The Indianapolis Colts have done a solid job this offseason, but still have areas of concern heading into the offseason.
One of the biggest holes in the current organization is the lack of depth at the wide receiver position.
Four-time Pro Bowl receiver T.Y. Hilton appears to be the only reliable wideout for Indy heading into the 2020 season.
The 30-year-old receiver is due to be a free agent after the 2020 season and his future with the Colts is unknown.
Hilton is reportedly going to be one of the top free agents in 2021, so the Colts are going to have a big decision on their hands this season.
Only five players remain from the 2016-17 #Colts roster:
• T.Y. Hilton
• Jack Doyle
• Anthony Castonzo
• Ryan Kelly
• Luke RhodesChris Ballard completely rebuilt this organization to fit his vision in only three years.
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) April 5, 2020
Hilton’s Career
The Colts drafted Hilton in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
He has spent each of the last eight seasons as a member of the Colts organization.
Hilton’s best season as a member of the Colts was the 2016 season.
He finished with 91 receptions, 1,448 receiving yards, and six touchdowns through 16 games that season.
Hilton has been reliable throughout his career, but has battled some injuries during his last two campaigns.
The 2019 season wasn’t his best season on paper, but Hilton was only able to play in 10 games for the Colts.
Hilton has hauled in 552 receptions, 8,598 receiving yards, and 45 touchdowns through 118 with the Colts in his career.
Lack of Depth at Receiver
The Colts have been unable to find a reliable option to pair next to Hilton for quite some time now.
Hilton deserves plenty of credit for all that he’s accomplished throughout his career for this organization.
Indy has asked a lot from Hilton and he has been there when they’ve called his number.
The Colts are expected to draft some wide receiver depth during the upcoming draft.
They’ve been linked to plenty of the big-name options, but the Colts really need to make this draft count.
The organization is desperate for weapons on offense, especially after the departure of tight end Eric Ebron this offseason.
With a loaded wide receiver pool in this year's #NFLDraft, who would you like to see the #Colts pick in the second round? pic.twitter.com/ty0eLaKOdI
— Circle City Sports (@CircleCitySport) April 5, 2020
The Colts cannot afford to lose Hilton next season without a reliable option to take his place.
Hilton is already over 30 years old and the Colts need to try and find their next superstar receiver.
It’s unclear at the moment if Hilton plans to leave after the 2020 season, but the Colts need to add depth regardless of his decision.
What Type of Deal Could Hilton Receive?
Hilton is currently playing in the final year of a five-year $65 million deal.
That deal was signed during the prime of his career and guaranteed him $28 million.
That sounds like a lot of money, but Hilton is also a four-time Pro Bowl receiver and was well worth the contract at the time.
He’ll be heading into his age 32 season in 2021, which means he won’t get quite the same amount of money this time around.
Hilton could get something around three years $30-40 million, but it’s going to depend on how he performs during the 2020 season.
Can the Colts Afford Hilton?
It’s unknown what his price tag is going to be, but the Colts have other concerns as well.
The Colts will have both Philip Rivers and Jacoby Brissett coming off the books in 2021.
They don’t have much of a future mapped out at quarterback, so that could be an issue.
Running back Marlon Mack is set to become a free agent as well next season.
The Colts have multiple key players set to hit free agency in 2021.
This organization needs to pinpoint which players are essential to this organization before the end of the 2020 season.
The Colts offense would look different without Hilton lining up for them, but at least they still have one more season before they must figure out this situation.
NEXT: Colts Surge Up NFL Power Rankings After Free Agency
