Should The Colts Go After Cameron Meredith?

Yesterday, the Colts had a visit with Bears’ wide receiver Cameron Meredith.

Restricted free agent market: the Colts hosted Bears WR Cam Meredith for a visit, per league source. The Bears have the right to match any offer or lose Meredith without any compensation.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 20, 2018

Meredith, 25, burst onto the scene after the Bears signed him undrafted out of Illinois State. In 2016, his second year, he caught 66 passes for 888 yards and four touchdowns. Last season, he tore his left ACL and MCL in camp and missed the entire 2017 season. Meredith had his breakout season with the dynamic quarterback trio of Matt Barkley, Brian Hoyer, and Jay Cutler. It is safe to say that Andrew Luck is a sizeable upgrade from any of those three.

The only noteworthy receivers on the Colts’ roster now are T.Y. Hilton, Chester Rogers, and the newly signed Ryan Grant. With Meredith and another receiver in the draft, Luck could have the best receiving corps of his career.

The Colts’ could sign Meredith with no penalty because of his UDFA status.

Meredith is an original round tendered RFA and as an undrafted free agent he would not cost the #Colts a draft pick #NFLFreeAgency

— FPC Colts (@FPC_Colts) March 20, 2018

He is a restricted free agent, so the Bears could, and likely would match any one year offer. The Colts would need a multi-year deal with a significant cap hit to land Meredith. Despite his price tag, I think it is worth it to sign a young, big receiver who is far from his ceiling.

Clips

Mike Glennon throws this ball far too low, and Meredith does an excellent job adjusting and making the catch. He can expect far more accurate throws from Andrew Luck or even Jacoby Brissett.

Terrible throw by Mike Glennon, but some Cameron Meredith reels it in. Gritty play. #Bears pic.twitter.com/s1PqlDFJri

— Jake Perper (@BearsBacker) August 22, 2017

Here, Meredith is unable to separate from the corner but makes a tough catch in heavy traffic. The Colts don’t currently have a possession receiver who can consistently make this play on the roster.

Mike Glennon To Cameron Meredith pic.twitter.com/S5kF8fVGqO

— Gustavo Vega (@iamvega1982) August 27, 2017

I highlight this play due to the poor throw by Glennon. When you have a 6’4″ receiver with great hands, you need to lead him better and put the ball where only he can get it. Luck is great at this.

Mike Glennon needs to give his tall receiver a chance. Very poor lead throw to Cameron Meredith here. #Bears pic.twitter.com/wuRuqYlgIo

— Jake Perper (@BearsBacker) August 22, 2017

Meredith drops the ball here in traffic. He felt the cornerback behind him breathing down his neck.

I know it wouldn’t be a big gain, but Cameron Meredith has to make this grab. #Bears pic.twitter.com/PIGFjG3dWC

— Jake Perper (@BearsBacker) August 11, 2017

Meredith runs a great out-breaking corner route here to find the back of the end zone and shows good feet as well.

Matt Barkley finds wide receiver Cameron Meredith in the back of the end zone for a 21-yard touchdown! #FeedDaBears #WASvsCHI pic.twitter.com/d3avWjpkdb

— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) December 24, 2016

Meredith performs a good little fake inside before using his hands to abuse Darius Slay off of the line and walk into the end zone.

Cameron Meredith 31 yard TD pass from Matt Barkley. #CHIvsDET pic.twitter.com/QbF5FOTtMH

— SotoSports Tv (@SotoSportsTv) December 11, 2016

Lastly, he makes former Colt Patrick Robinson look foolish with this vicious double move.

Patrick Robinson = #Toast by Cameron Meredith. pic.twitter.com/U42UFAanoL

— Greg Brookey (@CoachBrookey) October 9, 2016

Meredith would be a home run signing for Chris Ballard and could be a huge difference maker for the Colts next season.

Ben Pfeifer is the Managing Editor of the Colts for Full Press Coverage, the AFC South Division Editor, and head NBA editor. Want to continue the discussion? Contact Ben Pfeifer on Twitter @Ben_Pfeifer_ and @FPC_Colts.