The Indianapolis Colts aren't cash-poor as the team enters the free agency period of 2026. The salary cap is projected to go up, and Indy could have as much as $35 million to spend. That is a good amount to try to re-sign quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce.
The problem is that every other team's cap ceiling will be raised, too. If Indianapolis tries to get into a bidding war with a team with more available money, the Colts will lose. That could happen with Pierce or Jones. So, what is the more important signing?
The reality is that it has to be the QB. Someone has to throw Pierce the ball to max out his real value. Therefore, the person throwing the ball has a higher innate worthiness. Of the two, Jones has to be kept, while Pierce might need to be seen as walking away.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. could find a new home with the Denver Broncos
If that last part were to happen, many teams would be clamoring to sign the explosive wide receiver. Unfortunately, one of those teams could be a team that Indianapolis has to fight against to potentially reach the Super Bowl. The Denver Broncos need all kinds of offensive skill position players, and Pierce is perfect for what would fix their lack of offensive explosiveness.
Or maybe Pierce is able to be re-signed, but that might come with a catch. Indy could release a different player to make room to get Pierce back on a contract that pays him more than $20 million a season.
James Boyd of The Athletic recently namechecked Michael Pittman Jr. as the player Indy would save a lot of cap room by releasing. Letting Pittman go saves the Colts $24 million. He might not be as explosive as Alec Pierce, but he is certainly consistent and sure-handed. The Broncos' signing Pittman would instantly improve their offense, and Boyd thinks that's a possibility.
Denver has to give quarterback Bo Nix more options. He likely isn't talented enough to elevate an offense deep in the postseason by himself. He needs a lot of help. Pittman would be part of that help.
The Broncos' defense is good enough to get to the playoffs, but to win a Super Bowl, a team needs all three phases working at a high level. Michael Pittman Jr. in Denver would be scary, simply because it would be one more obstacle the Indianapolis Colts would have in an attempt to get to the ultimate dream of winning a championship.