Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard has taken full responsibility for the team's ongoing playoff drought, promising a revamped strategy for the upcoming offseason. After reflecting on past decisions, Ballard acknowledged that his choice to retain the same roster instead of injecting new talent was a misstep. He stated, 'We’re not close,' in reference to the team's performance, which has seen only two playoffs in eight seasons, and expressed a commitment to find the right free agents to bolster the roster.

Team owner Jim Irsay has retained both Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen despite disappointment in the team's four-year playoff absence, further solidifying Ballard's opportunity to rectify previous errors. Ballard's focus is clear: he intends to foster competition within the squad by prioritizing the recruitment of capable free agents, supported by team captain DeForest Buckner, who has pledged to assist in the recruitment efforts.