Colts Are Pressed to Make an NFL Trade Deadline Move to Bring Back WR

Every NFL team aspires to emulate the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Indianapolis Colts should follow Kansas City’s example and bring back a former wide receiver to provide depth, according to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report.

Parris Campbell, a wide receiver, is what Indianapolis is looking to trade for, according to a report by Knox that listed one player that every NFL team should attempt to acquire before the trade deadline.

“The Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to bring back Mecole Hardman was logical given their need for receiver depth,” Knox stated. “The Indianapolis Colts ought to follow Kansas City’s lead and try to negotiate for Parris Campbell, a former wide receiver with the Colts.

“Campbell signed a one-year, $4.7 million contract with the New York Giants in free agency after catching 63 catches for 623 yards and three scores in the previous campaign. But in the last two games for New York, he hasn’t recorded a catch, and his snap count has drastically decreased in recent weeks.

“Josh Downs, a rookie, and Michael Pittman Jr. make up the Colts’ strong receiving combo, although Alec Pierce has occasionally performed well. But when it comes to net yards per pass attempt, Indianapolis is just 13th.

From 2019 to 21, Campbell’s first three seasons with the Colts were largely hampered by injury. However, Campbell’s 10 receptions for 162 yards in a limited sample in 2021 raised expectations for him coming into last year.

In his first full NFL season, Campbell did not average more than 16 yards per reception; but, in 2022, he emerged as a dependable possession receiver for the Indianapolis offense. Three touchdowns and 623 yards were gained by him on 63 receptions.

In the last 12 games of 2022, Campbell recorded 52 receptions for 511 yards and all three touchdowns.

Campbell was able to sign a large contract with the New York Giants as a result. He has, however, only used 20 offensive snaps in the last three games, and just four in the previous two weeks.

This season, Campbell has 16 catches for 85 yards. In New York, he’s only averaging 5.3 yards per reception.

The NFL trade deadline is quickly approaching, and the Colts are in a tough situation. Indianapolis is likely unable to conduct a fire sale as they are just one game away from the final AFC wild card place. However, with backup quarterback Gardner Minshew leading the team for the remainder of 2023, the Colts aren’t really a serious contender.

Indianapolis will therefore probably make modest, deliberate moves if it makes any at the trade deadline. Campbell would qualify for a trade.

He shouldn’t be too expensive, and his prior Colts experience should enable him to contribute right away. Additionally, acquiring Campbell won’t affect Indianapolis’ intentions for wide receivers after 2023.