Free agency can be a blessing and a curse depending on which side you’re on. For T.Y. Hilton it looks like a blessing, as the wide receiver has stated he’d like to stay with the Colts, the only team Hilton has ever played for, but he is also open to a new challenge. Hilton comes off of a steady 2020 season which saw him score 5 touchdowns and hit 762 yards in 15 starts. For the Colts on the other hand keeping Hilton on the roster seems viable if a proper contract can be worked out. The Colts finished a respectable 11-5 in 2020 and were knocked off in the playoffs by the Buffalo Bills. The team is preparing for the 2021 NFL season and Hilton is on the list for a possible renewal at the right price.
Colts General Manager Chris Ballard spoke highly of his lifetime wide receiver in a press conference stating, “As to his ability. T.Y. can still play. Whether it’s at the level it was 4 or 5 years ago, as you get older, you have to find different ways, but I’ll tell you this, T.Y. is smart, instinctive, knows how to get open and he still has value. We’ll see how it works out here over the long haul. But we value T.Y. and we think he can still play. And he’s been a great Colt.” That sentiment was followed by the team owner Jim Irsay who also would like to see Hilton back, “We’d love to see T.Y. back, there is no question about it. He is such a great Colt. What a competitor and still has excellent skills and can take over a game.” Irsay said.
That seems to be the elephant in the room now, are the Colts willing to shell out a lot of money for a player who is in his 30’s? Or does T.Y come back on a long-term deal at a cheaper price or try a new challenge?
T.Y Hilton prepares for free agency
While both the team owner and GM have spoken highly of Hilton, Hilton himself has prepared for free agency. While it took a bit to get going this year, Hilton finished averaging his overall numbers, 5 touchdowns and about 800 yards. Hilton stated that he is “100% focused on free agency” and that a deal would “need to work both ways” meaning if he is to take a pay cut it should not be substantial.
In total Hilton has played 133 games for the Colts, covering over 9,000 yards, and scoring 50 touchdowns. Known for his leadership Hilton would be a valuable asset for a team looking for a veteran. Hilton is a four-time pro bowler as well.
