The Dallas Cowboys have been flirting with adding talent to their wide receiver corps. But most of that affection was sent the way of Odell Beckham Jr. And while the verdict is still out on whether Beckham will actually join America’s Team at some point, the Cowboys have opted to bring in receiver help that can actually make an impact now.
On Monday, the Cowboys signed four-time veteran wide receiver T.Y. Hilton. The 10-year veteran and former third-round selection out of Florida International back in 2012 previously spent his entire NFL career with only one team, the Indianapolis Colts. Unfortunately, injuries had begun to pile up over the past four years for the now 33-year-old diminutive receiver resulting in Hilton not re-joining the Colts this season. He’s missed a total of 16 regular season games since 2018.
In Dallas, Hilton figures to aid the Cowboys’ offense as a deep threat whose 5-11 frame would lend to him playing more out of the slot. The pressure to perform should be lessened on the aging receiver with the likes of CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup and tight end Dalton Schultz already carrying the bulk of the receiving duties.
The Cowboys are certainly hoping Hilton still has plenty left in the tank. The fact he hasn’t played football yet this season likely makes him the healthiest he’s been in quite some time. Plus the experience and leadership he’ll bring on the field and in the locker room could prove invaluable. Fans witnessed the impact having a veteran voice on the team can make earlier this season when free agent offensive tackle Jason Peters helped to mentor rookie Tyler Smith into becoming a viable starter to replace the injured Tyron Smith.
If T.Y. Hilton can have a similar impact on the Dallas Cowboys’ receiving corps, as well as provide some sure hands for quarterback Dak Prescott to boot just as the team prepares for their playoff push, then this will likely become the most complete team fans have seen in Big D in quite some time. Now, if they can only defeat the juggernaut within their own division, the league-leading 12-1 Philadelphia Eagles, they’d likely be Super Bowl favorites. And with a crucial divisional battle with those Eagles set for Christmas Eve, the Cowboys will have their chance.
