Colts Urged to Bring Back WR With NFL Trade Deadline Move
Every team in the NFL is trying to be more like the Kansas City Chiefs. Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox argued the Indianapolis Colts should follow Kansas City's lead in bringing back one of the team's former wide receivers for depth.
In an article where Knox named one player every NFL team should try to acquire at the trade deadline, he identified wide receiver Parris Campbell as Indianapolis' trade target.
"The Kansas City Chiefs' decision to bring back Mecole Hardman was logical given their need for receiver depth," Knox wrote. "The Indianapolis Colts should take a page out of Kansas City's book and swing a deal for former Colts wideout Parris Campbell.
"Campbell hauled in 63 passes for 623 yards and three touchdowns last season before inking a one-year, $4.7 million deal with the New York Giants in free agency. However, his snap count has plummeted in recent weeks, and he hasn't recorded a catch in New York's last two games.
"The Colts have a solid receiving tandem in Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce has played well at times. However, Indy ranks only 13th in net yards per pass attempt."
Campbell spent most of his first three seasons with the Colts from 2019-21 dealing with injuries. But in a small sample during 2021, Campbell posted 10 receptions for 162 yards, which gave him high expectations heading into last year.
While he didn't average more than 16 yards per reception in his first full NFL season, Campbell broke out to become a reliable possession receiver in the Indianapolis offense during 2022. He posted 63 receptions for 623 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Of that production, Campbell registered 52 catches, 511 yards and all 3 touchdowns in the final 12 games of 2022.
That resulted in Campbell landing a big contract with the New York Giants. However, he's played just 20 offensive snaps the past three games, including only 4 the last two weeks.
Campbell has 16 catches for 85 yards this season. He's averaging just 5.3 yards per reception in New York.
The Colts are in a difficult spot approaching the NFL trade deadline. Only one game out of the final AFC wild card spot, Indianapolis probably can't have a fire sale. However, the Colts aren't really contenders really with backup quarterback Gardner Minshew at the helm for the rest of 2023.
So if Indianapolis does anything at the trade deadline, it will likely be small, calculated moves. Trading for Campbell would qualify.
He shouldn't cost much, and his previous experience with the Colts will likely allow him to make an immediate impact. Trading for Campbell will also not change any plans Indianapolis has at wide receiver beyond 2023.
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