Colts: Who should Indianapolis sign if T.Y. Hilton leaves in free agency?
By Mike Luciano
The Indianapolis Colts have built a rock-solid foundation that helped them make the playoffs in two of the last three seasons, but that whole power structure is a few departures away from buckling at the seams.
Not only did they lose quarterback in Philip Rivers and offensive coordinator in Nick Sirianni, but wide receiver T.Y. Hilton might also be on the verge of leaving.
Hilton, a four-time Pro Bowler, has seen his production fall during the last two seasons due to both attrition and injuries. If this is the last we’ve seen of Hilton in blue and white, general manager Chris Ballard needs to start thinking about potential replacements.
One free agent that could reach his true potential in Indy is Los Angeles Rams wideout Josh Reynolds.
Rams receiver Josh Reynolds could replace T.Y. Hilton in Indianapolis
The writing appears to be on the wall in LA. Not only would Reynolds be stuck as the third wide receiver, at best, under Sean McVay, given the presence of Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods, but the selection of Van Jefferson in the second round last year means that the Rams likely want to replace Reynolds with a cheaper alternative.
Reynolds could make them regret being so foolish since coming off of his best season.
Despite the limited targets, the former Texas A&M star ended up totaling 618 yards on 52 catches, scoring twice. Reynolds’ 4.52 40-yard dash and 1.56 10-yard split show that he has both long speed and short-area quickness. With a lanky 6-foot-3 frame to boot, he can run every route Frank Reich could possibly throw at him.
While the Colts will either need to pray on a Paris Campbell resurgence or find another speedster to make up for the loss of Hilton, a physical receiving corps of Reynolds, Michael Pittman Jr., and Zach Pascal could help whoever is under center when it comes time to air it out.
If Ballard and head coach Frank Reich want to keep this offense rolling along, they should take a look at Reynolds, who is on the verge of exploding.