Colts supporters respond to Michael Pittman Jr.’s surprise contract designation

Michael Pittman Jr. is a crucial player to keep for the Indianapolis Colts as they strive to equip Anthony Richardson with as strong a wide receiver corps as possible.

The Colts need to aid Richardson as much as possible, thus retaining Pittman on the team is the main priority throughout the summer.

As free agency approached, the Colts needed to make a move to keep their top wideout on the team, so they activated the non-exclusive franchise tag on him in the hopes of negotiating a better contract during the 2024 season.

Analysts and fans react to Indianapolis Colts putting the franchise tag on Michael PIttman Jr.

According to Kevin Hickey of Colts Wire, the Colts assigned the 26-year-old a non-exclusive tag. While it is far from ideal, it will allow the Colts to match any offers made by any NFL team interested in signing the USC standout.

Fans and analysts immediately weighed in on the problem. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Colts made a wise decision because it did not appear like they were close to finalizing a deal.

Never got the sense the sides were close on a long-term deal leading up to today, so the franchise tag always seemed like the likely option. #Colts make the move, now have until July to do a multi-year deal. https://t.co/ZCpgCP9PLH

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 5, 2024

According to Zak Keefer of The Athletic, the Colts haven’t used a franchise tag on a single Colts player in a long time, and the last man they did was a beloved figure in the league today.

First time the Colts have used the franchise tag in 11 years.

Last was on @PatMcAfeeShow in 2013 for $2.9 million. And I believe that was because Jim Irsay had no interest in letting McAfee sniff the open market.

— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 5, 2024

Next Gen Stats offered key stats to explain why the Indianapolis Colts gave him the franchise tag:

Michael Pittman gained 891 receiving yards when facing 5+ yards of cushion (off coverage) in 2023, 5th-most in the NFL.

Pittman also recorded +9.5 receptions over expected against off coverage last season, 4th-most in the NFL.#ForTheShoe https://t.co/vhpXSF4DQv pic.twitter.com/1hGhf3YKgt

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 5, 2024

Michael Pittman Jr. had a good season despite the Colts’ failure to make the playoffs. He grabbed 1152 yards and four touchdowns in 16 regular-season games. He also had a 70% catch rate and averaged 72.0 yards per game, a career high.

The tag will offer the Colts extra time to strike a deal that benefits everyone concerned. Fans will be hopeful that they can keep the brilliant wideout for longer and become a pillar of the team’s Super Bowl chances.