Most players at some point throughout their careers will hit the free-agent market and get the experience of other teams competing for their services. Up until the 2021 offseason, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton never got to experience that.
Before his rookie contract expired, Hilton signed a five-year, $65 million extension with the Colts. So even though he was in the prime of his career, Hilton took the guaranteed money and playing time with the team that drafted him in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft. He never hit the market for other teams to give him offers.
But that changed this offseason when the Colts allowed the 31-year-old to test free agency and see what’s out there. In his press conference with the media, Hilton said he did enjoy getting recruited by other teams.
“It was definitely fun. Me, I’m a patient guy so I was just back there just chilling, having fun, spending time with the kids, doing whatever I can to just not worry about the situation,” Hilton said last week. “But it was fun to get recruited by other teams though.”
But Hilton also acknowledged the fact that he has a chance to finish his career with the only team he’s ever played for. That helped him make his decision to re-sign with the Colts among other factors.
“It’s very special. Not many guys can say that they did that, so for me to be able to get that chance, it means a lot,” Hilton said. “I love it here. The moment I had the chance to sign back here, it was only right.”
Hilton will be returning as a key piece to the offense and will likely be a favorite target for new quarterback Carson Wentz, who is looking to prove himself worthy of being a quality starter in the league after a disastrous 2020 season.
And while Hilton did enjoy getting recruited in free agency, both he and the Colts are happy he’s wearing the horseshoe again.
