What happened: The Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard on Monday after a 2-4 start to the 2026 season. Baltimore previously sent a 2028 second-round pick to Philadelphia for Cam Jurgens from Philadelphia on Oct. 7, with DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson cited as additional Colts trench options.

Why it matters: Quenton Nelson carries an expiring contract and would likely cost premium draft capital plus a top-of-market extension, complicating future extensions for Roger Rosengarten and others. DeForest Buckner fits as a shorter-term interior rush option alongside Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones, though Baltimore already has long-term money tied up there. The offensive line already carries the Jurgens cost and veteran deals, forcing a choice between an all-in push and preserving picks.

What to watch: Attention turns to Indianapolis asking prices before the deadline and whether Baltimore flips a mid-round pick for rotational help.