The Indianapolis Colts could be in for some changes in the 2015 season, as Andrew Luck may be getting some new weapons, as Trent Richardson could be released after being suspended, while Reggie Wayne may retire and that could open things up for free agent targets like Jeremy Maclin or CJ Spiller.
The Colts lost to the New England Patriots in the Deflate Gate game and that came after the second straight AFC South division title for Luck and the team. 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.
Wells reports that the suspension will extend into Week 1 of the 2015 season and now the team could use that to get out of Richardson's 2015 guaranteed salary. The reports says that the guarantees in his deal could be voided if the conduct was detrimental to the team and this comes after two disappointing seasons with the Colts. Richardson was traded by the Browns for a first round pick last year and in 29 games with the Colts he has just 977 yards rushing.
Reggie Wayne is a free agent and it's not clear whether or not he will be returning next season for the Colts or anyone else. The Indianapolis Star reports that Wayne has not made a decision about next year and if he does return to the Colts, it will be in more of a mentor/reserve role. Wayne had 64 catches and at 36 years old, it's now TY Hilton as the number one receiver. Wayne was injured in 2013 and played in 15 games this past season.
Wayne is 36 years 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.
