T.Y. Hilton would be exciting but unlikely addition to K.C. Chiefs offense

The Indianapolis Colts want T.Y. Hilton to finish his career where it began. The veteran receivers sounds ready to hit the open market. As for the K.C. Chiefs, they could provide exactly the sort of exciting late-career landing spot for a proven wideout like Hilton.

As the Chiefs survey what’s available to them in free agency, they’re likely to go fishing for a wide receiver of some kind. That could mean a reunion with Sammy Watkins or Demarcus Robinson if the interest is there and the numbers are right. It could also mean trying something new, which in the eyes of fans would be a welcome change rather than deal with the questions surrounding Watkins’ availability over the last few seasons.

One of the better options on the receiver market is going to be Hilton, who is hitting free agency at the right time given the lackluster options overall in free agency. Several of the best available free agents seem to each come with some level of concern or uncertainty—certainly Hilton included—but last season’s performance, especially down the stretch, should make a team like the Chiefs feel better about him than others looking for a new team.

In 2019, Hilton seemed to hit the wall at the age of 30 that eventually finds every NFL player, although injuries were certainly to blame. A torn calf muscle kept Hilton out for several games, which brought a six-year stretch of dominance to a halt—one in which Hilton averaged 76 catches, 1,206 receiving yards, and 5.5 touchdowns per year. Instead, Hilton had 45 catches for 501 yards and a career-low of 50.1 yards/game.

Last season, however, Hilton proved he could stay healthy for an entire season and caught 56 passes for 762 yards and 5 touchdowns with new quarterback Philip Rivers at the helm. As the team’s deep threat with a fairly weak-armed quarterback, Hilton still put up solid numbers and was especially effective down the stretch (with all 5 of his touchdowns coming in the final 6 games of the season).

T.Y Hilton would be a very interesting addition for the K.C. Chiefs.

Coming into the offseason, the Colts have said all the right things about helping Hilton finish out his career in Indy, and every team should expect the Colts to be in the running up until Hilton makes his decision. That part is especially dicey for a team like the Chiefs, given that the best way to often lure a player is with money. The Chiefs simply don’t have enough of it in 2021 to get into a bidding war for Hilton or any other free agent for that matter.

For his part, Hilton has expressed interest in returning to Indy in months past. However, he’s also sounding increasingly excited as the market nears.

The good news is that the Chiefs aren’t without their selling points. With Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, Clyde Edwards-Helaire surrounding Patrick Mahomes, whoever is able to slot themselves into that X receiver spot is going to enjoy the riches of playing in the NFL’s most dangerous offense. The Chiefs have also tasted Super Bowl glory and got back there again last winter. If a player like Hilton is keen to take the path of least resistance to a potential championship, K.C. is definitely the destination of choice.

While Hilton is a deep threat for the Colts, the reality is that he’s a well-rounded veteran who would be a welcome addition to the Chiefs offense as a trustworthy receiver for Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid. Sheil Kapadia of The Athletic predicts Hilton will sign with the Chiefs this offseason in free agent predictions.

also likely to have several suitors for his services this offseason for teams to bring in a veteran wideout. On top of that, every team, including the Chiefs, will have to sell themselves enough to overcome the familiarity and sentiment that would accompany Hilton staying in Indianapolis for his complete career.

That makes the fit for Hilton in K.C. a solid yet unlikely bet. As good as it sounds, the Colts are going to be serious contenders for Hilton’s services given the sentiment tied to the decision.