The Indianapolis Colts are not lacking any amount of excitement ahead of the 2023 NFL season. Thanks to the franchise entering a new era at head coach and quarterback after hiring Shane Steichen and drafting Anthony Richardson.

Richardson is a toolsy quarterback that appears to have a sky-high developmental ceiling. But it will be important for the franchise to build around Richardson and give him needed weapons in order to reach his potential.

Fortunately, a premier pass-catching option is now available for any team, the Colts included, to sign. DeAndre Hopkins was released by the Cardinals and is on the free agent market. And the latest buzz gives Indianapolis a better chance than expected.

The initial expectation was that Hopkins would be signing with a Super Bowl-contending team. Such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, or even the Dallas Cowboys. 

But that might not be the case, after all. Instead, Hopkins is looking to cash-in and be paid market value rather than just take a big discount with a winning team. According to The Athletic, the veteran wideout wants to be paid like Odell Beckham Jr.

Two of the executives said Hopkins wants a deal similar to what the Baltimore Ravens gave Odell Beckham Jr., who signed a one-year deal worth $15 million guaranteed with another $3 million in incentives.

Additionally, according to The Athletic, Hopkins is not going to budge from that value. He saw what OBJ signed for after missing the entire 2022 NFL season. Therefore, Hopkins believes – and rightfully so – that he should get the same kind of deal.

Which could open the door for a team like the Colts, who may be able to spend a little bit more and offer Hopkins what he wants. Adding the Pro Bowl receiver to an offense consisting of Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman would be a lot of fun.

Hopkins publicly has expressed a strong desire to play with Bills quarterback Josh Allen, but one of the league executives, who has communicated with Hopkins’ camp, said his preferred passer won’t supersede his preferred payout.

It is still likely a bit of a stretch to say that the Indianapolis Colts will sign DeAndre Hopkins. However, the latest bit of news certainly opens the door that much more. Plus, Hopkins could certainly be intrigued about playing with Richardson.

At the end of the day, the team that offers Hopkins the most amount of capital will put themselves in the best position to sign him this offseason. It might be up to what Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen want to offer the veteran receiver.

Featured image via Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports