From CBS Sports · · 2m
Chris Ballard's Colts Trade Missed
Chris Ballard's failed trade for Matthew Stafford could have saved the Colts' quarterback chaos.
In brief
Chris Ballard's failed trade for Matthew Stafford could have saved the Colts' quarterback chaos. The Colts' general manager Chris Ballard missed a chance to trade for Matthew Stafford in 2021, leading to years of quarterback instability. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Colts fire GM Chris Ballard
The Indianapolis Colts dismissed general manager Chris Ballard one day after losing 26-20 to the previously winless Tennessee Titans.
Ballard's tenure ends
Ballard is the first head coach or front office executive to be fired during the 2026 NFL season.
Quarterback instability
His nearly 10-year tenure as Colts general manager was hindered by an inability to find a long-term solution at quarterback after Andrew Luck's retirement.
Rivers' playoff exit
The Colts haven't made the playoffs since going 11-5 in 2020 with a 39-year-old Philip Rivers.
Stafford trade opportunity
The Detroit Lions were accommodating Matthew Stafford's trade request in 2021, with the Colts on his short list of teams.
Stafford's Zillow search
Stafford mentioned searching for houses in Indianapolis on Zillow before his trade to the Rams.
Rams trade for Stafford
The Lions received a 2022 first-round pick, a 2023 first-round pick, a 2021 third-round pick and Jared Goff from the Rams for Stafford.
Goff's success
Goff earned a four-year, $212 million contract extension, averaging $53 million per year in 2024.
Stafford trade value
A Ballard offer the Lions couldn't refuse would have been between Stafford's acquisition cost and the two quarterback trades made in 2022.
Wentz experiment
The failed Carson Wentz experiment led to his departure after a poor 2021 regular season finale against the Jaguars.
Wentz trade details
Wentz was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2021 third-round pick and a conditional 2022 second-round pick.
Stafford's potential impact
Stafford would have given the Colts an extended window as a contending team with a strong offensive line and running back.
Colts' future without Stafford
The Colts finished 8-9 in 2025 after Daniel Jones tore his right Achilles late in the season.
The one thing
The Colts' general manager Chris Ballard missed a chance to trade for Matthew Stafford in 2021, leading to years of quarterback instability.
