A year after Frank Reich and Jeff Saturday combined for a 4-12-1 record, Shane Steichen’s first season leading the Indianapolis Colts went significantly better. Not only did the Colts improve to a 9-8 record, setting up an exciting regular season finale with a playoff spot on the line, but they did so while trying to overcome the loss of their franchise quarterback Anthony Richardson.
While Gardner Minshew performed admirably in relief, he did so with the help of many playmakers who had career years. One of those standouts includes wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who tallied a new personal best 109 receptions and finished with a career-high 1,152 receiving yards.
Yet, now Pittman is set for unrestricted free agency following the expiration of his rookie contract. Chances are, the Colts don’t want to let their top receiver go, especially after seeing him thrive in Coach Steichen’s new offense. However, that interest may not be mutual.
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Michael Pittman Jr. wants to test free agency before negotiating with Indianapolis Colts
Despite the inconsistency at quarterback this season for the Colts, Pittman still had his best year as an NFL pro. His ability to produce no matter who was throwing him the ball will certainly interest other teams in free agency. As if his 6-foot-4 frame wasn’t enticing enough. Now, at the age of 26, Pittman figures to be one of the top wide receivers available this offseason.
Before the season began, Pittman and the Colts held contract extension negotiations, as many teams do with their top talent ahead of a contract year. At that time, with the Colts also trying to get Jonathan Taylor under contract, both sides agreed to push any further contract discussions out until after the regular season completed.
Now that the Colts’ season is over, it doesn’t appear Pittman is eager to return to the negotiation table, at least not before he gets a chance to see what other offers he receives.
“I made it this far, so I’ve loved my four years here. But I wouldn’t be doing my due diligence if I didn’t explore every option and find the best fit.”
Indianapolis Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
Of course, the Colts do have the option of using the franchise tag, which could be valued near $23 million for the wide receiver position. Pittman said he “wouldn’t be displeased” with the offer, but he also said he “wouldn’t necessarily” want to play under the one-year franchise tag. Typically, this is because players prefer long-term financial security over one big paycheck for one single season.
Yet, it remains an option, just probably not a very likely solution, because, let’s be honest, Pittman is not regarded as one of the top-five players at his position.
While it’s certainly possible Pittman returns to Indianapolis for a fifth season, his comments make it clear that he’d prefer to weigh all of his options from whichever offers come his way. Yet, Colts fans shouldn’t give up hope. Players often say these things, only as a means to try and drive up their price point, hoping to create the urgency for the organization to return to the negotiation table with a more appealing contract offer.
NFL free agency begins on Wednesday, March 15, giving the Colts plenty of time to try and plot their next move at the receiver position. If Pittman leaves, it only creates more opportunities for Alec Pierce and Josh Downs, yet the Colts probably prefer to enter the 2024 season with all three of those options under contract instead of just two.
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