Will Parris Campbell re-sign or will Colts have to look to these potential replacements?
By Brad Marr
The Indianapolis Colts have a decision to make regarding the next move for Parris Campbell, who’s set to become a free agent in March.
The 2019 second-round draft pick, Parris Campbell, may be onto new beginnings as the Indianapolis Colts are set to bring in a new regime in 2023. Parris Campbell’s career in Indy has been a disappointing one on almost every level. Injuries have caused multiple setbacks and the quarterback carousel the Colts have voluntarily jumped on hasn’t procured a promising projected future for wide receiver development. There are a lot of grey areas forming over the future of Parris Campbell in Indy.
This past season was by far the best year of Campbell’s career as he accumulated 63 receptions on 91 targets for 623 yards and three touchdowns. All marks were the second-best on the team behind Michael Pittman Jr.
Previously, Colts general manager, Chris Ballard, had high praise for the speedy wide receiver. Of course, that was before the distraught season Indianapolis had. Considering how bad things got, it makes decisions even tougher moving forward. At what point do you move on to the future of the franchise instead of holding onto homegrown players?
Hopefully, now. The next chapter for both parties could begin in 2023. On social media, it seems Campbell is already eyeing the possibility of moving on to a new team, and the Colts should follow suit. The options moving forward for the Colts to replace Parris Campbell in the offense are less risky than containing a player who in four seasons played in just 22 games out of a possible 68. Whether that be drafting a guy come April or signing a player come March, it makes sense here to move on.
Michael Pittman Jr. is the clear-cut WR1 for the Colts and Alec Pierce had a promising rookie campaign to build on moving forward. Getting the difference maker to stretch the field and give your core players an opportunity would be the highlight of whoever fills the open role in the offense.
Free agent receivers Colts could sign to replace Parris Campbell
Mecole Hardman
Currently, in the middle of another Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl run, Mecole Hardman would indisputably fulfill the role left open if Campbell were to leave in free agency and then some. Serving as the WR2 to one of the most game-changing players in NFL history, Hardman has the speed of Tyreek Hill and the ability to triple the production to what Parris Campbell posted.
Darius Slayton
The New York Giants wide receiver has accounted for some huge plays in his young career and has even been pieced in trade rumors associated with the Colts in previous seasons. A complimentary playmaker that could plug right into the role.
DJ Chark
After tormenting the Colts for a couple of years in Jacksonville, Chark could be the priciest option on the list since his year in Detroit showcased a similar role to Campbell’s. His 500 yards and three touchdowns were identical to what the Colts saw from Parris Campbell in 2022.
Olamide Zaccheaus
A more under-the-radar chain mover, Zaccheaus was reliable in a low-tier Atlanta offense and has outproduced Campbell comparingly in their careers. Also, if the plan is to retain quarterback Matt Ryan, adding someone with chemistry might be ideal.
Did you start Olamide Zaccheaus in your fantasy playoffs today?
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 8, 2019
93-yard TD reception from Matt Ryan.
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/Oe2dZVkdKP
Trent Sherfield
Another player that has spent time playing with Tyreek Hill, an association with a presumed Hall of Famer high points the option as a player for the Colts. A specific head coaching candidate from the Shanahan tree, DeMeco Ryans, could establish a new offense Sherfield has seen before.
Wide receiver has been a spotlight issue for the Colts for a number of years now, is 2023 finally the year for the Colts to overcome disappointment and set forth change in the position? If it is these names could be a part of that change.
