The Indianapolis Colts nearly made it to the Super Bowl and in 2015 they are looking to improve with Andrew Luck and names like Jeremy Maclin, Randall Cobb and Cecil Shorts could be potential free agent options and this comes as Reggie Wayne may not return, while the team may also look at the trade or release of Trent Richardson after his suspension.
Maclin is a free agent after having a career season with the Eagles and while Maclin has said he wants to stay in Philly, NFL.com reports that he will be targeted by numerous teams. The Colts may look at running backs on the free agent market, as Pro Football Talk reports that Trent Richardson may not return after being suspended. Reports have Richardson suspended due to weight issues and so far in two years he has not been effective for the Colts.
Mike Wells reported that weight issues were behind Richardson's suspension and now his future in Indy is up in the air. The team also may look at lower level WRs, as Wayne could retire and that would open things up on the roster for another veteran receiver. Wayne has been one of the best Colts players ever, but at 36 he is declining and could decide to hang things up.
Richardson did not play in the final two games of the playoffs for the Colts and had only one carry in the first round and now his future with the team is up in the air. According to reporter Mike Wells and ESPN.com, Richardson was suspended for two games after being deactivated in the second round of the playoffs and it would have extended to the Super Bowl had the Colts made it.
Wayne is old and his production has been slipping over the past few years and if he returns to the Colts, it likely will be in a reserve role. Wayne dealt with an ACL injury before this season and he comes in after putting up 64 catches for 779 yards and two TDs this season. Wayne last was elite back in 2012 with 106 catches for 1355 yards and five TDs, but that likely was his last hurrah and now he could come back as a mentor player for the Colts. TY Hilton and Donte Moncrief now appear to be the top two passing options for Andrew Luck.
Last year Richardson had 519 yards rushing and three touchdowns and that came after he put up 563 yards and three TDs in 2013. Richardson was strong as a rookie after rushing for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns and he also added 51 catches for 367 yards. The Colts may look at free agent options on the market like Mark Ingram or CJ Spiller to replace Richardson, while Jeremy Maclin could help replace Wayne if he retires.
Richardson was the third pick in the draft behind Andrew Luck and the Colts were hoping he could help boost the rushing game after trading a first round pick for him. Richardson had a strong rookie season with 950 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns along with 51 receptions, but since then he has been a major disappointment. Richardson has not averaged more than 3.6 yards per carry in any of his three seasons in the NFL and now his future is up in the air after losing his job to Dan Herron this season.