The Indianapolis Colts had one of the most disappointing ends to a season in recent memory across any sport in 2021. All they had to do was defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars, who had two wins, in Week 18 and they would qualify for the postseason.
They were unable to do it, as the Jaguars blew them out, 26-11. That followed a tough 23-20 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders the week prior that would have also put them in a position to make the playoffs.
Given the fact the Colts began the season 1-4, they were lucky to even be in a position to make the playoffs. But, to miss out in the fashion they did, leaves a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. So, you can be sure there will be changes made during the offseason.
The quarterback position is where a lot of people will have their attention fixated. Carson Wentz was underwhelming in his first season with the Colts, unable to step up when the team needed him the most.
While his performance was rightfully scrutinized at times, he wasn’t provided the best weapons to work with. Michael Pittman Jr. has cemented himself as a legitimate No. 1 option, but T.Y Hilton and Parris Campbell could not stay healthy, leaving a void behind Pittman on the pecking order.
Luckily for Indianapolis, there will be a few wide receivers that could help upgrade the position for them. If it were up to PFF, the one player that the Colts would target is JuJu Smith-Schuster of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Smith-Schuster’s 2021 season was derailed by a shoulder injury that was thought to be season-ending. However, he was able to return for the team’s Wild Card game against the Kansas City Chiefs, which should mean he will be 100 percent ready once training camp and the regular season rolls around.
The 25-year old has spent his entire career with the Steelers but has been unable to replicate the success he had when he was the No. 2 behind Antonio Brown. Landing on a team that has a go-to option in Pittman could help him return to the levels he was able to obtain the first two seasons in the NFL.
Smith-Schuster would be an excellent security blanket for Wentz, or whoever is under center for the Colts in 2022. He is sure-handed and is willing to do the dirty work in the run game, which Indianapolis’s offense is built upon.
