AFC South Notes: Colts, Texans, Titans

Colts

Colts GM Chris Ballard said he was extremely disappointed with the team’s 7-9 finish last season and that they must make changes this offseason. 

“(2019) is a season that will be remembered for being a 7-9 season and that’s a stain that doesn’t easily wash away,” Ballard said, via Kevin Bowen of 1075TheFan. “We are disappointed organizationally of where we are at and all of that, all of that, starts with me. When we don’t succeed and we don’t meet expectations, that directly falls on my shoulders. I’m not going to make excuses. I’m not going to blame.”

Ballard reiterated that the Colts are committed to regaining success in 2020.

“It’s our job to fix it, my job to make sure that we are holding the right people accountable, including myself in areas I’ve fallen short and that we get this thing moving again in the right direction.”

• The Athletic’s Stephen Holder points out that, for what it’s worth, a lot of the noise connecting the Colts to different players is coming from agents, not the team which is notoriously tight-lipped. 
• His colleague, Zak Keefer, says it makes sense, particularly with free-agent QBs like Philip Rivers, because the Colts have $86 million in cap space and an apparent need at quarterback. However, the team has said in its public appearances it is keeping all options open. 
• The two still say the draft makes more sense for the Colts to look for a quarterback given how Ballard has operated in the past, but they admit the possibility of signing Rivers makes enough sense not to be dismissed. 
• Holder and Keefer add that based on comments from Ballard, it appears likely the Colts will let most of their free agents, like TE Eric Ebron, K Adam Vinatieri, S Clayton Geathers and DE Jabaal Sheard.
• Kansas State RB James Gilbert will attend the Colts’ local pro day in early April. (Herbie Teope)

Texans

• Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle says Texans RB Carlos Hyde has declined a contract offer from the team and has decided to test free agency.
• Wilson says Texans RB Lamar Miller will test free agency as well after tearing his ACL and missing the final year of his deal in 2019. 
• According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, he expects the Texans to try and bring back CB Johnathan Joseph in a front-office role after he retires. 
• Houston has expressed interest in bringing back a number of defensive and specials teams players, including LBs Tyrell Adams, Dylan Cole and Barkevious Mingo. (Aaron Wilson)
• Texans RB Taiwan Jones is also on Houston’s re-sign list. (Wilson)

Titans

• ESPN’s Turron Davenport reports are hosting Ohio St DB Damon Arnette according to a source. He arrived in Nashville this evening. 
• Davenport notes that Arnette could play as a nickel or outside cornerback for the Titans and is also an aggressive run-defender.