The Indianapolis Colts’ offense is largely identical to what it was in 2025.
This attack, commanded by Daniel Jones, had been destroying defenses and posting league-best statistics until the wheels fell off after an 8-2 start.
However, the most significant shift is that Alec Pierce will assume the WR1 position after Michael Pittman Jr. was dealt to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The departure of Indianapolis’ best wide receiver over the previous five seasons raises questions about the wide receiver corps.
There are numerous ways to acquire more ability, but for Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, it’s all about taking an aggressive swing.
That aggressive motion was reserved for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A. J. Brown.
The Indianapolis Colts re-signed big-play receiver Alec Pierce this offseason, but also moved Michael Pittman Jr.
They did not draft a wide receiver until selecting Deion Burks in Round 7 and should try to recruit a veteran before camp.
That might include bringing in a player like Keenan Allen or Stefon Diggs. The Colts should also try to reunite A. J. Brown and head coach Shane Steichen.
Knox immediately considers signing Keenan Allen or Stefon Diggs as veteran acquisitions from the free agency discard pile. These are far more realistic for Indianapolis and would be excellent signings.
Trading for Brown is, however, much less likely. But, having said that, it’s Indianapolis’ most effective method to advance this receiving group.
Brown has previously played in Shane Steichen’s offense, therefore if the Colts make a blockbuster deal for the superb pass-catcher, it won’t be a huge change.
Brown’s connection with the Eagles has been rocky recently, but he is still an important element of their attack, and he would improve the Colts’ wide receiver room, possibly making it better than when Pittman was a member of it.
Brown has consistently produced exceptional numbers, whether for the Tennessee Titans or the Eagles.
Brown has never caught fewer than 52 passes or gained less than 869 receiving yards in his rookie season. He has 524 receptions for 8,029 yards and 56 touchdowns in 105 career games.
As in previous year, Brown grabbed 78 passes for 1,003 receiving yards and seven scores. Brown is one of the league’s top receivers, as evidenced by his three Pro Bowls and three Second-Team All-Pro selections.
Let’s review why this is so improbable: Brown has a three-year, $96 million contract that expires after the 2029 season. Indy has cap space, but a contract like that would be difficult to manage.
The Colts are unable to hand over a considerable number of assets for an elite receiver after trading away their first-round selections in 2026 and 2027 in exchange for Sauce Gardner last season.
It appears amazing on paper, really. However, the Colts are unlikely to trade for Brown.
It’s a make-or-break year for Steichen and Chris Ballard, but they can only operate in a way that makes sense without mortgaging the future.
The Colts should look for a player like as Allen, Diggs, or Deebo Samuel in free agency if they want to create a substantial impact on the receiver room.
Regardless of what they do, Indy requires a clear WR3. Deion Burks is interesting, but he will be a seventh-round rookie, and the Colts need someone more proven so Burks doesn’t feel the need to put up those types of stats immediately.
It will be interesting to see how Chris Ballard handles this important offensive situation.
