With a soft deadline of March 18 looming for the Indianapolis Colts to make a decision on the future of quarterback Carson Wentz, general manager Chris Ballard has a lot on his shoulders over the next two weeks.
Though it will be a collective discussion between Ballard, head coach Frank Reich and owner Jim Irsay, it’s Ballard who will ultimately be the one the make the final decision on Wentz.
In speaking to 1070 The Fan’s Dan Dakich on Wednesday, Ballard confirmed he has final say in the decision.
“Ultimately, I will,” said Ballard of who ultimately makes the final choice.
While Reich was the one pounding the table to trade for Wentz during the 2021 offseason, his influence in keeping the 29-year-old around may not be as strong now.
If Ballard gets a strong enough offer for Wentz or at least one that salvages the trade they made in 2021, it may be difficult for him to not pull the trigger.
Ballard said at the NFL combine on Tuesday that the team is still working through the decision to keep or trade Wentz.
“We’re still working through it,” said Ballard on Tuesday. “Jim, Mr. Irsay, Frank (Reich) and I will sit down over the next 10 days and figure out where it’s going. Ultimately, we’ll do what’s best for the team, for the Colts. Both in the short-term and in the long-term.”
It’s pretty clear that the Colts want to move on from Wentz. Whether that happens this offseason or in 2023—when there are no cap charges—remains to be seen.
But when the decision is made, it will be Ballard who makes the final call.
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