Colts Urged to Sign 'Field-Stretching' WR
The Indianapolis Colts could already be without quarterback Anthony Richardson for the rest of the 2023 season. Then in Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, wide receiver Alec Pierce suffered a shoulder injury.
The Colts have not yet revealed how serious Pierce's injury is, but the Bleacher Report NFL staff argued anyway that the team should consider signing wide receiver Marquez Callaway in free agency.
"The Colts have long-term questions to answer at wide receiver," the BR staff wrote. "Anthony Richardson is out for the next few weeks, but giving him receivers to build chemistry with is important moving forward. Alec Pierce hasn't necessarily lived up to expectations, and Michael Pittman Jr. is set to hit free agency.
"Marquez Callaway was a productive receiver in New Orleans and is only 25 years old. After getting cut from the Raiders practice squad, he would be an interesting option to bring in and see if he can contribute."
NFL draft expert Lance Zierlein called Callaway a "one-trick prospect" when he was coming out of college in 2020. But, Zierlein also wrote that Callaway possessed "field-stretching ability to work the third level."
Callaway averaged 12.9 yards per reception in three seasons with the New Orleans Saints. During his best season, which was 2021, Callaway posted 15.2 yards per catch with 698 yards on 46 receptions. He also had 6 touchdowns.
The only Colts pass catcher averaging at least 11 yards per reception who has recorded more than 7 catches is Alec Pierce. He has 11 receptions and 149 yards (13.5 yards per catch average).
So, if Pierce is sidelined for an extended period of time, Callaway could help prevent opposing defenses from stacking eight defenders in the box.
But even if Pierce is able to play in Week 7, the Colts may have a role for Callaway. None of Indianapolis' top four receivers in terms of catches is averaging more than 10.6 yards per catch this year.
Callaway shouldn't take away snaps from any of Indianapolis' top receivers -- Michael Pittman, Josh Downs and Pierce. They are likely the team's future at receiver. But Callaway's presence could give the Colts another deep threat this year.
He is also only 25 years old. Callaway could have a role in Indianapolis beyond the 2023 season.
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