For nine years, T.Y. Hilton has been a playmaker and a fan-favorite for the Indianapolis Colts.
Since his debut in 2012, he ranks third in games played, fourth in yards, and tenth in receptions amongst wide receivers.
He has recorded 1,000 yards on five separate occasions, topping out at 1,448 yards in 2016.
Hilton has excelled as a deep threat, stretching the field vertically and creating chunk plays.
T.Y. Hilton on 20+ yards throws since 2012:
👻 94 catches (2nd)
👻 3,411 yards (2nd)Hilton ranks as WR8 and No.39 overall in PFF’s free-agent rankings pic.twitter.com/68EwDNwZzy
— PFF (@PFF) March 13, 2021
He’s slowed down in recent years due to injury, but he can still be a productive player.
While Indianapolis wants to retain his services, there is a chance that they get outbid by a more desperate team.
Just got off the phone with #Colts WR T.Y. Hilton. "I spoke with Chris (Ballard) before I left town last Tuesday. He told me he would at least like a chance to match any potential offer I get on the market. I'm just gonna let other teams do their due diligence at this point."
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 15, 2021
And even with the crazy spending spree that ensued on the first day of free agency, Hilton is sure to have plenty of suitors left.
Here are three teams that would be an ideal fit for the longtime Colt.
Green Bay Packers
Of the teams listed, the Green Bay Packers might be the best on-field match for Hilton.
They are firmly in win-now mode after fizzling out in consecutive NFC Championship games.
They also desperately need someone to pair with Davante Adams.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard have performed adequately, though they are better as tertiary options.
They also technically have Devin Funchess on the roster, who was supposed to occupy that secondary role.
Unfortunately, he has just played one game over the last two seasons, suffering a clavicle injury in 2019 and opting out of the 2020 season.
Hilton would be a seamless fit and would draw attention away from their All-Pro receiver.
It also would not hurt to give Aaron Rodgers another legitimate weapon.
Signing Hilton would certainly appease their quarterback, who has expressed frustration with the lack of receiving support Green Bay has given him in recent years.
Aaron Rodgers told @KyleBrandt he poured four fingers of tequila and FaceTimed a bunch of people after the Packers drafted Jordan Love.
I’m not sure he’s ever been more relatable to Packer fans. pic.twitter.com/8kYVKe9ogV
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) July 28, 2020
Even though the Packers do not have a lot of cap space to work with, they have to try everything possible to extend their championship window.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs would also serve as a fantastic destination for Hilton.
Matching the top-50 NFL free agents to teams.
* Kenny Golladay: Washington
* Corey Davis: Colts
* Haason Reddick: Giants
* Justin Houston: Ravens
* Jadeveon Clowney: Rams
* TY Hilton: Chiefs
* Richard Sherman: Packers
More here:https://t.co/zCiWAap7E0
— Sheil Kapadia (@SheilKapadia) March 11, 2021
He would almost be guaranteed another postseason appearance and also get to play in the most explosive offense in the league.
Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce are three of the best players at their positions and are matchup nightmares.
However, they could use another wide receiver behind Hill.
Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson are unlikely to return, leaving a vacancy in the offense.
Mecole Hardman could theoretically take over, but he has yet to show that he is more than just an excellent special teamer.
Hilton is a proven veteran that can operate all over the field and run different routes.
And with teams too busy trying to contain Hill and Kelce, Hilton would be free to do work against weaker defenders.
Miami Dolphins
If Hilton wanted to maintain his status as an alpha receiver while still playing for a burgeoning contender, though, the Miami Dolphins might be the best landing spot.
Green Bay and Miami are expected to show interest in #Colts WR T.Y. Hilton once the legal tampering period opens tomorrow, per @JFowlerESPN. pic.twitter.com/sEHXPjgXK4
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) March 14, 2021
It would be a homecoming of sorts for the 31-year-old, who grew up in the city and played at nearby Florida International University.
He would provide a valuable veteran presence on a young team ready to establish itself as a force to be reckoned with.
Plus, Miami needs receivers who can create quick separation and easy throwing windows for Tua Tagavailoa.
For a rookie quarterback that struggled with his decision-making, having a crafty receiver would make his life a lot easier.
DeVante Parker and Mike Gesicki are talented in their own right but are better at high-pointing balls and making contested catches.
Hilton can beat corners at the line of scrimmage with his exceptional route running and give Tagavailoa easy completions.
He can help elevate this offense and bring them back to the postseason for the first time in five years.
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