The Indianapolis Colts’ 2023 season took a turn for the worst in Week 5. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson suffered a shoulder injury against the Tennessee Titans and it was ultimately decided that he should undergo surgery. It was a season-ending injury, as the Colts need to figure out a way to keep him healthy in 2024 and beyond.
In addition to keeping him healthy, the Colts should be on the lookout for some upgrades to the supporting cast around him. Signing running back Jonathan Taylor to a long-term deal was a nice start, giving him a strong running back to lean on and take some of the pressure off of him.
Finding some more wide receiver help should be next on the to-do list. With Michael Pittman Jr. entering free agency in 2024, the team could have a huge void at the position. Pittman has proven capable of being a No. 1 go-to receiver but could use some help.
Rookie Josh Downs has been productive with Gardner Minshew as the quarterback. He has quickly surpassed 2022 second-round pick Alec Pierce on the pecking order as he is second on the team with 40 receptions for 473 yards and two touchdowns.
Beyond Pittman and Downs, the Colts have received virtually zero production from their pass catchers. Pierce is third on the team with only 17 receptions through eight games. Taylor, who has played in only four, is sixth with 10 receptions.
It is a weakness that Indianapolis attempted to fill ahead of the trade deadline. According to a source who spoke to NFL Analysis Network, the Colts attempted to make a trade for Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Juedy but were turned down. The source believes wide receiver will be a position the team pursues aggressively in the offseason.
“The Colts did pursue Jeudy before the trade deadline, but ultimately Denver didn’t want to move him. I expect the Colts to be very active on the wide receiver market in free agency and via trade in the offseason.”
Some excellent wide receivers will be available in free agency in 2024, joining Pittman. Mike Evans, Tee Higgins, Darnell Mooney, Tyler Boyd, Gabe Davis, Marquise Brown, Calvin Ridley and Michael Thomas are all on expiring contracts. Jeudy will likely be on the trade market again, along with Brandon Aiyuk.
The opportunity to add a pass catcher will exist for the Colts. Bringing in any of the aforementioned players, along with re-signing Pittman, would provide Richardson with one of the strongest skill position groupings in the NFL.
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