The 2021 NFL season was a roller coaster ride for the Indianapolis Colts that ended in misery. With a chance to punch a playoff ticket in Week 18 against the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars, the Colts came up way short. It wasn’t the ending that the team was hoping for, but it’s the reality of the situation and Chris Ballard now must focus on improving the team to ensure that this won’t happen in 2022.
One of the biggest questions of the offseason will surround the future of quarterback Carson Wentz. Some believe that the Colts should move on from Wentz after just one year, but others think that they should try to surround him with more talent.
It’s clear that the Colts need better weapons at the wide receiver position. T.Y. Hilton is no longer a shell of his former self, Zach Pascal was practically non-existent this season, Parris Campbell got hurt once again, and Michael Pittman Jr. is good but not a true top wideout.
All of that being said, let’s dive in and take a look at three wide receivers the Colts should target this offseason.
3. Allen Lazard, Packers, Free Agency
One intriguing option for the Colts could be Packers’ impending free agent Allen Lazard. He isn’t a big name and may not be a true No. 1 wideout himself, but if Pittman takes another step forward Lazard would be a great No. 2. Lazard is set to hit free agency and would love to have a bigger role than he has had behind Davante Adams in Green Bay.
During the 2021 season with Green Bay, Lazard racked up 40 receptions for 513 yards and eight touchdowns. Not bad for the Packers’ No. 2 wide receiver.
Lazard is the kind of target that would not break the bank for the Colts. He would come on an affordable contract and would help take the Indianapolis offense to a better level. This is a sleeper free agency target to watch.
2. David Bell, Purdue, NFL Draft
Due to the trade for Wentz, the Colts will not have a first-round pick in this draft class. However, there is one in-state target that they should already be looking at. That target would be Purdue standout David Bell.
Bell had yet another great season for the Boilermakers in 2021. He caught 93 passes for 1,286 yards and six touchdowns. Those numbers came without Bell even playing in Purdue’s bowl game.
Standing in at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Bell would be a great fit for the Colts’ offense. He has great speed, excellent route-running ability, and elite instincts. Bell would be able to come in and immediately become a starter for the Colts and a potential long-term No. 1 receiver.
1. Chris Godwin, Buccaneers, Free Agency
Some fans would be concerned about pursuing Chris Godwin due to the torn ACL that he suffered earlier this season. He still has a long way to go in recovery, but would absolutely be able to return at some point in 2022. There is a good chance he could be fully recovered by the time the season starts.
Godwin was an absolute star for the Buccaneers over the last few years. He would come in immediately as the Colts’ top wideout. Indianapolis should focus on Godwin as their No. 1 offseason free agency target.
In 14 games with the Buccaneers this season, Godwin caught 98 passes for 1,103 yards and five touchdowns. He racked up that production with both Mike Evans and Antonio Brown alongside him at wide receiver. Godwin would put up even bigger production as the clear-cut No. 1 in Indianapolis and the Colts should look to make that happen.
