A New Battle for the Top Spot
The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2025 season with a reshaped receiving corps after parting ways with Michael Pittman Jr. in March, a move that leaves a void at the top of the depth chart.
Adding to the uncertainty, quarterback Alec Pierce is still recovering from offseason ankle surgery, casting doubt on his availability for training camp and the early weeks of the regular season.
Among the candidates to fill the void are veteran special‑teams standout Ashton Dulin, along with Nick Westbrook‑Ikhine, Laquon Treadwell and Deion Burks. Dulin’s long tenure with the club, dating back to 2019, and his proven chemistry with head coach Shane Steichen have positioned him as the early front‑runner.
Dulin’s reputation as a gunner earned him second‑team All‑Pro honors in 2021, and his knack for covering kicks has translated into a reliable presence on offense. He has logged 40 career receptions and four touchdowns in 82 games, numbers that speak to his steady development.
The competition is not limited to internal options; the front office has signaled it will monitor the market for proven veterans should the internal group fail to deliver. With the Colts sitting seventh in cap space at $31.67 million, the financial flexibility exists to make a splash if the right opportunity arises.
Beyond the clubhouse, the broader NFL landscape features a host of elite pass‑catchers such as Stefon Diggs, Deebo Samuel, Keenan Allen, Tyreek Hill, Brandin Cooks and DeAndre Hopkins, each of whom could shape the strategic calculus for the Colts as they plot their offensive identity.
The outcome of this battle will influence not only the Colts’ immediate prospects but also the broader narrative surrounding the team’s rebuild under Steichen, a storyline that will unfold over the coming months.