Indianapolis Colts Should Sign Veteran Receiver Brian Hartline

The Indianapolis Colts should reach out to veteran receiver Brian Hartline who was cut by the Cleveland Browns Monday.

Hartline became expendable for the Browns after the team loaded up on receivers in the 2016 NFL Draft and saw solid progress from their returning players in OTA’s. Despite being cut, Hartline can still be a useful receiver for any number of NFL franchises, like the Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts could use more depth at the receiver position after they released Andre Johnson this offseason and lost Griff Whalen in free agency. CBS 4 Indy’s Mike Chappell thinks adding Hartline would be a good idea.

Last season, Hartline only played in 12 games for the Browns. However, he still put up solid numbers. He accumulated 46 receptions, 523 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Hartline has always put up consistent numbers in his seven-year NFL career.

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Hartline has had at least 30 catches and 450 receiving yards in every season of his career. Meanwhile the only Colts’ receivers who have had similar or better seasons than that are T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief. The rest of their receivers lack experience.

At 29 years old, Hartline is never going to be a No. 1 receiver or even a No. 2 receiver. Luckily, he has never forced his way into being that type of player. He has always accepted the roles he has been given and has tried his best to excel in those roles. The Colts need a backup receiver with reliable hands who can line up as a slot receiver or wideout. Hartline could definitely do this.

The Colts currently have a full 90-man roster. However, they can always make a move or two to open up a spot for Hartline if they want him. Also, never rule out injuries. It only takes one major injury for a roster spot to open up.

Also, Hartline should have a cheap price tag, which is important because the Colts want to save cap space for Luck’s big contract extension. Last season, Hartline signed a two-year, $6 million contract with the Browns. The Colts could probably negotiate a deal worth less than that.

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While Hartline is not a flashy player, teams know what they will get from him. He is a veteran who has been a consistent role player throughout his career. The Colts lack a lot of clarity behind their top receivers Hilton and Moncrief. Hartline would be affordable insurance for them at the receiver position.