Colts WR Depth Chart: Michael Pittman Jr. Should Be Re-Signed.

The Colts’ possible loss of standout Michael Pittman Jr. could hurt an already depleted wide receiver corps.

Since General Manager Chris Ballard assumed office in 2017, there has been much controversy about the Indianapolis Colts’ wide receiver room. The 2023 season was far from the worst we’ve seen from Indianapolis’ pass catchers, but can the Colts improve at receiver in 2024?

Michael Pittman Jr. was once again the Colts’ star receiver. The fourth-year veteran has averaged 1,000 yards receiving every year over the last three seasons, setting career highs in both catches and yards in 2023 under Shane Steichen. He is poised to become an unrestricted free agency in March, but it would be absolutely astonishing if the Colts allowed their finest pass catcher depart for free.

Josh Downs, a rookie, was a welcome addition to the 2023 roster. The shifty slot receiver set an Indianapolis-era rookie record with 68 receptions, 771 yards, and two scores. He proved to be the quick-win receiver that Indianapolis urgently needed, complementing Pittman Jr.’s steady presence.

Second-year wideout Alec Pierce had an up and down season this year, but he still has time to establish consistency in the league. His 16.1 yards per reception led all Colts pass receivers last season, and his deep threat ability would have been more effective with a bigger-armed (and more aggressive) quarterback.

With Downs and Pierce the only prominent pass catchers from 2023 still under contract, what can the Colts do to enhance their wide receiving group heading into next season?

The Colts have their starting slot receiver locked down for at least the next three seasons. Downs had a solid rookie season and should continue to improve as the Colts’ passing game develops under Steichen.

One important point to observe is Downs’ chemistry with quarterback Anthony Richardson. Downs has three receptions for more than 20 yards in four games that Richardson started last year. Richardson knew how to utilize this young receiver in the vertical game while also feeding him underneath on quick-hitters. These two have the potential to be a formidable force in the AFC going forward.

Starter: Alec Pierce (two years left on contract).

Alec Pierce has failed to live up to his second-round draft pick status with the Colts, but he has been a valuable asset to the offense over the last two seasons. When it comes to total production, he has undoubtedly taken the brunt of the quarterback’s poor performance.

One admirable part of Pierce’s game is his shift to role player status this season. He emerged as the team’s greatest receiver blocker, and he capitalized on downfield opportunities when they presented themselves. That selflessness and willingness to do the hard work should help the Colts’ wide depth this offseason, as they attempt to add a new starter to join Downs and Pittman Jr.

Depth: Ashton Dulin (1 year left on contract).

This summer’s overlooked storyline will be the return of special teamer Ashton Dulin. Dulin was far from ideal on offense as a receiver, but he was a versatile performer on special teams over the years. The Colts lost Dulin for the season due to an injury in training camp last year, so having the former All-Pro gunner back this offseason will be a significant addition to the roster.

Wide Receivers with Expiring Contracts

Michael Pittman, Jr. (UFA)

The Colts’ main priority this summer is determining what to do with Michael Pittman Jr.’s next contract. The decision to bring him back for 2024 should be obvious, since the Colts have the option of deploying the franchise tag if everything else fails during the bargaining period. That price tag should also serve as a starting point for discussions, with the standout receiver expected to earn roughly $21.66 million per year.

While the Colts can buy additional time by putting the tag on Pittman Jr., they must also reach an agreement with their top pass catcher on a long-term basis. He has been their outside workhorse for the past three seasons, and Shane Steichen definitely needs his skillset in this offensive scheme. Pittman Jr. was the pacesetter and most reliable target in Indianapolis last year, so the Colts would be wise to sign him long term this offseason.

Wide Receiver Options in Free Agency

Noah Brown (Houston Texans UFA).

Veteran wide receiver Noah Brown makes a lot of sense for the Colts during the free agent season. The 28-year-old pass catcher is coming off a career-best season in Houston, and his flexibility as a special teamer makes him a strong option for depth in Indianapolis. He was also one of the finest receivers after the catch in football last season, which adds to his total appeal with the Colts.

Kendrick Bourne (New England Patriots UFA)

Kendrick Bourne, another 28-year-old receiver, is a good fit for the Colts. Bourne has always been a consistent contributor in the NFL, even without the benefit of playing with a high-caliber quarterback. He is an excellent route runner who knows how to get open, and most teams could do worse at WR4/WR5. He shouldn’t cost too much on the free market following an injury-plagued 2023, so he could be ideal for the Colts.

Quez Watkins (Philadelphia Eagles UFA)

The Colts might reunite Steichen with another former player this offseason by signing Quez Watkins. Watkins, 25, had over 1,000 total receiving yards throughout Steichen’s two seasons with the Eagles before becoming an insignificant component of the offense this year without him. The Colts may be an interesting stop for these two to reunite, and this prospective signing could offer some speed to Indianapolis’ receiving corps.

Wide Receiver Options in the Draft

Brian Thomas, Jr. (LSU)

Regardless of what happens with Pittman Jr. during the free agency period, the Colts should definitely consider LSU receiver Brian Thomas Jr. with the 15th overall pick. He is an excellent prospect in the 2018 draft, with size, quickness, and explosive play ability. He would be the ideal complement to Richardson in this offense, and Steichen would have a great time setting up this vertical pass catcher down the field.

Malachi Corley (western Kentucky)

Corley is another draft favorite who could fit into the Colts’ offense in the upcoming draft. At 5’10” and 215 pounds, Corley is a bowling ball of a player who excels after the catch. He would add a legitimate YAC danger to the Colts’ offense, which is desperate for a playmaker who can create after contact. Corley would be an absolute beast in the Colts’ RPO/screen game if he ends up in Indianapolis.

Xavier Worthy (Texas)

Chris Ballard expressed want to be more explosive on offense in 2024. One method to accomplish this is to bring in Texas track sensation Xavier Worthy. Worthy is far from a finished product; his hands are dubious at best, but he is a rare athlete who has been extremely effective in college since he was 18. He has always produced at a high level, and I believe his speed and acceleration will translate into some monster plays in the NFL.

Javon Baker (Central Florida)

Javon Baker of UCF is another intriguing day two/day three receiving prospect. Baker, a former Alabama recruit, has excellent ball tracking skills and exceptional touch. He understands how to create separation at the catch point and is one of the most refined players in the draft. His long speed is questionable, but he is a playmaker who can play a role in the NFL.

Ricky Pearsall (FL)

The Colts could reconnect Richardson with Ricky Pearsall, one of his favorite college targets. Pearsall isn’t a physically imposing athlete, but he knows how to get open and make difficult catches over the center of the field. With his ability to play on special teams, Pearsall might be a great depth receiver at the next level.