Cowboys: Latest comment from T.Y. Hilton will get fans excited
The Dallas Cowboys made a move at wide receiver this week, but it wasn't Odell Beckham Jr. Instead, the signed veteran T.Y. Hilton, who spent 10 seasons with the Colts (2012-2021). Hilton took some time away from football to be with his three children which is why he was available at this point in the […]
The Dallas Cowboys made a move at wide receiver this week, but it wasn't Odell Beckham Jr. Instead, the signed veteran T.Y. Hilton, who spent 10 seasons with the Colts (2012-2021).
Hilton took some time away from football to be with his three children which is why he was available at this point in the season. Now, the four-time Pro Bowler and 2016 receiving yards leader is ready to get back to making plays, and he's putting in the necessary time to do so.
"I think I can bring veteran leadership," said Hilton. "My job is to help these guys as much as I can. Right now, I just want to concentrate on staying in the playbook. I've been studying the past two days, probably 15 hours [a day], just getting this thing down.
"However I can help, I'm willing to help."
The work that Hilton is putting in already, coupled with his availability, unlike Beckham, is exactly what the Cowboys need right now with the push for the playoffs in full effect.
A player as experienced as Hilton just needs time to get acclimated to a new system. Hilton's skill set is diverse, having the ability to find holes in zone coverage and take the top off of a defense with his speed, even if it isn't quite what it once was.
Hilton brings something else to the Cowboys' offense, position flex. He primarily lines up on the outside, meaning the Cowboys can put CeeDee Lamb in the slot if need be, an area he's thrived in since entering the NFL. Also, Hilton's ability to get separation underneath on crossing and drag routes in the slot can free up Lamb and Michael Gallup on the outside.
The only thing that has held Hilton back over the last few seasons has been injuries. He missed seven games total in 2021 with neck and quadriceps injuries as well as a concussion. However, Hilton says everything is fine these days when it comes to his health.
"Coming off of the neck surgery, it was tough but, other than that I was pretty healthy," Hilton said. "I felt good toward the end of the season, felt good going into the offseason, and that's the reason I'm deciding to play. I'm healthy. My body feels really good. …
"I'm always running. Running is not a problem. I'm always in shape. I'm never out of shape, no matter what. I run all day. I'll be fine."
Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy is gearing up for his second consecutive playoff appearance in Dallas, and unlike last season, he hopes some victories can come about this time around. Bringing in a player the caliber of Hilton at this point in the season, even at 33, can aid in that quest, which McCarthy spoke on.
“A great addition,” McCarthy said. “He’s in great shape medically. … He worked out. Everything passed with flying colors. He’s been working all year.
“The timing was right and he’s ready to go. He’s an excellent addition, especially this time of year. I’ve never had the experience of adding the quality of a player like T.Y. Hilton to your roster in December. It’s very unique.”
The Cowboys needed an upgrade in the wide receiver room and Hilton provides that. Expectations of Hilton's impact shouldn't astronomical, but after a few games under his belt and mastering the playbook more, he could add some juice to an already explosive offense in Dallas.
Feature image via Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
