As we hit the second week of the NFL free agency period, long-time Indianapolis Colts WR T.Y. Hilton remains unsigned. With more and more receivers being signed, rumors are picking up for T.Y. Hilton as he looks for his next landing spot for 2021 and beyond.
T.Y. Hilton Potential Landing Spots
Indianapolis Colts
After nine years and 142 games, it’s hard to imagine T.Y. Hilton playing anywhere other than Indianapolis. While the Colts have spent early picks in the last two drafts on the position, they remain unproven. Michael Pittman showed flashes, especially in their playoff game, but he is unproven as a WR1. Also, Parris Campbell has played only nine games in two seasons, including just two in 2020 after a season-ending leg injury.
[sv slug=”drizly”]Colts fans have been passionate about their desire to see Jim Irsay and Chris Ballard re-sign T.Y. Hilton. At 31 years old, Hilton still has a few more years of high-level production left. Following their trade for Carson Wentz, the Colts would be wise to give their new QB more options to target in 2021.
Philadelphia Eagles
Despite the position being a glaring need entering free agency, the Eagles have reminded stagnant. They’ll likely look toward the NFL Draft to fill this need, but expecting a rookie to take over the lead role could be problematic. Adding T.Y. Hilton would allow whoever is selected to learn the game from one of the NFL’s consummate professionals.
New York Jets
Are the New York Jets satisfied with their offensive skill positions? Adding Corey Davis in free agency will undoubtedly help whoever is under center, but T.Y. Hilton could bolster the position even more. Hilton playing alongside Davis, Denzel Mims, and Jamison Crowder could be one of the better groups in the NFL.
Baltimore Ravens
Right now, the Ravens’ top receiving option is TE Mark Andrews. Marquise Brown finished the 2020 season on a touchdown-streak, but he does not have the skillset to lead the offense. There are rumors of the team speaking with Sammy Watkins, but T.Y. Hilton would be a perfect fit.
The Ravens attempted the fewest passes last season, and while the addition of Hilton would not change the offensive philosophy, it would help make the most of every dropback.
Tennessee Titans
Last year, the worst wide receiver room was the New England Patriots. As of right now, however, that dubious honor would go to the Tennessee Titans. Outside of A.J. Brown, there is no other proven option. On Monday, they signed Josh Reynolds, but to call him consistent would be disingenuous. The other WRs on the depth chart are Cameron Batson, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Chester Rogers, and Marcus Johnson.
After the departure of Corey Davis, Jonnu Smith, and Adam Humphries, the Titans are missing 192 targets (41%), 129 receptions (41%), 1,660 yards (44%), and 15 TDs (45%). With QB Ryan Tannehill accounting for a $29.5 million cap hit, the Titans must give him players to target.
Detroit Lions
Not far behind the Titans in receiving talent is the Detroit Lions. During free agency, they’ve replaced Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones with Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman. Detroit is a team that is looking towards the future rather than competing this season. They are also the current betting favorites to have the No. 1 pick in 2022.
T.Y. Hilton is likely looking for a competing team in 2021, which could knock the Lions out of the running even if rumors do pick up.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers still have yet to give Aaron Rodgers another pass-catching option. Rumors linked Will Fuller to the team, but he ended up in Miami on a one-year, $10.625 million contract.
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Hilton could sign a smaller deal, hoping to re-establish himself as one of the better perimeter threats in the NFL. Paired up with Davante Adams, T.Y. Hilton would see defenses’ second CB, a matchup Aaron Rodgers would love to exploit.
What is T.Y. Hilton’s market value in free agency?
Spotrac has T.Y. Hilton’s estimated value of $10.1 million on a three-year, $30 million contract. Some of the players they use to compare his value include Randall Cobb, Golden Tate, and Emmanuel Sanders.
However, the current market is not conducive to large contracts, and receivers have suffered the most. While his talent is deserving, it remains unclear if cash-strapped teams would be willing to meet this estimate.
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Hilton has been one of the best receivers in the NFL since his rookie season in 2012. From 2013 to 2018, Hilton had 1,000-plus receiving yards in five of six seasons.
Injuries and a stagnant offense slowed him in 2019, but the second half of 2020 showed he still has gas left in the tank. From Weeks 12 to 17, Hilton scored 5 touchdowns on 27 receptions for 435 yards.
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Tommy Garrett is a writer for Pro Football Network covering the NFL and fantasy football. You can read more of his work here and follow him at @TommygarrettPFN on Twitter.