Analyzing Free Agents Let Go By Ballard This Past Offseason

Where are they now?

We are now past the midway point of the season so it is a good time to take into assessment how well (or how bad) have former Colts players performed on their new teams after being let go this past offseason.

Dwayne Allen, tight end: Dwayne Allen was traded to the Patriots for a conditional fourth round pick, after a second consecutive disappointing season plagued by injuries. The move was praised by many analysts that considered the Patriots got a really good player at a low cost. Fast forward to now, and after a disastrous training camp infested with drops and Allen’s inability to learn the playbook, he has not recorded a single catch in the past 8 weeks and is now even further down on the depth chart after the Patriots claimed Martellus Bennett. The only shining light for him has been that he was named last weeks’ practice of the Week. Not good.

Mike Adams, safety: After being the leader of the Colts defense for the past two years, the veteran safety signed a one year contract with the Carolina Panthers. Adams has played well for the underwhelming Panthers and is looking like a steal. Nonetheless, Ballard made the right move letting him go, as his only possible use for us would have been mentoring rookie Malik Hooker. Adams is now out with a stinger.

Patrick Robinson, cornerback: After struggling the past season on a one year deal, Robinson was let go by Ballard. He is now a starter on the Eagles top defense and is looking like one of the best signings of the past offseason. Robinson is a starter on the best team in football, perhaps; the Colts made a mistake by letting him go.

Erik Walden, linebacker: After leading the Colts in sacks the past season, with 11, many Colts fans were pushing for Walden to be resigned. Ballard made the wise choice by choosing not to, recognizing that Walden was not consistently good, and got lucky on many plays. Walden ended up signing a one year deal with division rivals Tennessee. Ballard was right; Walden has registered just 13 tackles and only one sack.

Phillip Dorsett, wide receiver: Dorsett was traded for quarterback Jacoby Brissett at the beginning of the season. Brissett has looked like a potential star, while Dorsett has been absolutely irrelevant for New England. Ballard made possibly the biggest move of the offseason and one that could place the Colts over the hump if Brissett is traded for draft picks in this offseason.

Arthur Jones, nose tackle: After not being able to stay on the field or perform consistently after signing a monster contract under Grigsons’ administration, Jones was cut by Ballard. Jones was signed by the Redskins and was enjoying a resurgent year as a rotation player before suffering a shoulder injury that could sideline him for a few weeks against the Seahawks.

Overall, Ballard made all the right choices this past offseason, getting rid of all of Grigsons’ mistakes. If Ballard can continue this method of cutting loose players that just do not perform, then the Colts will methodically get better each year.

Thanks for reading and, as always, Go Colts!

AROUND COVER32

Patriots bring back Martellus Bennett

Does Sean McVay represent a changing of the guard among NFL coaches?

Fantasy Football Week 10:Top Adds | Top Drops

Bye week solutions for the Oakland Raiders

Interested in writing for cover32? Follow the link to apply!