The Indianapolis Colts are looking to be more explosive on offense in 2024 and one way to make that happen is with an addition to the receiving corps.
The first matter of business, of course, is the Michael Pittman Jr. contract extension. Chris Ballard will have to either come to an agreement with him by March 5 or use the franchise tag on him.
Odds say that MPJ will be a Colt next season but regardless of whether he walks or stays in Indianapolis, we’re taking a look at 10 receivers who should be on the front office’s radar in free agency.
We should note that we understand a handful of these players won’t even hit the market, but we’re working under the hypothetical scenario that they hit they become available, regardless of how slim the chances are.
1
Mike Evans
Previous Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If the Colts let MPJ test free agency, then Chris Ballard better give a call to one of the most consistent receivers in NFL history. Mike Evans is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. His 79 receptions for 1,255 yards were the most he had in a year since 2018. Evans can offer the offense a downfield threat while having a large presence as a red zone target for his quarterback.
2
Tee Higgins
Previous Team: Cincinnati Bengals
As I alluded to with Evans, if Chris Ballard lets Pittman Jr. test free agency, he has to be in the market to replace his No. 1 receiver. Evans makes sense if you want a proven option as a short-term solution but if the Cincinnati Bengals allow Tee Higgins to hit the market then a potential long-term answer to pair with Anthony Richardson would be available.
Higgins is coming off his statistically worst year since entering the NFL in 2020 but that was due to him missing time with injuries. In the previous two seasons, he crossed the 1,000 receiving-yard mark with Ja’Marr Chase dominating the targets in the Cinci offense. He also can provide the offense as a deep threat and a sizable target in the red zone.
3
Calvin Ridley
Previous Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
In his first season playing since 2021, Calvin Ridley put together the second-best season of his career with 76 catches for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns. He did lack consistency but with a year under his belt and getting his legs underneath him, the former first-round pick still offers the potential leading a receiving corps.
If the Jacksonville Jaguars don’t bring Ridley back then he is a viable replacement if MPJ walks but I also believe with his route-running ability that he can bring a different skill set to go with Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs.
4
Marquise Brown
Previous Team: Arizona Cardinals
If there was one element that was missing in the Indy passing attack in 2023 it was the deep ball with Anthony Richardson. It is the part of AR’s game that can help make the offense more explosive. Marquise Brown can bring that speed to the unit that can take advantage of the quarterback’s arm talent.
Brown hasn’t played a full schedule in the last two seasons so there could be a chance for Chris Ballard to bring him on a one-year prove-it deal.
5
Tyler Boyd
Previous Team: Cincinnati Bengals
If Chris Ballard wanted to go with a solid veteran option to add to his receiver room then he can turn to Tyler Boyd. The eighth-year receiver has seen his numbers drop since the arrival of Ja’Mar Chase and Tee Higgins but he can still provide a team a good option in the slot.
The one concern is that he would potentially take away opportunities from Josh Downs in the slot. With that considered, Shane Steichen’s creative ways can utilize the pair plus Boyd can pass down his experience with the nuances of playing as a slot receiver.
6
Odell Beckham Jr.
Previous Team: Baltimore Ravens
Odell Beckham Jr. is far from the player he once was but he’s another veteran option for Chris Ballard to give some depth in the receiving corps. In the past season, he finished with 35 receptions for 565 yards and three touchdowns. OBJ’s 16.1 yards per reception were a career-high.
Based on his season with the Baltimore Ravens, he appears to be okay playing his role in the offense and giving that veteran voice to the young receivers. If he can provide that with some big catches in moments then I like what Beckham Jr. can bring to the offense.
7
Curtis Samuel
Previous Teams: Washington Commanders
An intriguing player in the receiver market that can be used as an offensive weapon for Shane Steichen is Curtis Samuel. Over the last two seasons, he’s tallied at least 62 catches, 613 yards, and four touchdowns. He also can be used as a runner, he averaged 5.9 YPC in his career and has seven rushing touchdowns. Samuel can be a fun addition to the Steichen offense with his versatility.
8
Gabe Davis
Previous Team: Buffalo Bills
One option that can provide depth that has played in meaningful games is Gabe Davis. He hasn’t emerged as a bonafide No. 2 receiver but can be a solid WR 3/4 for an offense. He’s finished with at least 45 receptions, 745 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns in the last two seasons. Davis can be a deep option in the passing attack and can provide value in the rushing attack with his blocking ability.
9
K.J. Osborn
Previous Teams: Minnesota Vikings
K.J. Osborn has shown that he can be a solid No. 3 receiver in an offense and has stepped up when he needs to slide into a starting role. Since he started getting playing time in 2021, he hasn’t finished below 540 receiving yards and has grabbed 15 touchdowns. What I like is that Osborn can also help stretch the field as a deep option in the passing attack.
10
Darnell Mooney
Previous Team: Chicago Bears
A shot-in-the-dark play could be on Darnell Mooney. The fourth-year receiver showed flashes early in his career but never seemed to put it together and develop into the player some thought he could be. He’s coming off career-low numbers so he can be a cheaper signing for Chris Ballard to make via free agency.
As you can tell on the backend of this list, the reason why I like Mooney is his potential value in the deep passing attack with Anthony Richardson and you would be signing him to compete for the No. 4 receiver role. If a change of scenery sparks his potential then you could get an offseason steal for 2024.
