Who is Chris Ballard?
Chris Ballard was the general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, an NFL team. The Colts fired him before Week 7 of the 2026 season. He ran the team's football operations, including player trades and roster decisions.
Why it's in the news
The Colts fired Chris Ballard before Week 7 of the 2026 season, and the team has since fallen to 2-5. Running back Jonathan Taylor is at the center of trade talk before the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline.
- Jonathan Taylor NFL Trade Rumors — Colts running back Jonathan Taylor at center of trade talk before Nov. 10 deadline
Background
Chris Ballard served as general manager of the Indianapolis Colts. The general manager of an NFL club leads the team's football decisions, including the signing, trading and release of players. Sources for this page do not describe his earlier career, salary, contract, family, or background.
The Colts fired Ballard before Week 7 of the 2026 season. Since then, Indianapolis lost to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday and fell to 2-5, on a three-game losing streak. A CBS Sports columnist wrote that the Colts are a clear seller as the Nov. 10 trade deadline approaches. Commentators expect the club to trade veteran players as it rebuilds.
The main trade question is running back Jonathan Taylor, described as arguably the biggest prize on the trade market. The same columnist argued that the Cincinnati Bengals should make a major offer for him, pointing to their weak running game. A headline from another outlet says Taylor's wife discussed the trade rumors and asked whether the family would stay with the Colts. Another headline describes the family as on Colts transaction watch, expecting trades or firings.
What people are asking
Chris Ballard Colts?
Chris Ballard was the general manager of the Indianapolis Colts until the team fired him before Week 7 of the 2026 season. The Colts are now 2-5 and are expected to sell players before the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
Why was Chris Ballard fired?
The sources state that the Colts fired Ballard before Week 7 of the 2026 season. They do not give a reason for the decision.
What is the Jonathan Taylor trade situation?
Running back Jonathan Taylor is described as the biggest prize on the trade market. A CBS Sports columnist argued that the Cincinnati Bengals should make a major offer for him, since their running game ranks in the bottom third of the NFL in rushing yards per game.
Sources
- Yahoo SportsChicago Bears Receive Exciting Trade News Tidbit By NFL Insider
- Bears WireBears showing interest in edge rusher ahead of NFL trade deadline
- The New York TimesJonathan Taylor OK with wife discussing trade rumors: ‘Are we gonna stay on the Colts?’ - The Athletic
- Fox NewsJonathan Taylor's wife knows things so dire family is on 'Colts transaction watch' expecting trades or firing
- CBS SportsCover 32: There is a very clear Jonathan Taylor trade destination, plus game balls, biggest gaffes from Week 7
- USA Today32 things we learned in NFL Week 7: As trade deadline nears, so do showcase opportunities