Yes, T.Y. Hilton was ranked as one of the best receivers last season, and yes, Hilton is one of the best players on the Indianapolis Colts. Hilton, who is making a little over $600,000 this year, is considered one of the top bargains in the NFL as he finishes out his rookie contract. Next year, Hilton will be expecting an extension that matches his high level of production. While Hilton is deserving of a hefty payday, his new deal should come from a team other than the Colts.

At the end of the 2015 season, the Colts will have a number of key contributors up for free agency. As of now, the Colts’ 2016 salary cap space is estimated to be around $31 million. Andrew Luck will be looking for a deal in the $20-plus million a year price range, while solid left tackle Anthony Castonzo will also be in the hunt for a new contract. Tight ends Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener are also due for contract extensions, while starters Dwight Lowery, Vick Ballard and Adam Vinatieri are in need of new deals.

While the wide receiver position is one of the toughest to play, having a capable quarterback or tight end to on an NFL roster is even more difficult to find. Signing Luck and the players who protect him will probably be one of the Colts’ biggest priorities during the offseason. To replace Hilton, the Colts could look to the 2016 free agent class. Full of high quality players, next year’s free agency will have plenty of top level talent. With stars like Julio Jones and A.J. Green expected to sign mega deals with their respective teams, the Colts could still get a quality player in Marvin Jones or Jermaine Kearse while paying a little less money.

Whether Colts fans wish to believe it or not, team management may already be planning for Hilton’s departure. In this year’s draft, the Colts selected Phillip Dorsett with their first-round pick, making the wide receiver position one of the deepest on their roster. Dorsett will be learning from some of the best in the game in Hilton and Andre Johnson. With a year of grooming and mentoring, Dorsett could be ready to contribute as a starter the following season. With load of young talent already at the position, Hilton could be seen as easier to replace than the other players who will be looking for new deals.

Also, with the recent signings of Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas, the mega deal for the position could have a ceiling of around $11-14 million per year. Hilton was certainly one of the players who took notice with a tweet he posted soon after the signings.

All this BREAKING NEWS. Does this mean the bar is set?? #THEGHOST

— TY Hilton (@TYHilton13) July 15, 2015

With Hilton saying “if they want to play me, they’ll pay me” and that “it takes two people to make a deal,” it might be time for Colts fans to brace for Hilton’s departure.