This week on the Locked On Colts podcast, hosts Jake Arthur and Zach Hicks are joined by comedian and Indianapolis Colts super fan Drew Lynch to break down what needs to change about the team this offseason.
This week on the Locked On Colts podcast, on the Locked On Podcast network, hosts Jake Arthur and Zach Hicks are joined by comedian and Indianapolis Colts super fan Drew Lynch.
The group shares its views on owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon's decision to retain general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen.
While Steichen has had issues from a managerial standpoint, he has proven to be an above-average offensive playcaller. Ballard, meanwhile, has had nine years to make something significant happen and has not. No AFC South division titles, two playoff appearances, and just one postseason win have earned him a 10th season.
Steichen has had mixed results in his three seasons, but how much of the Colts' lack of success can be tied to coaching issues, and how much can be tied to Ballard's shortcomings in the personnel department? Irsay-Gordon's explanation to fans and the media indicates that this evaluation was done much more on the results of 2025, specifically, rather than either of Steichen and Ballard's entire body of work, leaning into the 8-2 start of 2025 rather than the 0-7 finish.
Chris Ballard, Indianapolis Colts general manager, talks Friday, July 25, 2025, with Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield. Mandatory Credit: Mykal McEldowney/IndyStarWhat can Ballard do this offseason differently to sell hope that things are moving in the right direction? One significant step Ballard can take is to re-evaluate the steep contracts of players such as Michael Pittman Jr., Zaire Franklin, Kenny Moore II, and Grover Stewart to create more salary cap space, which can be used on difference-making players in free agency.
Along with the cutting of players being on the table, trades are also a feasible option. The Colts currently lack a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft due to their trade for Sauce Gardner, but they are still projected to have seven picks after the assignment of compensatory picks. Adding some mid-round picks into the group could give the Colts enough ammo to have an impactful draft class (and to move up) despite the lack of the top selection.
Lynch is currently on a nationwide tour for much of the rest of 2026. For tour dates and locations near you, you can check out his official website.
You can find the audio version of this episode on the official Locked On Colts site, or following on YouTube:
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Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.