The Indianapolis Colts believe that replacing Philip Rivers with Carson Wentz can keep the offense humming along, but that confidence shouldn’t prevent Chris Ballard from looking to get his gamble at quarterback some extra help.
Indianapolis might be much less deep at the wide receiver position in 2021, as TY Hilton and Zach Pascal are both scheduled to be free agents.
As good as Michael Pittman Jr. and Paris Campbell can be, the Colts need to use their cap space to get Wentz someone that he can trust in crucial situations.
Luckily for Indianapolis, the 2021 free agent class promises to be one of the deepest in recent memory.
Not only will dominant possession receivers be available in free agency, but quality route-runners, big-play deep threats, and reliable slot targets can be had if Ballard wants to win the offseason by splashing the cash.
With Hilton and Pascal potentially bolting Indianapolis in this offseason, any one of these three wideouts could both replace those two and give Wentz a true No. 1 receiver who he can look for in crunch time.
These 3 wide receivers could be huge assets for the Colts
No. 3: Josh Reynolds, Los Angeles Rams
Reynolds had the best season of his career last year despite some inconsistent quarterback play from Jared Goff. Unfortunately, Reynolds is likely not coming back to LA, as the presence of Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, and 2020 second-round pick Van Jefferson could make it tough for him to get some consistent snaps.
Reynolds is showing off a lot of the traits that made him such a desired prospect at Texas A&M. While Indianapolis has some quality receivers and experienced red zone targets, they lack someone who can take the top off of the defense, and Reynolds could really hit his stride in that role as a Colt.
Reynolds could break out with the Colts
The Colts are hoping that Pittman and Campbell end up being quality starters, but Pittman’s (No. 11 in your program!!) speed is still very much a question and the former Ohio State star in Campbell is much better with the ball in his hands as a runner.
The New England Patriots built a dynasty on paying players for what they will do, rather than what they have done. Reynolds’ numbers might’ve suffered due to the logjam in LA, but he could become a genuinely feared player on the Colts if given a featured role as the downfield big-play receiver.
No. 2: JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers
JuJu might be one of the most marketable players in the league given his sparkling personality, but his production has taken a major nosedive since Antonio Brown left the Steelers. Without AB to attract the opposing No. 1 cornerback, Smith-Schuster mustered just 1,383 yards in 2019 and 2020 combined, which a lower total than what he piled up in 2018.
However, JuJu could be primed for a resurgence outside of Pittsburgh, as getting his passes thrown to him by what’s left of Ben Roethlisberger isn’t the most productive environment for a receiver of his quality.
JuJu could be a safety blanket for Wentz with the Colts
Smith-Schuster remains one of the better underneath receivers in the league, as his ability to secure tough catches and slip out of tackles is extremely underrated. JuJu needs to rediscover his ability to separate on longer routes, and there is hope that Mike Groh could potentially turn back the clock here.
JuJu might be a bigger name than he is a talent, but he is still a reliable slot target who has seen his production sapped by some poor quarterback play. Wentz is coming off of an awful season, but he has a stronger arm than Roethlisberger at this juncture, and that could help Smith-Schuster get back to his 2018 form.
No. 1: Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears
Robinson is one of the few receivers in the league that can total 200 catches in a two-season span and somehow be criminally underrated. Robinson was one of the most productive receivers in the league despite playing with Nick Foles, Chase Daniel, and Mitch Trubisky as his quarterbacks in Chicago.
Robinson has fought through poor quarterback play and minimal quality receivers across from him. If he goes to Indianapolis, he’ll get a better quarterback, more interesting offensive schemes and structure, and a chance to compete for a championship.
Robinson could be a star for the Colts
Frank Reich wants to achieve balance on offense, and it’s hard to find a more promising RB-WR duo for the next few years than Jonathan Taylor and Robinson in the AFC. The only obstacle towards getting him to the Colts could be money, as Robinson is going to cost an extremely dear sum.
Robinson has been one of the best receivers in football despite playing most of his career with Trubisky and Blake Bortles as his quarterbacks. If Wentz ends up playing like the MVP candidate that he was in Philadelphia, Robinson might be able to challenge for the league lead in receiving yards in Reich’s offense.