Colts sign WR Devin Funchess to a one year deal

The Colts are on the board in free agency. Their first move of the 2019 free agent season is to get their quarterback some help.

The Colts were quiet for most of the day, knowing that patience will be the key to winning the offseason. But they did just make a big move for their standards. They signed Devin Funchess to a 1-year $13 million deal. That’s an interesting way to kick things off.

Funchess has played his entire career in Carolina where he was never really the first option. His best year was two years ago when he caught 63 passes for 840 yards and 8 touchdowns. The big thing for the Colts will be his physical attributes.

Funchess will be the biggest receiver the Colts have had in some time standing at 6’4 and 225 pounds. He will be a big target that can give Andrew Luck some relief on third downs besides T.Y. Hilton. It looks like Funchess will be the new number two receiver.

This move is interesting for a few reasons. First off, the $13 million is a hefty price tag for a one-year deal for a guy who has never been a number one option. Secondly, the Colts tried this one-year deal stuff with Ryan Grant and it backfired heavily.

It seems as though that failed experiment didn’t deter Chris Ballard from trying it again. The receiver market is very thin in this free agent class, and the Colts didn’t want to trade for Antonio Brown. This might be the best they can get, although I’m surprised they didn’t wait till the draft to address this need.

At least that price tag is an indication that Ballard might be willing to spend money on areas of need. They have the money to do it, so they might as well use it. I would love to see them grab a pass rusher or two in this free agency, as there are a few good ones available.

This is an interesting first move for the Colts, and it isn’t a long-term commitment. We’ll see if they decide to make any other moves tonight.