Colts general manager Chris Ballard said last week that Michael Pittman would be on the team’s roster one way or another when next season starts.
Looks like he was right. Pittman will stay a Colt for at least one more year.
The Indianapolis Colts placed their non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., the team confirmed Tuesday. This is the first time since 2013 (on Pat McAfee) that the Colts have used their franchise tag.
The Colts and Pittman have been working on an extension and will continue talks, sources told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. With the Colts having the fifth most cap room, a long term deal should be finalized by the end of the year.
Pittman’s one year deal costs $21.816 million. He’ll have until July 15 to agree to a long-term deal and avoid playing on the tag.
Pittman was poised to hit the open market after setting career highs in catches (109) and yards (1,152) in 2023 despite quarterback Anthony Richardson only playing in four games.
Along with that, Pittman was one of the most consistent and quiet Colts this season. The Colts had a lot of chaos happen to begin the year and through the middle part of it, and Pittman did not complain or have an outburst once.
With Richardson set to return from his shoulder injury for the start of the 2024 campaign, retaining Pittman was a key part of Indianapolis’ offseason plan. He has been one of their most consistent players, and will for sure be the head of the wide receiver room as long as he is in Indy.
Pittman, a 2020 second-round pick, led the Colts in receiving yards in each of the last three years. He’s produced 336 receptions, 3,662 yards, and 15 touchdowns in 62 appearances.
Jaden Chandler-Parnell, or “JC” is a Sports & Sports Betting Insider for Stare Down Sports. You can Follow him on X @Jaden95Chandler
Follow Stare Down Sports on X for all of the latest news and updates @StareDownSports
Leave a Reply