According to Jason Cole of the Bleacher Report, the Indianapolis Colts believe they’ll need to find a new No. 2 receiver for their offense at some point during the offseason.
Last year, Reggie Wayne really struggled in his return from a torn ACL and there are obvious concerns about his ability moving forward.
Cole mentions that the Colts have been discussing their options at receiver including possibly re-signing Hakeem Nicks, but they reportedly don’t trust him as a No. 2 receiver.
Interestingly enough, the Colts have reportedly put together a list of potential targets this offseason, which includes players like Bears WR Brandon Marshall, Texans WR Andre Johnson, Dolphins WR Mike Wallace, and Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson.
However, Johnson and Wallace would likely only be options for the Colts if they were released from their current contracts, and the Buccaneers are reportedly unwilling to make Jackson available.
Cole believes Marshall could be their best option, as there has been talk he may not be back with the Bears next season. Cole points to Marshall’s size and overall ability as two things that could make him an appealing option for the Colts.
Marshall, 30, still has another three years remaining on his four-year, $39.3 million contract that included $22.3 million guaranteed. He’ll make base salaries of $7.5 million (2015), $7.9 million (2016), and $8.3 million (2017) over the remainder of the contract.
Marshall will count $9.575 million against the team’s salary cap in 2015. According to OverTheCap.com, releasing Marshall would free up $3.95 million in cap space while creating $5.62 million in dead money.
In 2014, Marshall caught 61 passes for 721 yards receiving and eight touchdowns for the Bears over the course of 13 games. His season was cut short after he sustained fractured ribs and a collapsed lung and was later placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Pro Football Focus has Marshall rated as the No. 26 receiver out of 110 qualifying players.
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