The Indianapolis Colts are entering a new era with Shane Steichen taking over as head coach. He was hired away from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason after spending two years as their offensive coordinator. He will have his work cut out for him to get this offense back on track.
Indianapolis’s biggest issue in the last few seasons has been finding an answer at the quarterback position. What Frank Reich was able to accomplish cycling through different veteran quarterbacks every season during his tenure was quite an impressive feat.
Steichen is going to have the luxury of working with one of the top prospects in this year’s draft class. Regardless of who that player ends up being, this is an offense that needs to add some more weapons in the passing game.
Michael Pittman Jr. has been relied upon to carry the passing offense since being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The team selected Alec Pierce in 2022 to help, but a big void was created with Parris Campbell signing with the New York Giants in free agency.
Finding a slot receiver is of the utmost importance to help get this offense back on track. One player suggested as a potential target to replace Campbell is Jerry Jeudy of the Denver Broncos.
Jeudy has the skill set to play either in the slot or out wide. He is an excellent route runner and separates from defenders with ease regardless of where he is set up in the alignment. Jeudy would be an excellent complement working from the slot with Pittman and Pierce on the perimeter and can kick outside when needed in two-receiver sets.
The asking price to acquire Jeudy, however, could be a sticking point. The Broncos are reportedly seeking a first-round pick in exchange for him, a price the Colts aren’t going to meet; they are in a position to select their quarterback of the future with the No. 4 overall pick.
Indianapolis does have a full allotment of selections at its disposal to build a trade package with. But, with the market for Jeudy looking to be a competitive one, the Colts may end up sitting out as they know they are more than a slot receiver away from contending this upcoming season.
The future financials are also something that the franchise would have to consider. Pittman is entering the final year of his contract and a decision will have to be made about Jeudy’s fifth-year option.
Paying two wide receivers big contracts likely isn’t in the long-term plans of the Colts brass. But, it certainly is an intriguing proposition to add a player the caliber of Jeudy to an offense that very well may have a rookie leading it at some point in 2023.
