The excuses of culture, scouting staff, and lack of time don’t hold for me. Last year Ballard landed Sheard, Hankins, Simon, and Woods. That’s not a bad haul. No huge names but it’s very similar to the Grigson method of adding some mid tier free agents on flexibile contracts to bolster the roster. Although admittedly more effective than many of Grigson’s signings. Why would you do that for a known lame duck coach but not when you are completely changing defensive schemes and therefore jettisoning some of the few quality players you have?
The only reason not to do it that I can see is if you are starting a longer term rebuild. Then you can argue (although I still wouldn’t agree completely) it makes some sense to gut some of the veterans that aren’t seen as viable long term contributors, GIVE young guys jobs they haven’t earned, and not look for real solutions in free agency. It’s hard to believe after the signings he had last year that Ballard could find only one potentially meaningful contributor on D this year (Autry) after changing schemes and gutting vets. Throw in RT and WR2 and there were plenty of options available for improving the roster. Ballard punted. He did so because he views this as a longer term rebuild.
Yes, I agree he will eventually add some free agents. Although I think you will be disappointed next year. Regardless Ballard has purposely and knowingly punted on this season and I simply disagree with that. I don’t believe you build a winning culture by losing. I don’t believe you build a winning culture by gifting guys jobs. I believe there is value in veteran leadership. I believe there is value in guys competing and realizing they aren’t good enough yet. I believe the tone and culture of a team is set by the coaches AND by the veterans in a locker room. When you add in the team has a franchise QB in place who is entering his prime and I simply don’t agree with Ballard’s vision. Time will tell.
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