Colts have an alarming history with receiver contracts that needs to change
The Indianapolis Colts will have to make one major change if they want to improve the team’s receiver unit.
One of the position groups that still needs addressing for the Indianapolis Colts is the wide receiver unit. The only returning receiver without a question mark is Michael Pittman Jr.
TY Hilton is still a free agent and Indy hasn’t been able to add any of the many receivers that joined new teams this offseason in free agency or by trade.
Frank Reich and Chris Ballard have both expressed belief in the guys on the roster while also admitting that the team can add more weapons.
While the Colts will likely add receivers in the upcoming NFL Draft, they will still have to address a trend that is present in the organization’s history.
That trend is not paying big contracts for wide receivers.
The most the #Colts have ever paid a Wide Receiver (average annual salary) in the history of the franchise:
— Lawrence Owen (@Colts_Law) March 29, 2022
T.Y. Hilton - $13mil/year
Devin Funchess - $10mil/year
Marvin Harrison - $9.571mil/year
Andre Johnson - $7mil/year
Reggie Wayne - $6.58mil/year
Colts rarely give receivers big contracts
Indianapolis has had some great receivers in the history of the franchise but it hasn’t been because of big free agency deals. The three best receivers in franchise history were all drafted by the Colts.
During the primes of Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, the average receiver salary wasn’t near where it is now. Nor was it that high when TY Hilton signed his second contract.
Additionally, Chris Ballard was only around for the Devin Funchess signing. However, he receives the blame for not making any big receiver signings over the last five years, perpetuating the issue.
If the Colts want to see another Super Bowl and be dominant for the next decade, this trend will have to change.
Receivers are making more money than ever, especially the good ones. If Indianapolis ever plans on landing one of those receivers they will have to spend money to do it.
They can continue building through the draft like they did with Pittman and will do in the coming weeks, but what happens when those receivers ball out and it’s time for their second contracts.
Will Indianapolis be cheap or will it pay them what the market demands? If the team wants to consistently have quality wide receivers and compete for championships, Indy will have to start paying with the times.
