Indianapolis Colts fans are starting to grow impatient with the team’s lack of urgency to make additions in free agency.
Everybody knows this is GM Chris Ballard’s philosophy, but there really isn’t an excuse to be this conservative given the current state of the roster.
The legal tampering period is three days old now and free agency is officially set to get underway at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, so perhaps the string of signings fans have been clamoring for are on the horizon, though we wouldn’t hold our breath.
As far as biggest needs are concerned, the Colts couldn’t have picked a better time to be shopping for a wide receiver, as the market for the position is presently moving at a snail’s pace, and the latest domino to fall could have an impact on their reported ambitions to re-sign TY Hilton.
Per the latest buzz, John Brown has signed a one-year deal with the Raiders worth up to a reported $5.5 million.
Given the similarities in their respective games, don’t be surprised if this move improves Indianapolis’ chances of keeping Hilton.
1 year, $3.75m with upside to $5.5m. https://t.co/VhUcpCkzUV
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 17, 2021
Free agent WR John Brown’s deal with the Raiders could improve the Colts’ chances of re-signing TY Hilton.
Brown is an incredibly gifted talent, so the fact that he was only able to land a deal less than $6 million says a lot about how egregious the WR market is and suggests that Indy could retain Hilton at a colossal discount compared to what he was originally demanding.
What’s equally important, however, is the fact that Brown would’ve been a perfect fit in the Colts’ passing game, which currently lacks a viable deep threat. Given that he and Hilton are deadly working along the sidelines, and are two of the most lethal deep threats in the league, this new wrinkle really makes you wonder if Ballard will now consider a reunion with the four-time Pro Bowler.
With only a few names off the board so far, the wide receiver market is shaping up nicely for Indy to potentially land a superstar at a bargain price. However, Brown’s deal indicates the front office could get away with re-signing Hilton and another receiving reinforcement if they wanted to.
The Colts have been outspoken about wanting Hilton to finish his career in Indy, and their request to match any offer that’s made to him on the open market proves that.
We’d still be surprised if Indianapolis ended up keeping Hilton, but the Brown deal certainly opens the door for his return, even if ever so slightly.
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