Colts' Hilton: I'd love to return, but I'm also ready for new chapter
Pending free-agent receiver T.Y. Hilton wants to return to the Indianapolis Colts, but he's keeping his options open.
"They know how I feel. (Jim) Irsay, Chris Ballard, Frank (Reich), they all saying they want me back. Me, you know I said it all throughout the season, I'd love to come back," Hilton said on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
"Hopefully it works out, if it doesn't, then you know I look forward to a new chapter, new environment, and look forward to free agency," he added. "I've never been here, so I'm excited about that. Looking forward to the teams that (are) interested in me."
Reich, the team's head coach, expressed interest in retaining the club's longtime wideout after the season concluded.
"I think we’re all hoping and optimistic that T.Y. can end his career as a Colt," Reich said, according to Jim Ayello of IndyStar.
The 31-year-old pass-catcher previously expressed a desire to finish his career with the Colts, but he also recently alluded to an uncertain future as free agency nears.
No matter where I go. No matter who I pick. The Ghost Is Ready To Work!! #FreeAgency👻 pic.twitter.com/Wcgu7iRvRp
— TY Hilton (@TYHilton13) March 1, 2021
Hilton has spent his entire nine-year career in Indianapolis, catching 608 passes for 9,360 yards. His production has tailed off in recent seasons, and he hasn't recorded a 1,000-plus-yard campaign since 2018. Hilton recorded 56 grabs for 762 yards over 15 games last season.