Colts: TY Hilton restructuring contract foreshadowing trade deadline deals?
By Mike Luciano
Just six games into the 2021 season, the Indianapolis Colts are already faced with some must-win games, as the squad is staring down the barrel of a 2-4 start after some matchups against elite competition like the Rams, Russell Wilson-led Seahawks, Lamar Jackson’s Ravens and rival Titans.
TY Hilton, who made his season debut in a win against the Houston Texans in Week 6 and has been with the organization for a decade, doesn’t need to be told that this roster is imperfect right now. There are holes in the offensive line, the receiving corps is by no means amazing, and the defensive backfield has been getting beaten up.
While Chris Ballard will likely be in buy mode as the deadline looms in order to snatch the division crown away from Tennessee, he might not have as much freedom to take on salary as some of his competition. But Hilton, ever the good soldier and team player, did his part to keep Indy competitive.
Hilton and the Colts agreed to restructure his contract so that they can gain an extra $2.3 million in cap room. Will this move be a herald of some big move at the trade deadline?
The #Colts restructured WR TY Hilton’s 1-year contract to create $2.3M in cap room to help them operate, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 21, 2021
Are the Colts planning a trade deadline move?
If the Colts are likely to improve the roster in a significant fashion, look for the defensive backfield to be one of the main areas of interest. The squad was already lacking depth and talent as it was, and the latest injury news to Julian Blackmon has upset the pecking order in a catastrophic fashion.
Blackmon was ruled out for the season with an Achilles injury that he suffered in practice. With plenty of safeties on the market for the right price, Hilton just gave the Colts more flexibility if they want to take this chance to supplement their defense.
Considering the injuries on offense, adding a wide receiver next to Hilton could also be a solid path for Ballard to pursue.
#Colts S Julian Blackmon tore his Achilles in practice yesterday is out for the season. Another bad injury blow for Indy.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 21, 2021
That $2.3 million figure might not seem like a ton of money, but if the Colts are able to add an impact playmaker in the defensive backfield as a result of this move, those savings could be the difference between failing to consummate a trade and missing the postseason or getting a deal done and picking up one more crucial win in a very favorable stretch of games.
The Colts have three more matchups against two rebuilding teams in Jacksonville and Houston. With others against the Jets and Patriots also coming up, Indianapolis has a chance to make some noise in the standings. They just need to seize the opportunity by being active at the deadline.
We’re just hoping Hilton’s restructure is foreshadowing that.
