Ink on Indy
Fansided

Colts Add Intriguing Receiver Kamar Aiken to the Roster

By Kyle Nishida

Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Kamar Aiken (11) runs after the catch as Miami Dolphins free safety Michael Thomas (31) and middle linebacker Kiko Alonso (47) defends during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Kamar Aiken (11) runs after the catch as Miami Dolphins free safety Michael Thomas (31) and middle linebacker Kiko Alonso (47) defends during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The low-risk spending spree for the Indianapolis Colts continues. Today, general manager Chris Ballard struck a deal with wide receiver Kamar Aiken.

The wide receiver position was constantly in flux for the Colts in 2016. They had T.Y. Hilton play through multiple injuries week-by-week. No. 2 receiver Donte Moncrief missed seven games lat year and never really returned to his 2015 form.

Meanwhile, former first round pick Phillip Dorsett remained relatively inconsistent, and undrafted rookie Chester Rogers displayed only some brief flashes of brilliance. As a result, Ballard grabbed Aiken off the free agent market.

Per Aiken’s agent, the 27-year-old receiver will sign a one-year deal with the Colts. That is not too surprising because these types of deals have been Chris Ballard’s specialty this offseason.

Aiken spent the last three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He started in 20 of 48 games and accumulated 128 catches for 1,539 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.

More from Indianapolis Colts

His finest season came in 2015 after veteran Steve Smith ruptured his Achilles. Aiken led the Ravens with 75 receptions, 944 receiving yards and five touchdowns. His numbers took a large step back when Smith returned in 2016.

With Indianapolis, Aiken will likely compete with Dorsett and Rogers for the No. 3 receiver spot. The Colts are set on Hilton and Moncrief being the team’s 1-2 punch in 2017. However, Aiken could challenge Moncrief if he returns to his 2015 form.

The one thing that is most intriguing about Aiken is his size. He has a 6-2, 223-pound frame which makes him the same size as Moncrief. The Colts’ receivers are mainly known for their speed and slight frames. Aiken changes that perceptions slightly and adds some needed toughness.

Plus, Aiken, like the rest of the Colts’ receivers, can play as a wideout and a slot receiver. According to Next Gen Stats, Aiken lined up as a wideout 78 percent of the time in 2015, but spent 70 percent of his snaps at slot in 2016.

Despite not wanting to create a locker room through free agency, Ballard has been quite active in acquiring players. Aiken is the 13th player with decent NFL experience Ballard has signed this offseason.

Next: Colts Sign Veteran Tight End Brandon Williams

While the length of the deal suggests Aiken is just another low-risk player, there is a chance he could develop into a solid asset. Again, the situation behind Hilton and Moncrief is shaky. Aiken becoming the No. 3 receiver by Week 1 is quite possible.

Home/Indianapolis Colts