The Indianapolis Colts are seeking tight end depth this off-season after parting ways with Eric Ebron after a disastrous 2019 campaign.
Indy is reportedly interested in adding veteran tight end Delanie Walker.
Walker is a three-time Pro Bowler and has spent 14 years in the NFL.
He is one of the more accomplished tight ends available, but has been injured for most of the last two seasons.
Would bringing in Walker be a good idea for the 2020 season?
The Redskins have expressed interest in TE Delanie Walker. So, too, have the Colts and the Packers, per source. Not sure anything happens fast, but those are the teams who have expressed some level of interest.
— John Keim (@john_keim) March 18, 2020
How Did Walker Perform in 2019?
The 35-year-old has only played in eight total games over the last two seasons.
Walker finished with 21 receptions, 215 yards, and two touchdowns during seven games (four starts) with the Tennessee Titans last season.
He missed a majority of the 2019 season due to a lingering ankle issue.
Walker was only able to play one game in 2018 due to a dislocated ankle.
He has been able to perform well when he’s on the field, but staying healthy has been the biggest concern for Walker.
The Titans and Walker decided to part ways after seven seasons in Tennessee.
It appears there is already three organizations showing interest in the veteran tight end.
Walker’s Career
The last two seasons have been rough for Walker, but he was playing well before that.
Walker has 504 receptions for 5,888 receiving yards and 36 touchdowns through 183 career games.
He began his career with the San Francisco 49ers when they drafted him in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.
Walker never started more than 10 games in a single season during his seven years with the 49ers.
His career really took off once he joined the Titans in 2013.
Walker recorded 60+ receptions, 800+ receiving yards, and three+ touchdown reception seasons from 2014-17.
Sadly, the injury bug slowed him down, but Walker was an elite tight end not too long ago.
Would Walker Fit on the Colts?
The Colts need a second tight end next to Pro Bowler Jack Doyle for the 2020 season.
Jason Michael is currently the tight end coach in Indy, but was the offensive coordinator with the Titans from 2014-15.
Plus bringing in quarterback Philip Rivers is a good sign for the Colts at the tight end spot.
Phillip Rivers season averages when throwing to TEs since 2007:
114 targets, 82 catches, 986 yards, 9 TDs
cc: Jack Doyle
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) March 17, 2020
Rivers and tight end Antonio Gates seemed to be magic together while with the Chargers.
Having a veteran type of player like Walker could be good for the Colts locker room.
All the signs point to Walker being a solid fit for the organization.
What Type of Deal Could Walker Get with Indy?
The last two seasons have been rough for Walker, so it’s unlikely he gets a long-term deal.
He is a 35-year-old tight end that has played eight total games over the last two seasons, so he won’t have much leverage to work with right now.
The Colts would likely be able to bring in Walker on a cheap one-year deal since he hasn’t been healthy for a couple of seasons.
Mo Alie-Cox wants ALL THE SMOKE pic.twitter.com/K6U3CtQE2e
— Carter Donnick (@CDonnick3) November 3, 2019
The Colts do have Doyle already and Mo Alie-Cox showed some promising play last season.
However, Alie-Cox is a better option as a blocker than a pass-catcher.
Indy could use a guy like Walker on their roster since Ebron won’t be with the team anymore.
There’s a starting role available for him and the team has depth with Alie-Cox if Walker gets injured.
This could be a good move for the Colts if it’s a short-term low-cost deal.
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