If the Indianapolis Colts decided to go after one more veteran free agent should it be wide receiver Julio Jones or cornerback James Bradberry?
The Indianapolis Colts had a successful Draft, made several great acquisitions, and are in pretty good shape to enter next season. However, there’s always room to keep improving in the NFL.
At this point of the offseason, the way to keep bettering the roster is by signing veteran free agents that still have something left in the tank.
The New Orleans Saints have been aggressive in that by bringing in Tyrann Mathieu and Jarvis Landry. Both veterans are players that fans hoped the Colts would add.
Indianapolis missed out on those two but there’s still a veteran receiver and a defensive back that the Colts could add in free agency right now.
Julio Jones and James Bradberry are both currently free agents. Both will also be good additions for Indianapolis. However, if Indy is interested, it will likely only be able to pursue one of the two. So which player is needed more?
James Bradberry v. Julio Jones, Week 14 pic.twitter.com/ZBxq29n4k6
— Steven Ruiz (@theStevenRuiz) February 19, 2020
Should Colts sign Julio Jones or James Bradberry?
Both former members of the NFC South just finished up seasons with teams they weren’t drafted by. Julio was released by the Titans and Bradberry was let go by the Giants.
However, they both have a case for how they could benefit Indianapolis in its pursuit of a Super Bowl.
The case for Jones is an easy one to understand. In addition to his history with the Colts’ new quarterback, Matt Ryan, Jones will bolster a receiving unit that still needs help.
Even if the 33-year-old is not what he once was, he still will be a big boost for Indianapolis. Last season, Jones battled injuries and had the worst season of his career, playing in only 10 games and catching 31 passes for 434 yards and one touchdown.
While that’s extremely low production for the future Hall of Famer, that would’ve been the second-most receiving yards on the Colts last season behind Michael Pittman Jr.
Bradberry, on the other hand, is just two seasons removed from his first Pro Bowl appearance and is still at the top of his game at 29 years old.
Indianapolis pursuing Bradberry would continue a theme the team followed all offseason: loading up on defense. The majority of Indy’s free agency moves were defensive, highlighted by a trade for Yannick Ngakoue and the signing of Stephon Gilmore.
Signing Bradberry would provide clarity for the cornerback position opposite Gilmore where, currently, Isaiah Rodgers and Brandon Facyson are set to compete for the starting job.
So which would have the bigger impact in Indianapolis.
Will James Bradberry or Julio Jones benefit the Colts more?
Both would be good additions. Bradberry will probably be able to offer Indianapolis more productive seasons but it would make more sense for the Colts to sign Julio Jones right now.
Considering the current depth at corner and receiver, Indianapolis could really use a veteran receiver. Isaiah Rodgers has been very impressive in his appearances at corner in his first two seasons and he appears ready to step up. Additionally, Brandon Facyson has also flashed potential.
At receiver, however, the room is still filled with question marks. It doesn’t look like TY Hilton is coming back and Indy’s top pick, Alec Pierce, is an unknown in the NFL.
Additionally, Parris Campbell has played 15 games in three seasons so the Colts can be hopeful, but they can’t depend on him to be available.
Adding Jones will give Indy a productive veteran receiver that knows how to make plays and will help elevate the overall receiving unit. Adding Bradberry would be good also, and no fans would complain if that happens. But if it’s a choice between the two, Julio is the right answer.
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