Indianapolis Colts Sign WR Hakeem Nicks

Dec 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) gets pushed out of bounds by four Detroit Lions during the third quarter at Ford Field. Giants beat the Lions 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts finally shored up their receiving corps Friday after signing former Giants wide out Hakeem Nicks. Nicks signed a one year deal that is reportedly worth $3.5 million.

This deal is a win for both sides. Nicks gets to prove that he is still a solid receiver in the NFL and the Colts won’t owe him anything after this season if he’s not. This is not the same deal as Donnie Avery or Darrius Heyward-Bey as Nicks has a history of reliability.

Nicks’ numbers were down a bit last season, but then so were the Giants. He had 56 receptions for 896 yards in 2013 but failed to find the endzone. It doesn’t help that he had Eli Manning throwing the ball near him (I say near because Manning led the league in interceptions with 27 [yes, the same Eli who has won two Super Bowls]).

What’s most impressive is that Nicks averaged nearly 17 yards per reception. He’s not necessarily a burner on the field either and can do a lot of damage after the catch. When he has a good quarterback, Nicks is a very dangerous receiver.

Nicks torched the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. He had 10 receptions for 109 yards in his last game in Lucas Oil Stadium.

This deal also allows the Colts to take their time with Da’Rick Rogers and LaVon Brazill. Both have shown flashes of being good players, but need a lot of work.

One issue that might come up is Nicks’ jersey number. He wore No. 88 in New York, a number that hasn’t been issued to anyone since Marvin Harrison in 2008. Nicks stated that he hadn’t given it much thought yet.

The number is basically retired, as it should be. I would be surprised if Nicks was issued the number and its high time that owner Jim Irsay officially retires 88.

Colts Sign Backup Center

The Colts signed former Cowboys backup Phil Costa. Based on the numbers in his contract and along with his ability, this is not someone who will anchor the line. He didn’t play last season and even before that his grades aren’t anything that screams starter.

He has played in 26 of 60 games and started 20. This is likely a move to push Khaled Holmes and Hugh Thornton and create more competition in camp for the two line positions that are open (left guard and center).

The Colts still need a long term option at center. One of the best players available who has been linked to the Colts is Alex Mack. Mack is going to command a lot of money, and the Browns can match any offer other teams make.

The Colts still have about $17 million in cap room but might not want to break the bank on a center. Interior offensive line play was terrible last season and keeping Luck upright is the top priority for this team.

With the Nicks signing, the Colts just need to address the center position and safety. We’ll keep you posted on both.

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