The Indianapolis Colts have been one of the more surprising teams in the NFL during the 2023 season. Entering Week 14, they have a 7-5 record and are holding onto one of the Wild Card spots in the AFC. They have a huge matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday that will go a long way in determining their playoff fates.
Indianapolis is entering the game with a ton of momentum. They have won four straight games, taking advantage of a weak spot in their schedule. All four of their opponents were below the .500 mark, as they have been beating the teams they need to this season.
Going up against the Bengals this weekend, the Colts will need their offense clicking. Even without starting quarterback Joe Burrow, Cincinnati has a dangerous offense led by Jake Browning, who defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13 34-31 in overtime on Monday Night Football.
NFL News & Rumors: Mike Evans, NFL Free Agency, Indianapolis Colts Updates
Given how well the offense has looked this season, there is a lot of excitement about what the future can hold for the Colts. Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, had his rookie season cut short because of a shoulder injury suffered in Week 5. Given his immense potential, there is another level for this group to get to once he is healthy next season.
For that rise to occur, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to add some more weaponry to the offense. Rookie wide receiver Josh Downs has been excellent as the No. 2 option behind Michael Pittman Jr., who is having a career season.
But, this is an offense that is one receiver away from truly being great. That is why Matt Holder of Bleacher Report has named Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a 2024 free agent target for the team.
“Mike Evans is an interesting free agent, because he’s spent his entire career in Tampa Bay but the Bucs’ window has closed. They are contending in a weak NFC South, but it’s unclear if that’s enough for them to pay their vets and keep the core together.
NFL News & Rumors: Mike Evans, NFL Free Agency, Indianapolis Colts Updates
If Evans hits free agency, the Colts should get involved. They need to retain Pittman after the season he’s having, but they are one more receiver away from having a great trio for Anthony Richardson to work with next season. Evans is a quarterback’s best friend with his ability to go up and win at the catch point,” wrote Holder.
If the Colts are going to spend lavishly on skill position players, the time to do so is now. Richardson is going to be on his rookie contract for a few more years, providing them the chance to spend money elsewhere before he has to get paid.
Retaining Pittman and bringing in Evans would provide him with two go-to receivers and a skilled slot man in Downs. Add in running back Jonathan Taylor, who signed an extension earlier this season, and the Colts would have the makings of one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL.
Evans surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the 10th straight season to begin his career, extending his own record. He is the only player, along with Jerry Rice, to have 10+ 1,000-yard receiving seasons at any point in their career as he would make for an excellent complement to Pittman as outside receivers in this offense.
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