Colts' Wide Receiver Dilemma: Pittman on the Chopping Block?
As the offseason heats up, the Indianapolis Colts find themselves in a potential bind with their wide receiver corps. One name making headlines is Michael Pittman Jr., who might be facing the axe due to salary cap considerations. With fellow receiver Alec Pierce already poised to be one of the top free agents, the Colts are weighing their options.
Pittman's situation is a classic cap conundrum. He's set to carry a hefty $29 million cap hit for the 2026 season.
Of that, $22 million is tied up in a non-guaranteed signing bonus, with an additional $2 million roster bonus due in mid-March. The Colts can release Pittman without any further financial obligation, aside from a $5 million dead cap hit from his signing bonus, potentially freeing up $24 million in cap space.
This move could be crucial, especially with Pierce and starting quarterback Daniel Jones still unsigned. Despite the Colts sitting 10th in the league with $35 million in cap space, Jones' contract alone could consume a significant chunk of that.
An alternative path for the Colts is to negotiate a contract extension with Pittman, converting much of that $29 million into a signing bonus spread over a new deal's duration. This strategy could alleviate immediate cap pressures while retaining a key offensive weapon.
Pittman, now 28, has been a cornerstone for the Colts since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 223 pounds, he's amassed 5,254 receiving yards despite a carousel of quarterbacks. His standout year came in 2023, with 1,152 yards and four touchdowns.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the hunt for wide receiver talent. With only three receivers under contract-DK Metcalf, special teams ace Ben Skowronek, and Roman Wilson, who had a quiet 2025 season-the Steelers are eyeing potential additions. Pittman could be a perfect fit to bolster their lineup, should he become available.