Forget about grabbing a top-tier free agent receiver, Colts fans. The market for impact wideouts just evaporated like a puddle in July, and it happened fast. Just recently, the San Francisco 49ers locked down Deebo Samuel, and then, BAM, on Wednesday, the Washington Commanders swooped in and signed Stefon Diggs to a one-year deal worth up to $12 million. Another big name off the board. You gotta be feeling the sting if you were banking on an outside addition.
Diggs’ Deal Just Twisted the Knife For The Colts
Let’s be real, losing out on Diggs stings extra hard. This isn’t some flash-in-the-pan guy. We’re talking about a dude who, from 2017 through 2023, consistently put up at least 1,000 receiving yards every single season. He even blew past 1,800 yards back in 2020, which is just insane production. Yeah, he missed most of the 2024 season with an injury, but what did he do in 2025? Bounced right back with another 1,100-yard year. That’s the kind of reliable firepower any team would kill for, and now he’s officially off the market, leaving the Colts to scramble.
The Depth Chart Is Looking Like A Major Headache
So, with the big names gone, where does that leave the Colts’ wide receiver group? Alec Pierce, when healthy, and Josh Downs are solid, no doubt. That’s a strong duo to build around. But beyond them? Man, the depth is a giant question mark, and it’s getting louder by the day. After just the team’s fifth training camp practice, ESPN’s Stephen Holder didn’t pull any punches, saying straight up, “There are very much still a lot of questions” at the position. We’re not just talking about WR3 here, but who’s gonna be the fourth, fifth, and sixth options? Right now, Ashton Dulin and Laquon Treadwell are getting most of the first-team reps alongside Downs, but we haven’t seen much steady practice production from them or Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who flashes potential but mostly with the second unit.
This isn’t just about replacing Michael Pittman’s old production, it’s about giving Pierce and Downs room to breathe. Without a steady WR3, opponents can just focus all their attention on those two, making life a whole lot harder for the Colts’ offense. GM Chris Ballard did say before camp he’d “consider” a veteran addition, and you gotta think that clock is ticking loud right now. Who’s left? Keenan Allen may be the best available option for them. He’s practically the last big name standing. The Colts need to make a move, and they need to make it fast. Their offense depends on it, and what happens next could define their early season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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