The Indianapolis Colts will be entering free agency with more salary cap space than most teams in the NFL, which could lead them to add talent to the wide receiver corps.
Entering free agency, the Colts have a massive need to add talent and depth to the wide receiver position. They have a strong WR1 in T.Y. Hilton, but there isn’t much depth after him. The free agent crop isn’t totally strong, but there are some options for the Colts to consider.
Here are seven free agent wide receivers for the Colts to consider:
Golden Tate | Philadelphia Eagles | Age: 30
With the Colts maintaining their quick-passing offense, much of the success relies on the abilities of the pass catcher after the reception. Tate’s abilities after the catch are unparalleled throughout the league as he’s been of the premier YAC players throughout his career.
>>> Golden Tate Free Agency Profile <<<
Tate’s age is up there, but he still showed in 2018 that he can be a strong inside piece that moves the offense after the catch. He gets a quick release off of the line of scrimmage and has reliable hands at the catch point.
The Colts won’t need to sign him to a long deal, but if they can scoop up the veteran wide receiver, the offense would certainly take a step forward.
Tyrell Williams | Los Angeles Chargers | Age: 26
A lengthy wide receiver that has been known to make big plays throughout his career, Williams is one of the favorites for the Colts to land this offseason. As the top option on the market, Williams will likely command a lot of dough.
>>> Tyrell Williams Free Agency Profile <<<
A long-strider after the catch, Williams can work both as an intermediate target and vertical threat. His ability to work both in the slot and on the outside would work well with the Colts’ multiple offense.
If there is one wide receiver the Colts should pursue heavily, it is Williams given his age, skill set and promise in Frank Reich’s offense.
Chris Conley | Kansas City Chiefs | Age: 26
One of the more underrated free agents at the position, Conley would be a perfect fit for the Colts. His history with Chris Ballard is a plus and being an extremely athletic pass catcher works in his favor to be a nice addition.
>>> Chris Conley Free Agency Profile <<<
Conley brings an impressive mix of size, athleticism and after-catch ability that would make him a solid addition to the wide receiver corps. With the size to also be a red-zone target, Conley’s upside is high, but he shouldn’t be overly expensive in free agency.
I might be a little higher on Conley given his immense athleticism, but he should be among the top targets for the Colts in free agency.
Adam Humphries | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Age: 26
Primarily a slot receiver, Humphries is a reliable pass catcher inside that creates yards after the catch. He gets solid separation at the line of scrimmage and should be among the top options for the Colts when the new league year begins in March.
>>> Adam Humphries Free Agency Profile <<<
Humphries would give Andrew Luck an electric and reliable option from the slot after catching 72 percent of his passes in 2018. His abilities after the catch would allow the Colts to continue getting the ball out of Luck’s hands quickly.
Humphries is still in his prime and though he should expect a pay increase, the former Buccaneer would be a nice fit for the Colts.
John Brown | Baltimore Ravens | Age: 28
A small frame but a strong downfield threat, Brown’s skillset doesn’t truly match with what the Colts offense does in the passing game. They like to stretch the field horizontally while Brown’s game is more vertical.
>>> John Brown Free Agency Profile <<<
I’m not as high on Brown as some others, but he’s still an option they could pursue. He had a strong season with the Ravens averaging 17.0 yards-per-reception in 2018 and has always been a big-play receiver.
Brown struggles with drops and has a bit of an injury history, but he’s still young enough and explosive enough to warrant consideration from the Colts.
Devin Funchess | Carolina Panthers | Age: 24
It seems Funchess’ time with the Panthers is coming to an end as he hasn’t truly lived up to his draft price as a second-round pick. A big-bodied wide receiver, Funchess shows shades of being an elite red-zone threat, but the inconsistencies are worrisome.
Still, Funchess is just 24 years old and has the tools to be a successful wide receiver in the NFL. He shouldn’t be expensive given he’s a 6-foot-4 pass catcher that only caught four touchdown passes in 2018.
Funchess isn’t someone the Colts necessarily need to pursue heavily, but he could be a potential answer to their void on the outside opposite T.Y. Hilton.
Jamison Crowder | Washington Redskins | Age: 25
Another shifty slot receiver, Crowder is coming off of an injury-riddled 2018 season while also dealing with incredibly inconsistent quarterback play following the departure of Kirk Cousins.
Devastating after the catch, Crowder would thrive in the Colts’ quick-passing offense if he can prove to stay healthy. He won’t be someone that plays on the outside, but he would be an immediate impact pass catcher in the slot.
Even from the slot, Crowder has averaged 12.5 yards per catch. Price isn’t an issue with the Colts, but he should still be relatively cheap.
