AFC South Notes: Colts, Texans, Titans

Colts

• The Athletic’s Stephen Holder writes that addressing wide receiver will be a priority for the Colts this offseason, including possibly a short extension for WR T.Y. Hilton.
• Holder adds Indianapolis could re-sign WR Devin Funchess given it’s not a strong free-agent class at the position if Cowboys WR Amari Cooper stays in Dallas.
• Holder points out that it’s also a good draft class at wide receiver, with Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb, Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy and Clemson’s Tee Higgins potential first-round options. 
• Colts C Ryan Kelly and RB Marlon Mack are two other strong candidates for extensions this offseason, while Indianapolis could wait to see more from S Malik Hooker and LB Anthony Walker. (Kevin Bowen)
• Funchess might not be as keen to re-sign with the Colts, as a big draw in signing with Indianapolis in 2019 was the presence of QB Andrew Luck. (Zak Keefer)
• Indianapolis is also more likely to move on from DE Jabaal Sheard since he’ll be 31 and the Colts want to give younger options more playing time. 
• Colts K Adam Vinatieri, S Clayton Geathers, WR Chester Rogers and WR Dontrelle Inman also will likely not return to the team in 2020.
• According to Albert Breer, Josh McDaniels has lined up Colts DBs coach Jonathan Gannon to fill a major role on his coaching staff if he were to leave the Patriots for a head-coaching job.

Texans

• According to the Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson, the Texans and DT D.J. Reader are nowhere close on a long-term deal and the franchise tag is a possibility for Houston. 
• Wilson notes Reader wants to remain in Houston, but could be targeting top-tier money at defensive tackle at around $15-$17 million a year. The franchise tag is $16 million. 
• We have him featured in our Top 50 – 2020 Free Agents list.

Titans

• According to Paul Kuharsky, Titans LB Jayon Brown was fined $10,527 for a hit on Texans QB A.J. McCarron in Week 17 that wasn’t flagged at the time. 
• Titans WR Kalif Raymond is “towards the end” of the concussion protocol, per HC Mike Vrabel. (Erik Bacharach)