-Gordon determined to run it again with Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen, however each males appear to understand what’s going to occur if the Colts aren’t a part of the playoffs at the moment subsequent 12 months.