Jim Irsay let the Twitter world know that the Indianapolis Colts need a wide receiver and want a big name. Currently, veteran Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton top the team's depth chart at the position. With Wayne slowly reaching the end of his prime playing days, the Colts are in need of adding some youth at wide receiver. Instead of targeting the NFL draft to get a young wide out, the Colts are looking at free agent Darrius Heyward-Bey as potential.
Andrew Luck needs more weapons to throw to in his sophomore season in the NFL. Heyward-Bey is no longer with the Oakland Raiders and could provide the perfect skill set to excel with Luck. Irsay claims the team is looking to land a big-time wide receiver that will add a marquee name to the roster. Heyward-Bey does not exactly fit that description, but could be effective enough to give the Colts what they want in a player. He was originally drafted out of Maryland for his speed after his 40-yard dash impressed the Raiders late owner, Al Davis. However, in four seasons in the NFL, he never panned out to be the big threat everyone thought he would be. Since 2009, he has recorded 2,071 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Raiders have never had a decent quarterback throwing to Heyward-Bey which could be a big reason he has yet to turn out big numbers. Having Luck toss him the deep ball could be just what he needs to become one of the better wide receivers in the league. Heyward-Bey would not be the No. 1 receiver on the team, but he could turn out to be a decent No. 2. His speed is similar is Hilton's, but Heyward-Bey has more potential to be a reliable pass catcher.
Irsay seems to have the notion that the Colts need a blockbuster trade this offseason. They do not have much depth at any position to be able to package a big trade and get a really big name. Heyward-Bey would be cheap to sign since his production will not garner a top dollar contract. While he may not be the "wopper" wide receiver Irsay referred to Twitter, he could turn out to be a very productive player. Heyward-Bey is expected to meet with team officials on Monday.
