AFC Notes: Chris Ballard, Treylon Burks, Colts, Jaguars, Titans

Colts

• Colts QB Anthony Richardson (shoulder) said his “tentative goal” is to begin throwing in February, via Joel Erickson. 
• Richardson doesn’t expect to change his playing style but admits he must learn when to get down when running: “Keep being me. Can’t try to run through everybody,” via Mike Chappell. 
• Colts GM Chris Ballard expressed confidence about the direction of the organization: “I feel really good about where we’re going and very encouraged about where we’re going,” via Stephen Holder. 
• Ballard feels they have enough cap flexibility to be “aggressive” in free agency: “We’ll be as aggressive as we need to be in free agency with players that we think can help us.” (Erickson)
• Ballard expects them to be legitimate playoff contenders in 2024: “We should legitimately be competing for the division and the playoffs.” (Erickson)
• Ballard had high praise of Richardson and views him as a legitimate quarterback: “People put him in this box because he’s a big quarterback. But this guy’s a legitimate passer. And I think he’s going to develop and improve. But Anthony can play from the pocket.” (Holder)
• As for Colts’ impending free agent WR Michael Pittman Jr., Ballard said they will work to get an extension done: “Care deeply about him – we have an honest relationship, almost too honest – he’s competitive, he’s tough. We’re going to work to get him back.” (Erickson)
• Ballard wants to add “explosive” players this offseason: “We do think there’s gonna be some opportunities to add some players that can make us a little bit more explosive,” via George Bremer.
• Ballard stood behind their decision to sign RB Jonathan Taylor to a three-year, $42 million extension: “Calmer heads. He got healthy. You’ve got to be careful of letting your ego get in the way of making the right decision. … Jonathan Taylor being a Colt was the right thing.” (Erickson)
• Ballard said they will only use the franchise tag if they have to: “It’s a tool. I don’t want to use it. But it’s a tool. If we have to use it, we will.” (Bremer)
• Ballard indicated they would like to re-sign DT Grover Stewart: “Grover’s a guy we’d like to have.” (Erickson)
• As for releasing veteran LB Shaq Leonard, Ballard said it was a difficult decision for them: “That was hard. It sucked. He was on that (Hall of Fame) track.” (Chappell)
• Ballard refused to answer whether they will activate DE  Kwity Paye‘s fifth-year option: “Oh, come on. You know I’m not gonna answer that.” (Bremer)
• Ballard pointed out TE Jelani Woods experienced “chronic issues” with his hamstrings throughout the year and is looking ahead to an important 2024: “It’s a big year for him.” (Bremer)

Jaguars

The Jaguars had to make changes after the collapse to end this season, and elected to fire DC Mike Caldwell and a significant portion of the defensive staff. Jaguars HC Doug Pederson elected to keep OC Press Taylor, however, and others around the NFL thought that was a mistake.