Could the Indianapolis Colts still be looking to add to the wide receiver position in free agency?
Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano put together his list of the top eight remaining free agents and picked landing spots for each. On that list was wide receiver Deebo Samuel, with Manzano then picking the Colts as the “ideal landing spot.”
“Samuel hasn’t made the same impact he did in his All-Pro 2021 season, but taking fewer snaps in the backfield likely added a few extra years to his career,” Manzano wrote. “He’s not as dynamic as he once was. Still, it bodes well that his route-running skills and reliable hands led to him recording 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns in 2025.”
Colts named landing spot for free agent WR Deebo Samuel
Samuel was a second-round pick by the 49ers in the 2019 NFL draft. In 2021, Samuel was named a first-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler. That year, he had over 1,500 receiving yards, 502 rushing yards, and 10 total touchdowns.
Earlier in his career, Samuel did a bit of everything within the 49ers’ offense, making plays as a ball carrier, as a pass catcher, and moving around the formation. He’s been very good with the ball in his hands, picking up YAC.
As Manzano mentions, Samuel’s role as a ball carrier was reduced quite a bit last season with Washington. However, he still found success in the passing game, making plays with the ball in his hands.
For the Colts, the starting receiver position next to Alec Pierce and Josh Downs is up for grabs. As of now, Ashton Dulin and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine are the two players most likely competing for those snaps.
The Colts have plenty of salary cap space to make an addition at this stage of free agency, where none of the contracts will break the bank. Realistically, any potential free agent addition may not come until after the NFL draft, when Chris Ballard can then see what his full roster looks like.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts named landing spot for former All-Pro WR in free agency
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
