Indianapolis Colts: T.Y. Hilton Up For Grabs via Trade

The Indianapolis Colts lost another difficult game. With Andrew Luck nowhere near a return it looks like they’re done for 2017.

GM Chris Ballard is now faced with a decision. Does he try to hold out for another year in hopes Luck will return? Or does he try to jump start a rapid rebuild by acquiring as much money and draft assets as he can? There is a growing belief given the state of the roster that it will be the latter. Already word is persisting that cornerback Vontae Davis is up for grabs. It seems one of his prominent teammates on the offensive side is set to join him.

Hilton is having himself a good year. The 27-year old has 527 yards through eight games, putting him on pace for his fifth-straight 1,000-yard season. The fact he’s doing this with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback should only be enhancing his value. As to what that price might be? Projections are it’s likely in the neighborhood of a 2nd round pick. Given his age and production that feels like the right price range.

It’s a matter of which teams might consider making that move. Here are a few to keep watch on.

Cleveland Browns

DeShone Kizer hasn’t played well to this point but then again the Browns have mismanaged his array of weapons. Those that had talent were either allowed to leave this year or got injured. He can’t be expected to progress until there is somebody on the field he can rely on. Cleveland is overloaded with extra draft picks including three 2nd rounders in 2018 alone. They could easily part with one to acquire Hilton and start that process.

Oakland Raiders

It’s hard to say where things have gone wrong for the Oakland Raiders. Nothing that worked last year is working anymore. The biggest thing is their inability to throw the ball at will like last year. Amari Cooper is good and Michael Crabtree is solid but as a pair they aren’t scaring defenses anymore. So try to imagine what happens when Hilton gets thrown into that mix? Derek Carr will have a litany of options with which to slice defenses up like never before.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterback Plunge Creates Chaos

Chicago Bears

But wait, people say. Didn’t the Bears just trade for Dontrelle Inman? They sure did and with respect to the veteran he’s not going to solve their problem. He’ll make it easier but Chicago has a glaring lack of talent at receiver. By dealing for Hilton they give Mitch Trubisky him and Inman as a combo. That’s something to work with. With the expected return of Cameron Meredith next year, presuming he re-signs, that group suddenly becomes interesting.