The top offensive weapon for the Indianapolis Colts says he wants to consider his options in NFL free agency.
Shane Steichen’s first season as the Indianapolis Colts’ head coach went much better than Frank Reich and Jeff Saturday’s 4-12-1 record the previous year. In addition to improving to a 9-8 record and putting a playoff spot on the line in the regular season finale, the Colts accomplished this while still attempting to come to terms with the loss of quarterback Anthony Richardson, the team’s franchise quarterback.
Although Gardner Minshew did a fantastic job in relief, he was assisted by numerous playwrights who were well into their careers. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is one of those standouts; he finished with a career-high 1,152 receiving yards and set a new personal best with 109 receptions.
However, Pittman’s rookie contract is about to expire, and he will now be eligible for unrestricted free agency. The Colts probably don’t want to part with their best receiver, especially after witnessing how well he fits into Coach Steichen’s new offense. That interest might not be shared, though.
Pittman had his best season as an NFL player despite the Colts’ inconsistent quarterback play this season. His versatility in producing regardless of the player passing the ball to him will make him a target for other teams come free agency. As if his 6-foot-4 height weren’t already alluring enough. Pittman, who is 26 years old, is now expected to be among the best wide receivers available this offseason.
Pittman and the Colts held contract extension talks prior to the start of the season, as many teams do with their best players before a contract year. At that point, all parties decided to postpone any more contract talks until after the regular season ended because the Colts were also attempting to sign Jonathan Taylor.
Pittman doesn’t seem eager to get back to the negotiating table now that the Colts season is over, at least not before he has a chance to see what other offers he receives.
The Colts do, of course, have the option to use the franchise tag, which could fetch close to $23 million for the position of wide receiver. Pittman stated that while he “wouldn’t necessarily” want to play with the one-year franchise tag, he “wouldn’t be displeased” with the offer. This is usually due to the fact that players would rather have steady income over a large salary for a single season.
But, since Pittman isn’t thought to be among the top five players at his position, it’s still a possibility, if not a very likely one.
Pittman may very well return to Indianapolis for a fifth season, but it’s evident from his remarks that he would rather consider all of his options, including accepting any offers that come his way. Colts supporters shouldn’t give up though. Players frequently say these things merely to try to raise the price point, hoping to incite the team to return to the negotiating table with a more desirable contract offer.
On Wednesday, March 15, NFL free agency gets underway, giving the Colts plenty of time to try and figure out what their next receiver strategy will entail. Josh Downs and Alec Pierce will have more opportunities if Pittman leaves, but the Colts would probably rather have all three of those options under contract going into 2024 than just two.
