3 unexpected trade deadline targets for the Colts

2. Jets WR Jamison Crowder

Jamison Crowder would be a huge upgrade over TY Hilton for the Colts.

We’re slowly talking ourselves out of Indianapolis trading for a wide receiver, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t inquire about certain players’ availability. A deal for Julio Jones was the dream, but the Falcons have come out publicly to shoot down any speculation of him being unloaded before the deadline.

Since a trade for a box office WR is all but officially out of the realm of possibility, Ballard should absolutely take a look at Jets route-running savant Jamison Crowder, who’s racked up 29 receptions for 383 yards and two touchdowns in four games this season in the undisputed most dysfunctional offense in the NFL.

While the emergence of Marcus Johnson has been timely, it really remains to be seen if he’ll have a role on the team beyond 2020, when the expectations will increase ten fold after what projects to be a busy offseason. Throw in the fact that Indy is unlikely to re-sign TY Hilton, and we could definitely get on board with a receiving corps of Michael Pittman Jr., Crowder and Parris Campbell, heading into next offseason, when Ballard could make a big splash for a true No. 1 option.

We don’t love the idea of trading for another slot wideout with Campbell (knee) projected to return soon, but we simply cannot hide from the fact that he’s played nine games over his first two seasons in the NFL. The 2019 second-round pick has loads of potential, but his injury issues are a big concern.

Having Crowder, who is signed through 2021 and probably wouldn’t cost more than a mid-round draft pick, as another viable option in the slot isn’t a bad idea by any stretch of the imagination.