News: The Colts have signed free-agent cornerback Corey Ballentine to a contract. Ballentine is a six-year veteran and has been a backup in Green Bay the past three seasons. Adds some critical depth to the Colts’ secondary. That’s now three defensive-back signings this week for Indianapolis.

New Colts CB Charvarius Ward had a dropoff in his production last season amid the passing of his young daughter. But he said he’s refocused now and looking forward to a bounce-back year with a new start. Appreciate his honesty here.

NEW: Colts QBs Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones have reached a crossroads in their respective careers. Now, the next few months will largely determine where they go from here. Breaking down one of the NFL’s most unique QB situations: www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

While things are getting sorted over on the other app…

Smash that subscribe button on my NFL starter pack for free agency reactions 👇

go.bsky.app/8RH6KbH

So...Let's do a Colts free agency thread and see how this works.

The latest: Right tackle Braden Smith has revised his contract and will remain w Indy. Was going to count $19M plus against the salary cap. That's been lowered significantly.

Related: he's now beyond his non-football issues...

Sup, everyone. Twitter is falling apart because a) the world is burning or 2) it's NFL free agency or 3) a little of both.

Maybe it's the universe telling me it's a good day to lean into this here app...

A few post Combine thoughts on the Colts:

1) I'm struggling to understand the rationale behind making a public issue of the whole "QB competition" approach by Ballard and the Colts. Certainly, they were expected to sign a QB. But what was gained by publicly, in the final week of February, (cont'd)

NEW: The upcoming season is massive for Colts QB Anthony Richardson. But there are important aspects of his supporting cast that also need to be scrutinized in the weeks and months ahead.

Here’s a closer look at Indy’s potential changes on offense: t.co/FFhk3zIImx

NEW: A closer look at the various paths the Colts might take to adding "competition" at quarterback this offseason, as they have said they intend to do: www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

Watched the Super Bowl last night w friends, and the topic of the Colts eventually came up.

Contrasting them w Philly, here were my thoughts:

1) Both teams believe strongly in building from the trenches, which is correct. BUT the Eagles didn't stop there and added star power everywhere else too 🧵

Spent last few days at the Pro Bowl working on some future (non-Colts) coverage. But a takeaway from a conversation w Colts LB Zaire Franklin is there’s excitement about DC Lou Anarumo’s ability to put players in position to succeed. He singled out Kenny Moore II, saying “Kenny’s going to the moon.”

Make sure and keep the guys here at the Pro Bowl Games in your prayers. They are really roughing it.

NEW story: The Colts have suggested philosophical changes are coming this offseason. The addition of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and his fundamentally different style is certainly a start: t.co/WpjU1G1YwD

In case you missed this earlier, here’s my story on Anthony Richardson’s offseason plans, including the status of his back issues and his intent to work with an expert who helped transform Josh Allen’s mechanics early in his career: www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

Quick thought on the Colts' defensive coordinator spot: Not a prediction, but my expectation is they'll need to let the dust settle a bit before hiring. Just one HC job has been filled, and those hires will result in more dominoes falling. There also are three other DC spots open (ATL, SF, CIN).

New story: Frostbite, frigid temps and playoff football. Even though we romanticize football in extreme weather, it’s not all fun and games:

“It feels like you’re getting burned from the inside-out.”

“Are y’all gonna cut my fingers off?” www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...

Ok, since I’m here, let’s talk:

Regarding whether Colts GM Chris Ballard is actually willing to change, the first indicator will be who they hire as defensive coordinator.

Why? Because Ballard is VERY partial to heavy zone coverages w limited blitzes. He’s a Lovie Smith disciple. (More)

I decided what I really needed right now is yet *another* social media app to keep track of, so here I am.

(Honestly, that other app is disgusting, so that’s actually why I’m here).