The Indianapolis Colts' search for a new wide receiver just got a little bit longer. After owner Jim Irsay expressed interest in signing a big name at the position, the team brought in Darrius Heyward-Bey for a visit. Heyward-Bey is full of potential but a lack of production meant the team could get him for cheap; however he left Indy without a contract. Who is the next best available for the Colts?
Heyward-Bey seemed like a promising signing. Paired with a quality quarterback like Andrew Luck, Heyward-Bey could have returned to the playing style he had during college. As strong deep threat receiver, he would have given the Colts someone to have run alongside Reggie Wayne. But it looks as though negotiations have stalled between the two parties and it is time for the Colts to think who might be next in line.
Brandon Lloyd is a logical option to step in. The free agent was most recently with the New England Patriots but left after the team refused to pay him his $3 million option bonus. He was a 2010 Pro Bowl player, but only caught 74 passes for 911 yards and four touchdowns. Lloyd has been with six teams in 10 years which can be alarming to someone looking at him as an option. It is likely the Colts could sign Lloyd for relatively cheap.
Randy Moss could potentially find himself in Indy. After a recent stint with the San Francisco 49ers where he had a slightly productive season, the 15-year veteran is in search of a new home. Moss played 16 games last season, recording 28 catches, for 434 yards and three scores. The 36-year old is not likely to be playing for too many more years. If the Colts want a long-term option, Moss certainly is not it. They could easily sign him to a one-year low cost deal, but reports say Moss is still demanding big cash.
Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi are two valid options for the Colts to look at. A few teams have taken long looks at the receivers but have yet to make an offer. Heyward-Bey looked like the best option for the team. Still young, the Colts could cultivate him into being the player everyone thought he would turn out to be. The door is certainly not closed on the team signing him, but at this moment, it looks like the Colts might go a different direction.
