The Indianapolis Colts are determined to add more weapons for quarterback Andrew Luck this NFL offseason.
With a questionable running back position and an unsettled wide receiver depth chart, Luck was too often asked to do most of the work last year.
T.Y. Hilton is an electric young wideout and Donte Moncrief is a bigger body who seemed to more fully come into his own as the year went along and the team signed Duron Carter out of the CFL already, so there is talent in place.
The Colts though, according to a report from Jason Cole of Bleacher Report, don't trust Hakeem Nicks to stay healthy and, as such, are eyeing a couple of NFL trades for veteran receivers.
"That's why they've looked at about four guys at this point in time - Brandon Marshall of Chicago if he's available in trade, Andre Johnson if the Texans decide to let him go, Mike Wallace same issue there, they asked around about Vincent Jackson. Vincent Jackson's not going to be available," said Cole.
He believes that Marshall is the guy the team will target, based on his playing style and their scheme.
"The guy who fits the mold the best for them in terms of playing style is likely Brandon Marshall, who may not be long for Chicago, may be looking for a landing spot but this might work out best. His size, his speed, his route running. Now, there may be some issues in terms of maturity, whether he'll handle it. But they believe that with Andrew Luck at quarterback, they can bring in Brandon Marshall and feel safe about that."
Marshall had a down year last season, finishing with 61 receptions, 721 yards and eight touchdowns - the first time in seven seasons he hasn't posted at least 1,000-yards receiving. There has been talk since the season ended that he may not last in Chicago due to his temperament and questionable dedication to the game.
As for veteran receiver Reggie Wayne, Cole believes the team simply may not want him back even if he does decide to return for his 15th NFL season.
"Even if Wayne does decide to come back, in talking to sources around the league, in the Colts organization, they believe that Wayne is probably lost his luster as the No. 2 receiver, they're probably to going to have to find another answer. That's what they're anticipating at this time, that's why the Colts have been checking out other names," said Cole.
Watching Wayne play for another NFL team would, no doubt, be difficult for fans of the Colts, but if he's replaced in the lineup by a guy like Marshall or Wallace, the sting of the loss may lessen a bit.
