The Indianapolis Colts are staring down a pivotal offseason, and the decisions they make in the coming months could shape their trajectory for years. After trading away their next two first-round picks in the 2025 season to acquire All-Pro corner Sauce Gardner, the front office is now in a tight spot financially and strategically.
One of the biggest questions looming? What to do with wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
Let’s be clear: none of the options are easy. The Colts can either shop Pittman on the trade market and try to recoup some draft capital, release him to clear $24 million in cap space, or absorb his hefty $29 million cap hit in 2026. It’s a classic case of roster-building chess-every move has a ripple effect.
Pittman isn’t just another name on the depth chart. Since entering the league as a second-round pick out of USC, he’s been a consistent and reliable presence in the Colts’ offense, no matter who’s been under center or calling the plays.
He’s posted at least 65 catches every season since 2021, with his breakout year coming in 2023 when he hauled in 109 receptions for 1,152 yards. In 2025, he added 80 catches and a career-best seven touchdowns-proof he’s still very much in his prime.
But with a top-10 cap hit among wide receivers for 2026, Colts GM Chris Ballard has a tough decision to make. If Indy does decide to explore the trade market, there are a few teams that make a lot of sense as potential landing spots for Pittman. Let’s take a look at three that could be in the mix.
Denver Broncos
Current WR Room: Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin
The Broncos are coming off a season that saw them fall just short of a Super Bowl berth, losing a gritty AFC Championship Game 10-7. Their defense is elite, and rookie quarterback Bo Nix showed enough flashes to make Denver believers. Now, it’s about surrounding him with the right weapons.
Enter Michael Pittman Jr.
Head coach Sean Payton has a history of maximizing big-bodied receivers-just look at what he did with Michael Thomas and Jimmy Graham in New Orleans. Pittman fits that mold.
While Denver could go after a veteran like Mike Evans in free agency, Pittman offers a younger, long-term option who’s already proven he can produce at a high level. With the Broncos clearly in win-now mode, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them package some draft picks to bring in a player who can elevate their passing game immediately.
Buffalo Bills
Current WR Room: Khalil Shakir, Brandon Cooks, Mecole Hardman Jr.
The Bills are at a crossroads. After another season that fell short of expectations, Buffalo made a major change by moving on from Sean McDermott. But with Josh Allen still very much in his prime, this team isn’t rebuilding-they’re reloading.
Allen played at an MVP level in 2025, even without a true WR1. Now imagine what he could do with a receiver like Pittman. The Bills’ front office knows they need to get more dynamic on offense, and Pittman’s combination of size, route-running, and catch radius would give Allen a go-to target in the middle of the field and in the red zone.
Buffalo has been aggressive in the past, and giving up a second- and third-round pick for a proven receiver like Pittman would be a calculated move to maximize their Super Bowl window. With a defense still capable of holding its own and Allen at the peak of his powers, this could be the kind of swing that finally gets them over the hump.
New England Patriots
Current WR Room: Stephon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins
No team in the league turned more heads in 2025 than the New England Patriots. After a dismal 2024 campaign, they made a stunning turnaround and are now heading to the Super Bowl under head coach Mike Vrabel-who’s firmly in the Coach of the Year conversation.
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye played lights-out football, and while Stephon Diggs remains a high-level contributor, he’s turning 34 this year. The Patriots will need to start thinking about the future of their receiving corps, and Pittman could be the perfect bridge between the present and what’s next.
Vrabel, a former linebacker, has always valued physicality and balance. He leans on the run game to wear down defenses, but adding another big-bodied receiver like Pittman would give Maye a reliable target on the outside-something that could accelerate his development and keep defenses honest.
Given the Patriots' rapid rise and the importance of surrounding a young quarterback with talent, this is a move that makes a lot of sense. If New England wants to keep their foot on the gas, adding Pittman to the mix could help them stay competitive well beyond this current run.
Final Thoughts
The Colts are in a bind, but they’re not without options. Michael Pittman Jr. is a player who brings size, consistency, and veteran savvy to any offense-and that’s a rare package in today’s NFL. Whether it’s Denver trying to give Bo Nix a true WR1, Buffalo looking to supercharge Josh Allen’s arsenal, or New England doubling down on their youth movement with Drake Maye, there’s no shortage of teams that could use a player like Pittman.
For Indianapolis, the question isn’t just about cap space-it’s about vision. Are they building around a young core with Sauce Gardner as a centerpiece, or are they trying to stay competitive while retooling on the fly? Whatever the answer, Pittman’s future is one of the biggest storylines to watch this offseason.