Now is the time for Colts to decide if they will add a veteran receiver

Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons (left) and T.Y. Hilton of the Indianapolis Colts.Coltfalccover
Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons (left) and T.Y. Hilton of the Indianapolis Colts.Coltfalccover /
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Following the offseason program, the Indianapolis Colts will have to decide if they want to add a veteran receiver to the offense.

With mandatory minicamp now wrapped up, the Indianapolis Colts are almost done with their offseason program. Soon, they will break until everyone returns for training camp. When they return, Indy may have some new additions.

OTAs and minicamp are used as an evaluation period. It allows the coaches and front office to get a look at the current roster and see if there are any moves that need to be made before the start of training camp.

This offseason, the position group that was being watched the closest was Indy’s wide receivers. The wideout unit has been considered the weakest group on the Colts and it consists of many young guys that need to take the next step.

Frank Reich and Chris Ballard have expressed their belief in the young receivers and wanted to give them a chance before they added any more players. Now that they’ve got to watch them throughout the offseason program, it’s decision time.

Will Colts add a veteran receiver?

Earlier in the offseason, Ballard revealed that signing a veteran wide receiver wasn’t off the table, but they wanted to get the young guys some opportunity and see how they perform. The Colts’ next steps will reveal how they feel about the young receivers.

If Indianapolis doesn’t sign anyone, that means the current group of wideouts impressed and the team is confident entering the season with them. If the Colts do push to add a receiver, that means the young guys aren’t ready yet.

The options for Indianapolis are TY Hilton and Julio Jones, both veterans with connections to Indy. Hilton played his entire career with the Colts and could return for his 11th season. Jones played the majority of his career in Atlanta with Matt Ryan and could reconnect with his quarterback.

Both players will be good options for Indy and will provide the Colts with depth in the receiver room and established playmakers. However, Indianapolis may decide not to sign them which would mean there’s great confidence in the unproven receivers.