The Indianapolis Colts will re-sign veteran receiver T.Y. Hilton, his agency Katz Brothers Sports announced Wednesday. The deal is for one year and up to $10 million, with $8 million guaranteed, The Athletic confirmed.
Hilton, 31, has played his entire nine-year NFL career for Indianapolis after the Colts drafted him in the third round in 2012. The receiver acknowledged his return to the organization on social media Wednesday, tweeting: "It’s only right i finish what i started. #TYISHOME."
A four-time Pro Bowler, Hilton caught 56 passes for 762 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games in 2020. He has five 1,000-yard seasons in nine years, most recently in 2018, when he led the Colts with 1,270.
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What is Hilton's legacy in Indianapolis?
Stephen Holder, Colts beat writer: Drafted in the Colts' famous 2012 class along with Andrew Luck and others, Hilton is the only remaining member of the class still with the team. And he's established himself as one of the finest players in club history in the years since.
Only two Colts players have more career receiving yardage than Hilton (9,360): Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. Hilton is fourth in receptions (608) but is just 23 catches behind legend Raymond Berry.
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Given the one-year contract, it remains to be seen whether Hilton finishes his career in Indy. But that remains his goal and has been an elusive one for so many of the Colts' greats.
What is Hilton's potential with Carson Wentz?
Holder: While Philip Rivers had a positive impact on the Colts' offense in his one season as the starting quarterback in 2020, Hilton did not benefit from the Rivers signing nearly as much as expected. Perhaps because of diminished arm strength, Rivers rarely targeted Hilton downfield, and that impacted Hilton's numbers in a significant way.
While Hilton does not have the top-end speed he once possessed, he still uses his elite route running to create separation. Wentz's noted arm strength and aggressiveness play into Hilton's skill set and give the duo a chance to be dynamic.
What's the Colts' 2021 outlook?
Holder: The Colts (11-5 last season) aren't a finished product given their concerns at defensive end and left tackle. But expect both to be addressed in some fashion in the coming weeks in free agency and the draft. Beyond that, much of the Colts' fortunes are dependent on Wentz returning to form after his trade from the Eagles. And that's why re-signing Hilton is important ― it improves Wentz's odds of success in Indy. How much is that worth?
(Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today)