Mitch Connors

Agreed. The reason they'd have to trade a pick to get Payton is because he quit before his contract was up. That fact alone means he could do it again and there's nothing the team can do to prevent it so why gamble so much with no safety net at all?

If I understand the charts correctly (and they're reasonably accurate) a trade would be something like this: Colts get #1 Bears get #4, #35, #67 and 2024 second round pick.

If there is a QB the Colts love they need to trade with the Bears and get him. If you believe the QB is the future of the franchise you get him - this is not the time to be tight with picks or to gamble they'll be there later. I also think the cost will be much cheaper for the Colts than anyone else (unless someone moves to 3 and then to 1 - which I doubt) because trading with us guarantees them one of the two DE's. They trade to 5 or lower and there's a good chance they miss out. Win/Win trade partners.

Honestly that's not saying much. Which position in the league does what you typed not apply to? Literally every team drafts players and supplements those players via FA and trades. The notion that any type of player cant/shouldn't be found in FA or via trade is simply wrong.

This is a flawed argument because talented transformational WR's are so seldom available in FA. You can say the same for free agent QB's and edge rushers. How different is your argument if you say "I dare you to find a WR that switched teams that ended up transforming that team." There are dozens of those but for some reason Ballard isnt allowed to trade for a WR?

That's exactly my point. If Ballard really wants Watson - then go get him. If that's your plan, then do it. If he said we'll give you 15 first round picks, Nelson, Leonard and Buckner then Watson would be a Colt. (I realize thats insane comp but you get the point). If Mariota is your plan - then go get him. Do it. If you need to pay $2mil more per year than do it. Having an iron in every fire is not a plan.

Let's just say Ballards plan is to sign Mariotta and Mariotta's team sees Ballard trying to get Watson. Do you think it'd make sense for Mariotta to start looking elsewhere too or is it only fair for the Colts to have a prom date and still ask others girls if they want to go to prom with them?

The fact that Ballard just inquired about trading for Watson and was told no by the Texans tells me we have no plan at QB. If you dont have a QB or a path to get one you have nothing and this signals to me that we dont have a plan.