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Colts: Why John Brown would be a great target in free agency

By Ryan Stano

Jan 16, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver John Brown (15) runs with the ball as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Anthony Averett (23) closes in during the second half of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Bills Stadium. The Buffalo Bills won 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver John Brown (15) runs with the ball as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Anthony Averett (23) closes in during the second half of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Bills Stadium. The Buffalo Bills won 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Indianapolis Colts addressed their need at wide receiver last year in the NFL Draft.

They grabbed Michael Pittman Jr. with the 34th overall pick and he already looks to be a future piece for Indy. He really stepped up at the end of the year and could be the No. 1 receiver on the team this season.

With that being said, they could still use some help at that position.

T.Y. Hilton is a free agent and may not be brought back because of his age. Parris Campbell is promising, but he can’t seem to stay on the field, as injuries have hammered the former Ohio State product. Those two simply cannot be relied upon to be back and performing atop their game in 2021.

With that in mind, former Buffalo Bills WR John Brown said that he would be interested in coming to Indy. After being released this week, he mentioned the Colts and Steelers as his two preferred options.

However, the Colts have the advantage due to their favorable cap space situation and more promising cast of players on offense.

The Colts still need some help at the wide receiver position. Here’s why John Brown could help.

Brown is not an overly prolific receiver. He played in just nine games last season, but did have 33 catches for 458 yards and three touchdowns. In 2019, he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark. He played the last couple of years in Buffalo and is hoping to continue to produce. Remember, he had some tough years on bad Cardinals teams and his one year with the Ravens featured split time between Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson. He’s yet to really be unleashed.

Also, at 30 years old, he’d be a great veteran presence to help fill in for Hilton, and he wouldn’t be necessarily be taking anyone’s position. He’s a viable deep threat, which the Colts don’t really have at the moment. Let Pittman take over on the outside and Campbell work underneath. In the event Campbell gets hurt again too, Brown can step in and play in the slot.

If the Colts want to advance this team, they’re going to have to get veterans that can still produce. And though they have a lot of cap space, they need to dedicate it to a number of other important positions, like the pass rush, offensive line and secondary. Bargain hunting for a wide receiver of Brown’s caliber could be a move that pays massive dividends.

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