TY Hilton leaves ball in Colts’ court regarding potential return
By Jerry Trotta
During his latest media session, TY Hilton reiterated that he wants to return to the Colts in 2021.
The Indianapolis Colts’ playoff dreams are still very much alive, but that doesn’t mean reporters aren’t inclined to ask about the futures of certain players who are on expiring contracts.
Earlier this week, we saw Philip Rivers acknowledge that the upcoming clash against Jacksonville could be his last as a pro if the team fails to qualify for the postseason, which could flip the front office’s quarterback plans for 2021 entirely upside down.
Depending on how things play out, the Colts could also have a new-look wide receiving corps next season, and TY Hilton was once again asked about his future and whether he wants to re-sign with the franchise in free agency.
T.Y. Hilton hopes to remain with Colts, wants Philip Rivers back toohttps://t.co/a8ILZ4BDH5 pic.twitter.com/ti2MZUKaFy
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) January 1, 2021
In short, Hilton asserted that he wants to retire in Indianapolis and hasn’t given any thought to whether this weekend’s game could be his last with the team.
"“No, not at all,” he told reporters. “It’s in God’s hands. What’s for me, for me. Go out there and play my game, and whatever happens, happens. Whatever I sign for on my next contract, that’ll be when I hang it up. Whether it’s two years, three years, four years, whatever it is. Whatever I sign for on my next contract, that’ll be it.”"
It sounds like he’s putting the ball in the Colts’ court. Hilton’s five-year, $65 million contract is set to expire after the season and he’s admitted on numerous occasions throughout the campaign that there hasn’t been any negotiations about a potential extension.
Asked TY Hilton — a free agent next spring — if anything has changed from what he said earlier this year: that he wants to sign one more contract, play it out, then retire as a Colt.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) December 31, 2020
"No, not at all," he said. "It's in God's hands. What's for me, for me."
In light of Hilton’s sluggish start to the season, we were quick to proclaim that the Colts should look to free agency or the trade market for a new No. 1 wideout. Through the first nine games, he managed just 29 catches for 327 yards (36.3 per), so that was hardly an outlandish request.
Over the last five games, however, the four-time Pro Bowler has done everything in his power to shift that conversation. During that span, he’s compiled 24 receptions for 408 yards and four touchdowns (his only four of the season), all of which lead the team.
What once seemed like a no-brainer decision for the Colts has quickly morphed into one of the most difficult decisions they’ve had to make in quite some time and we honestly have no idea if Hilton will come out the other side a happy man.
