While they don’t have much depth at wide receiver (especially after losing promising rookie Deon Cain to a torn ACL), the Colts are not currently interested in adding a veteran pass-catcher such as Dez Bryant or Jeremy Maclin, general manager Chris Ballard told Mike Florio on Pro Football Talk’s podcast (link via Andrew Walker of Colts.com).
“Good players, without question,” Ballard said. “Right now internally we’re just gonna continue to work with this young group we have, and continue to go down the preseason path.”
The Colts project to deploy T.Y. Hilton, Ryan Grant, and Chester Rogers as their top three receivers, but the depth chart following that trifecta is relatively barren. Fifth-round pick Daurice Fountain could conceivably log playing time, as could a cavalcade of other options including K.J. Brent, Kasen Williams, Seantavius Jones, James Wright, Matt Hazel, and Zach Pascal, among others.
Bryant, for his part, has drawn limited interest since being released by the Cowboys earlier this year. His recent dalliance with the Browns doesn’t appear to be heading for an accord, and he’s reportedly “not on the front burner” in Cleveland. Maclin, meanwhile, was on the Eagles’ radar at one point, but no official meeting ever took place.
Ballard did not completely rule out signing Bryant or Maclin at some point down the road, admitting each would be “on the list” of free agent receivers the Colts would call if more depth is required.
Smart. There are others out there who cost less and have equal upside.
Give the young guys a chance. Bryant would only hurt the team and end up hurting the growth of young receivers
Ryan Grant links to the RB