Who is the top free agent wide receiver target for the Colts?
The Indianapolis Colts had the most disappointing Week 18 loss in the NFL, but they can still hold their heads high in 2022. Jonathan Taylor proved to be a gift from the football gods, as he unveiled 1,811 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns in 2021.
The Colts had an underperforming QB in Carson Wentz, but they still claimed a 9-8 record last season. It seems likely that they will look to ship out their expensive QB and bring in a more sharp, inspiring signal-caller.
Outside of the pivotal QB situation, the Colts have a major question mark at the WR spot. Their long-time star T.Y. Hilton is a free agent in 2022 and it seems likely that money and fit may not be tempting for him to return. If Hilton leaves Indy, where could the Colts look to replace him? Well, I will outline a few candidates that would be smart replacements for TY.
Marquise Goodwin
Marquise Goodwin holds a very similar skillset to Hilton, but he will be cheaper and potentially less rusty than Hilton. After all, Hilton wasn’t magical with his 331 yards in 10 games last season. The Bears speed demon (Goodwin) registered 313 yards in 14 games with the Bears last season.
Goodwin might be known for his Olympic speed, but he can be a serious asset at the WR and KR spots. He could be the x-factor that Frank Reich wants in his Jonathan Taylor-led offense.
Christian Kirk
It will be hard for the Colts to sign Christian Kirk, but it might be worth it. He’s 25 years old and coming off a career season with 77 catches, 982 yards, and 5 touchdowns. Kirk would be a fantastic complement to imposing Michael Pittman Jr. in the WR room for years to come.
The Bills have been rumored to target him as a replacement for Emmanual Sanders, but the Colts could prioritize him with their seventh-ranked most cap space in the league.
Tavon Austin
The Colts can sign RB/WR/KR Tavon Austin and hope he blossoms late in his career in a similar way that Cordarralle Patterson did with the Atlanta Falcons. Austin wasn’t helped by Jeff Fisher early in his career, but he could be a nice chess piece in Reich’s offense. Austin would be the ultimate low-risk high reward signing for the Colts.
