ColtStrong2013

February 28

Just now, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

perhaps what it will take for him to stay is way up there…

February 28

30 minutes ago, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

You’re projecting and don’t know that. How about we wait and see what happens. Why would he want out? You don’t want to get Richardson back and just add another rookie WR to the mix. Keeping Pittman and adding a rookie WR does make sense. I really don’t understand all this if he wants out stuff. It’s very weird to me.

Why would he want to leave a team that he has played with a new qb each year to go play with 3 time superbowl champion Pat Mahomes? Hahaha

maybe it’s just you Chloe…

February 28

3 minutes ago, richard pallo said:

I don’t think it would go official until FA starts but it could be agreed to. Both players are around the same age. It looks like a win win if Ballard can get a quality WR in FA. As far as I know Evans, Ridley, Brown and Davis will be out there. You never know. I imagine a lot of conversations are being held this week.

Can you imagine the scenarios that are flying right now. Everyone is trying to find an advantage. Everyone looking for win-win moves.

I can only imagine how much Ryan Poles phone will be blowing up over the next two months.

February 28

Just now, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

Who is going to catch balls? Did you see how bad we were when he missed the Atlanta game. No you don’t sacrifice offense for a corner like that.

You do if your receiver wants out and plans on holding out when tagged... There are viable options in free agency to upgrade, as well as the draft. The receiving room needs help regardless. There are many here that think Pittman is not worthy of commanding wr1 money, which is now even higher. I'm on the fence.

February 28

25 minutes ago, richard pallo said:

I wonder if Ballard would be interested in tagging Pittman and trading him to the Chiefs for a tagged LaJarius Sneed. He would still have other FA options at wide receiver. Just thinking out loud.

When I saw the news on KC potentially looking at that with Snead, I thought of this.

I'd say Pittman would be all over it, and it could be a win-win for all parties. (Maybe not for Snead, lol..) Especially if agreed to early enough and each franchise has the ability to hit free agency with a new plan. It cannot go official until the first day free agency, is that correct? That would require a serious look at free agent receivers. And I just don't know that it would even be considered, quite frankly. But you never know. Snead would be nice. But keeping Pittman would be too.

February 28

47 minutes ago, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

There really is not any risk because it only gives you one more year. We know Paye is going to be a great run defender and give us 8-10 sacks. Paye is a good player. It’s not like he is a really bad player.

29 minutes ago, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

If Paye was projected to be an elite pass rusher he would have gone top five. He was pick 21 for a reason. But I agree Dayo is the better pass rusher and has been durable since coming back from that Achilles and playing in the league.

if you believe Dayo is the better pass rusher, then there is risk in picking the option up. The risk is that you may not able to afford Dayo if he plays at the level we want one of them to play at this season. That’s a problem.

February 28

19 minutes ago, Hoose said:

Back to Kwity: I’d pick up the 5th year option. I know it’s a gamble but IMO he’s improving and that’s the key. Three more sacks than last year and he’s at 11.5 if I recall. That equates to big money in the NFL and would make his $13m salary in 2025 a bargain.

It was 8.5 and as many on this forum would agree, sacks aren’t exactly a true reflection of efficient pass rush… We need more consistency and the boss says so.

February 28

So anyways. Back to pick #15…

February 28

4 minutes ago, ColtStrong2013 said:

Also regarding the 5th year… Ballard has picked up what? Once? Nelson? Is that it? He’s thought so little of the option that he’s traded just outside of the 1st round multiple times. Some GM’s value it so much that they trade back into the 1st round to have the option

1 minute ago, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

Ballard has barely had any first round picks. I believe Nelson, Paye, hooker I believe have been it. Of course hookers was denied. So he hasn’t had many to have to make that decision on. I am ok giving it to pay to give him one more year of evaluation. I am also ok if they don’t do it.

he picked up Kelly’s as well. And he did at the end of April.

he then signed him to an extension just after the 5th year season started. So he picked it up with the full intention of signing an extension.

we’ll know come end of April where things are headed with Kwity Paye, I believe. Like @Superman, I don’t see a need of picking him up as there is competition that might dictate whether an extension is even considered. If Dayo has the ability, in Ballard’s eyes, to be the superior option, why would he commit $13 million to Paye?

February 28

14 minutes ago, w87r said:

Saying someone will be paid 2.5 times less doesn't put them on an equal level or suggest he is elite. It shows how little the $13m is, in the DE/Edge spectrum.

how little it is on the elite spectrum… Ebukam makes little on the DE/edge spectrum too huh?

15 minutes ago, w87r said:

5th year option has no future cap allocations after it. Back loaded extension, would have bigger cap hits after year 1 that might not need to be committed. Weren't you talking about patience? Why would you want to commit more money to the future than needed, if you can have another relatively cheap evaluation year to make the call.

Now like I said, they might half way through the 5th year evaluation period to decide to give him an extension, maybe not, but they will have more time to make that informative decision.

That's exercising patience.

no it’s not. It’s exercising the need to give him another year past what you already have. They might half way through the last year of his rookie contract decide he is or isn’t worth having for another year. In which case they will have options. Perhaps he’s worth a bit more than the 5th year option, but it allowed for more evaluation and time to decide.

Also regarding the 5th year… Ballard has picked up what? Once? Nelson? Is that it? He’s thought so little of the option that he’s traded just outside of the 1st round multiple times. Some GM’s value it so much that they trade back into the 1st round to have the option.

Perhaps he does it. And hopefully we will get the reasoning behind it. But I’m not sure he’s going to.

February 28

24 minutes ago, w87r said:

5th year option 2.5 times lower than the elite players at the position, is not dishing out a big contract without exercising patience.

Why is Kwity Paye and elite edge rushers even in the same sentence? He’s not. I doubt very seriously he changes that overnight and becomes that in a contract year. So again- what is the difference between the first year cap hit on what he’s to likely sign an extension for and the 5th year option? Is he even better than Ebukam? I’m not sure he is…

February 28

2 hours ago, csmopar said:

Nah. He’s done

I was 100% joking.

although I’m sure he’d be a great resource for #5. In the X’s and O’s and lessons learned (especially in how to better protect yourself.)

February 28

11 hours ago, richard pallo said:

I don’t know why but I’m getting the feeling the Colts will not bring Grover back. He will turn 31 when the season starts. I’m thinking his 6 game suspension didn’t sit well with the Colts and I also think he’s looking for one last big contract. There are a few good tackles in FA that are younger and I think would be cheaper and would also benefit from playing alongside Buckner. I think this decision would remind me of the Eubkam move. I also think the Colts are going to draft one in the first three rounds. I’m probably wrong but if we don’t resign him I won’t be surprised.

I thought when he was suspended that he was done here. However, there was a noticeable difference when he wasn't out there. One prior move that comes to mind is Denico Autry, which people on here absolutely have crucified Ballard on since letting him walk. Would he be willing to do it again? I don't know. He talks Grover up a lot. And he loves his trenches, as we well know.

Grover's going to get paid... I do know that. Time will show who pays up.

February 28

29 minutes ago, w87r said:

I do know that the cap is projected to be about $273m in 2025(could be higher)

Is the "could be higher" dependent on if Taylor Swift dumps Travis Kelce or not? 🙃

30 minutes ago, w87r said:

Guess my point is, I see more positive than negative on picking up the option.

I will be surprised if the Colts don't exercise the option, but as I said before, there is no need to rush the decision. We have the 2 months to see what moves are made at DE. If we draft one high, definitely lowers the chance of exercising option. If we sign a FA, lowers it even more.

Seems like a small gamble, that could potentially have a huge payoff. Where as on the flip side, what if he does have a 12 sack or more season with increased pressures(whatever your definition of improvement is) to go with his good edge run defense next season? He probably would be asking for $20m in 2025, if we don't exercise the 5th year option. Would rather him feel wanted with the option than to worry about maybe giving him a few million more than he may be worth on the 5th year if he regresses.

I originally thought this way. But along those same lines, would a multi-year backloaded deal be much different in year 1 towards the cap than exercising the option? And if it's relatively close, wouldn't the small amount justify more evaluation before rushing that contract? I know that it has been reported that Ballard's buddy Dorsey's career ender in KC was largely from dishing out big contracts without exercising much patience or influence from his team (including CB). I think he'll be patient.

February 28

3 minutes ago, NewColtsFan said:

I believe Dayo is 285. I believe Buckner is 295. Am I off on those numbers?

I was just going off measurables. It’s pretty close, and I would venture to say that at any time throughout the year, they are probably give or take 10 lbs. Buckner has nearly two inches on him, and inch on those yard stick hands he possesses, but Dayo has longer arms, which is really hard for me to fathom.

February 28

42 minutes ago, Superman said:

If you see him as a guy who's on his way to a $20m/year contract, then it would make sense to get him at $13m for 2025. I don't think I see that in him right now.

Not optioning him should give the extra motivation in what will be big big contract year for him to put on a show. He can write his own ticket.

February 28

He'd be a great back up.

February 28

39 minutes ago, Superman said:

I'm sick of hearing about PFF grades, personally. I get why people like them, and I don't think they're worthless, but they get used as authoritative, definitive metrics, and that annoys me. /rant

That said, sure, Paye is better against the run and should get more recognition for that. But do you pay a DE on a second contract to defend the run? Or do you want a game changing pass rush threat?

Coltstrong also brings up a good point: Dayo plays inside at 3T at times, and that's a different story in the run game.

Exactly. What is the 3T doing in the run? Taking on double teams? Yeah, it's important to have a guy take them on efficiently, but it's also going to probably throw ratings like that off...

February 28

23 minutes ago, Superman said:

I think Dayo could play 3T full time, but he has to bulk up. He has the frame for it. And his physical profile is similar to Buckner's.

But Buckner is special. From the time he was in the draft, his combination of size, length, power, and quickness, plus his technique (which has only improved), make him a standout. People talked about him and Armstead together, especially when they both wound up with the Niners, but Buckner was always better. I loved him coming out, and he's been just as good as I thought he'd be. Other DTs get the headlines, and they deserve them, but Buckner is way up there. I don't think Dayo will ever be good enough to be considered a Buckner replacement. IMO, if we want to start talking about Buckner's successor, we need to shoot higher than Dayo.

I feel the same.

Regarding Buckner... he was drafted 7th overall. So that speaks in itself how he was viewed. And it was accurate.

And if Buck wants to stay, then I say all the power to him. Never just let a player of his caliber walk without good reason. They don't have one right now. I've said on this forum before that while our top talent isn't at premium positions, it doesn't mean we don't have some game changers. I've longed to see Jonathan Taylor, Quenton Nelson, and Deforrest Buckner (and for what it's worth Shaq Leonard) in the playoffs. Guys of that caliber need to be on that stage.

February 28

5 minutes ago, csmopar said:

10 minutes ago, ColtStrong2013 said:

Source for the Ballard had to convince him line? That’s the first I’ve heard of that

it might have been mostly rumors. But I remember him talking about having a conversation with Ballard at the end of ‘22 and Ballard repeatedly just said “trust me.”

There might have been nothing to that, but that strikes me as a conversation of where things are going and expressing desire to be on a championship contender, which I wouldn’t him blame him for under any circumstances.

February 28

2 minutes ago, ColtStrong2013 said:

That’s a good point on making it a competition between Dayo and Paye. I never thought of it like that, and would now have to agree.

@Superman I guess the only thing that I think of from a longterm standpoint is that perhaps Ballard sees Dayo being Buckner’s replacement, in which case it could make sense to look to keep both players. And in that regard, it would be best to have flexibility with an extension with Paye on a 5th year. That might be a hard thing to plan for though, unless Buckner is for sure on his way out… and in that case, maybe he’s a trade candidate, although unlikely.

Dayo is 15 lbs lighter than Buckner, but very similar otherwise. Longer arms actually.

February 28

32 minutes ago, Superman said:

I don't know if they can keep paying Grover, and at some point they probably need to split up Grover and Buckner, just based on their age, pay, and where the team is. It wouldn't surprise me if Grover signs elsewhere. He's obviously been a big part of the team for a while, but big money should go to big impact players.

Speaking of, I don't know if we'll pick up Paye's 5th year option. It's $13m, guaranteed. Why should we? If he has a good 2024, then let's talk about an extension. But locking him in at that level doesn't make sense to me, based on his impact and production so far. And then with Dayo on deck, if he looks like the better player in 2024, and we have to make a choice, it would be unfortunate to have committed $13m to the lesser player. I think it's best to let them both play out their final year, and handle it next offseason.

No predictions from me either way. But the way our roster aligns with the strengths of the draft, I could see DL in the first. Like you said, some solid free agents at specific positions -- WR, OL, backup QB, maybe CB -- and then go clear-minded into the draft, and let the board do what it does.

I agree on the money with Grover, I just hope there is a good plan in place to replace him. I feel like Buckner might be on his last tour here in Indianapolis considering Ballard had to convince him to stay last year. If we make the playoffs, then I could see him wanting to finish his career here. If not, he’s gone in my eyes.

speaking of convincing-

That’s a good point on making it a competition between Dayo and Paye. I never thought of it like that, and would now have to agree. If you aren’t an attorney, you are missing a hell of an opportunity… 😂

I think they are in a good position to take what the board gives them. Maybe better than in all of Ballard’s tenure really, not that it stopped him from taking what was given anyways. I don’t look for him to trade back as I think he could have what he views as a premium player. It might just happen to be a player that can impact right away, which would be great. But if it’s on the defensive line, I wouldn’t be as disappointed as most people likely would for the situation we are in with the four players mentioned above.

February 27

16 minutes ago, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

I don’t worry too much with DT when it comes to age. They seem to be able to play at a high level for a long time. I am surprised we haven’t had any extensions of any of our players yet. Grover has been durable and just doesn’t get injured.

I worry about age no matter the position. Just because some of the big names at DT over the years had longevity, doesn’t mean it is absolute. Any time a man hits 30, he is no longer peak and subject to changes in his body, injuries, longer recovery time, etc. It’s the case for military- special forces especially. Many of those guys rely on ped’s as the get older to push through…. Obviously Grover got caught with his hand in the jar on that note. It’s aways a concern.

February 27

47 minutes ago, richard pallo said:

I wouldn’t be surprised if Dayo winds up taking over the starting DE spot over Paye. His numbers this year were more impressive than Payes on much fewer snaps. New DL coach coming on board so new eyes and coaching might change things up there. I don’t think Paye has demonstrated enough to have his option picked but they probably will. I’m not sure Grover is coming back either. He will be turning 31 when the season starts and I would think he will be looking for a big contract again. This is a good FA defensive tackle class. There are a number of good younger tackles that I think would do well next to Buckner. Regardless I’m expecting we will be drafting a Defensive Tackle somewhere in the first three rounds.

I don’t see that. But I do like Dayo’s versatility, and I think his ceiling might be higher than Paye’s. I think Paye has a chance to take another jump, which would surprise a lot people for some reason. He’s improved every year. He was playing really well at the beginning of the season before injuries came in the picture. As Ballard said, he was really good against the run, just need more consistent pass rush. Maybe a new coach is all that is needed with that aspect of his game. I think we see a jump across the entire d-line with our new coach. Sometimes a tweak or two, and a new energy is all that is needed. Buckner would stand out even more if the others brought more consistent pass rush. This line could really work wonders collectively if they each improve going into next season.

February 27

2 hours ago, Superman said:

From Albert Breer/SI: https://www.si.com/nfl/2024/02/26/draft-preview-combine-cheat-sheet-questions

A lot of good info in there, but I really noticed that people are stressing how deep they think the draft is at positions that everyone wants the Colts to target. And it makes me think that there will be value on Day 2, at WR and CB especially, and OL. The positions that are probably at more of a premium in the first round will be DT/DE. DT especially lines up with a major roster need for the Colts, and aligns with Ballard's philosophy of building the trenches.

One more snippet:

This is how I feel...

On 2/26/2024 at 2:43 PM, ColtStrong2013 said:

I like the idea of addressing skill positions in free agency and doubling down on DE/DT if the value is there. Verse and Jenkins being who I like the most.

From a roster building standpoint, it seems to make most sense. Especially given the talent at skill positions in the draft. This is assuming we are tagging/resigning Pittman, which I believe we do. But a depth piece in free agency there and a day 2 pick might not be a bad thing. It's certainly more of Ballard's way of doing things. I can't imagine we don't pick up Paye's 5th year. Assuming as much, and drafting someone like Verse would time out well with not relying on him too much from the get-go. He would be a good rotational piece early while we evaluate and give Paye another 2 seasons to earn a bigger paycheck. Dayo, to me, is the odd duck in the picture, with him going into the final year of his contract. You are probably correct in the thought that DT is more pressing. If we don't sign/replace Grover, I'm not sure what the plan is. But the clock is ticking on he and Buckner, no matter which way you look at it.

Also, Ballard has repeatedly stated that he and Steichen see eye-to-eye on the concept of building the trenches. So I think there will be continued investment there.

Sign In

Profiles

Forums

Gallery

Events

Blogs

Posts posted by ColtStrong2013