Colts' Ballard, Steichen Share Thoughts On Free-Agent Signings

The Indianapolis Colts have been busy re-signing many of their own players this week, and Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen made their thoughts on each player known.

The Indianapolis Colts are a team that prioritizes homegrown talent. General manager Chris Ballard often repeats the phrase "draft and develop" regarding their players.

Ballard and the Colts have quite literally put their money where their mouth is this week. As the official start of NFL free agency began, they re-signed a whopping eight of their own players to new contracts, seven of whom were free agents.

Despite having among the most salary cap space in the league when the week started — which many fans beg them annually to spend on shiny, pricey outside players — the Colts have rolled most of it into retaining players they know can help them win.

Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., cornerback Kenny Moore II, linebacker Zaire Franklin, defensive tackle Grover Stewart, and defensive end Tyquan Lewis were all among the Colts' players retained this week. Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen showed their appreciation by sharing their thoughts on each player.

MICHAEL PITTMAN JR.

© Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ballard:

Signing Michael Pittman Jr. to a long-term contract was the goal and I’m thankful for his agent, Andrew Kessler, in helping to get a deal done. Pitt is a fierce competitor, and he cares deeply about winning. He wants to be a difference maker and he’s going to give you everything he’s got on Sundays to accomplish that. We want the work ethic and attitude Pitt brings in all of our players. He absolutely deserves this deal and I’m thrilled he’s going to remain a Colt.

Steichen:

We love everything about Pitt. You know what you’re going to get every week - an ultimate competitor, a playmaker and a leader in the locker room. He gives this team the same passion and energy on the practice field and in the meeting rooms on a consistent basis. I’m excited Pitt will continue to play a significant role in our offense and I’m very happy for him and his family.

KENNY MOORE II

Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Ballard:

Kenny is a special player and has earned everything he’s worked for. He has always embraced the underdog role and has played the game with a chip on his shoulder. Kenny is a smart and savvy veteran who is vital to the continued growth of our young secondary. I’m proud of him and the player he has become.

Steichen:

Kenny’s preparation, work ethic and communication are vital to the backend of our defense. I appreciate his tenacity and the scrappiness in which he plays the game. As a team captain, Kenny has the upmost respect of our entire team and we value his leadership.

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ZAIRE FRANKLIN

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Ballard:

Back to the pre-draft evaluation of Zaire, we knew he was a great player and an even better person. The relentless preparation and effort that he puts into his game is unique. To see his steady improvement as a player over the last six years has been rewarding and I know he has more milestones to accomplish in his career. He deserves this and I’m happy for Zaire and his family. The Colts and the city of Indianapolis are better with Zaire Franklin and the servant leader that he is.

Steichen:

Zaire has worked hard to achieve everything in his career and I’m excited for him and his family on this well-deserved contract. I respect Zaire for his football acumen and even more so for his character. He has the respect of everyone in our locker room as evidenced by him being selected by his teammates as a captain and our nominee for the 2023 NFL Walter Payton Man of The Year award.

GROVER STEWART

Robert Scheer IndyStar USA TODAY NETWORK

Ballard:

Grover brings tremendous value to our team, and it was important that he remained in Indy. Coming from a small school HBCU in Albany State, his growth into an eight-year NFL professional has been exceptional. Grover is a difference maker on our defensive line and we’re excited to see the continued impact he will make moving forward.

Steichen:

The disruptiveness that Grover causes on the field, especially in the run game, is rare and pivotal to the success of our defense. The physicality he plays with in the trenches sets the tone. It was important that we kept Grover here and I’m confident he will continue to develop as the years progress.

TYQUAN LEWIS

© Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ballard:

I’m thankful for Tyquan and his commitment to the Colts. He has dealt with a lot of adversity in his career, but his character and dedication to this game have allowed him to persevere. I’m thrilled to keep him in Indianapolis.

Steichen:

Tyquan is the ultimate team player. His versatility along the defensive line is an asset for us. Last season, you saw Tyquan develop more comfort and confidence as the year progressed. I’m excited to watch his continued growth.

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