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INDIANAPOLIS – The 2019 offseason started with 15 unrestricted free agents for Chris Ballard and the Colts.

A strong case was made (perhaps by this guy) to bring back around 5 or 6 of those UFAs.

Well, as spring arrives, Ballard has taken care of his own.

Ballard has re-signed 5 of the Colts’ 2019 free agents, continuing to let his actions back up how he describes his roster building beliefs.

“I just think it’s easier when you develop your own players,” Ballard reiterated earlier this offseason. “They know the way you do business. They know the way it needs to be done.

“Eventually what you would like to happen is you are paying your own guys. You are rewarding the guys in the locker room who have done the right things for you.”

While the Colts didn’t make a bunch of outside moves early in free agency, they’ve maintained virtually their entire core from a team that improved by 6 wins last season.

 

That’s virtually unheard-of in the NFL.

 

Every defensive starter is returning to the Colts in 2019. In fact, the Colts will have 20 of their top 22 defenders (in terms of playing time) back from last year. Only veterans free agents Al Woods and Mike Mitchell, both who are 31 years old, are not expected to return.

 

On offense, 10 of the 11 starters have returned, with Devin Funchess the early favorite to fill the open No. 2 receiver job.

 

And—a note that should not be forgotten—the Colts are returning all of their coordinators and both of their play callers.

 

The culture, chemistry and continuity, which the Colts stressed was so key last year, has been retained inside of the locker room.

 

 

Here’s a recap of how the 2019 offseason has unfolded for the Colts:

 

-January 28: Re-signed kicker Adam Vinatieri

-January 29: Re-signed guard Mark Glowinski

-February 6: Free agent Matt Slauson announced his retirement

-February 26: Re-signed (restricted free agent) tight end Ross Travis

-March 5: Re-signed defensive lineman Margus Hunt

-March 13: Re-signed (restricted free agent) cornerback Chris Milton

-March 14: Signed wide receiver Devin Funchess (Carolina)

-March 14: Re-signed cornerback Pierre Desir

-March 20: Re-signed safety Clayton Geathers 

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