Indianapolis Colts Looking For Recievers

Dec 15, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano talks to injured wide receiver Reggie Wayne before the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

It looks very likely that the Indianapolis Colts will soon sign a wide receiver. Who could blame them. After Reggie Wayne went down with an injury half way through the season, the offense looked completely lost. It took several weeks for them to get some kind of passing rhythm and they never could find a consistent one. Last year Andrew Luck threw for fewer yards and fewer completions than the season before. Another sign that the Colts could hit a receiver in the end-zone was the fact that Adam Vinatieri had a career high field goal attempts luckily with a career high field goal completion.

With Reggie Wayne coming off of an injury and no solid receiver after T.Y. Hilton. The Colts need a proven player to be able to rely on with or without an injured Wayne.

The question is who? Earlier today reports started buzzing around that Hakeem Nicks will be in Indianapolis tomorrow. That’s usually a good sign that there is going to be a deal. The Colts aren’t going to spend the face time if there’s no real likelihood of a deal.

Another strong candidate, who I wrote about before, is James Jones from the Green Bay Packers. He is still available. He could be a cheaper option with similar results. Current rumors are placing him in New York along with Eric Decker.

There are some other free agents out there, like Julian Edelman, Nate Burleson, Jerricho Cotchery and others. The Colts are going to have to look at who fits into their system the best. Who is worth the investment?

There were 65 free agent wide receivers leading into this offseason. Currently 53 of them still remain unsigned.  That means that teams have their pick this season. Teams can negotiate better deals because the market is saturated.

Two former Pro Bowl players have recently been cut to add to the list. Those are Steve Smith and Miles Austin. Miles Austin has been plagued with injury over the past few seasons, but has great athletic ability.

Someone like an aging Smith or an injured Austin may be worth the risk if you can get a good price. As far as a sure thing, Hakeem Nicks might be the best value. He has been a consistent producer even in seasons where his quarterback hasn’t been.