Indianapolis Colts are expected to franchise tag a former second…

The Indianapolis Colts don’t have enough weapons, so they can’t afford to lose Michael Pittman Jr. for nothing.

Michael Pittman Jr.’s rookie contract is ready to expire, and the 26-year-old wideout has signaled that he wants to test the waters on the open market before making a long-term commitment to any NFL team.

“I made it this far, so I’ve loved my four years here,” Pittman said of the Indianapolis Colts, according Stephen Holder of ESPN. “But I wouldn’t be doing my due diligence if I didn’t explore every option and find the best fit.”

Michael Pittman Jr. stood out for the Indianapolis Colts in 2023

Michael Pittman Jr. had a breakout year in 2023, with 109 receptions for 1,152 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games. Over the last three seasons, the USC product has averaged more over 1,000 receiving yards every year.

The only thing to criticize about Pittman Jr. is his career yards per reception, which averages 10.9 yards. Still, he is too valuable to let go, as CBS ranks him as the fourth-best NFL offensive free agent in 2024.

“Pittman is coming off the best season of his career, despite going through a system change and multiple quarterback injuries,” Jared Dubin said in a blog post. “He’s a big guy who can run after the catch. He may not be an alpha in your passing game, but he’s an excellent fit as a high-level X receiver.

If Michael Pittman Jr. remains in Indiana for the franchise tag, he would make $20.7 million next season, which is a significant salary increase. However, the Indianapolis Colts have not used the franchise tag on a player since Pat McAfee in 2013.

Notable Indianapolis Colts WRs that are still under contract

Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and Ashton Dulin are the three noteworthy wide receivers currently under contract with the Indianapolis Colts as of this writing.

Downs is coming off a fantastic rookie season in which he caught 68 passes for 771 yards and two scores, including three receptions of more over 20 yards in four games with Anthony Richardson as his starting quarterback.

Alec Pierce, meanwhile, had 32 receptions for 514 yards and two touchdowns, while Ashton Dulin was unable to participate in 2023 due to a broken ACL.

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