The Indianapolis Colts created a problem for themselves when they signed wide receiver Michael Pittman to an extension in 2024. The new deal meant he would have a cap hit of $29 million in 2026, and that was never going to become reality. The team couldn't afford it.
Moreover, Pittman's production didn't match that high of a cap hit. He was good, but not great. For $29 million, he would need to be elite. He likely isn't capable of that.
So, when Indy traded Pittman to the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, it felt like a win. The Colts didn't have as much dead cap by dealing the wide receiver instead of simply releasing him. The next question that needed answering was obvious: Who could be found to replace Pittman's sure-handedness and consistent production, but cost a lot less?
The Indianapolis Colts have no idea which one person can replace Michael Pittman Jr. (and that's the plan)
The answer? No one. Not that a wideout doesn't exist like that, but Indy simply doesn't seem interested in finding that player. Instead, general manager Chris Ballard appears content knowing he was able to re-sign quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce, and not do much else in free agency than sign an underwhelming group.
According to the Indianapolis Star's Joel A. Erickson, head coach Shane Steichen said, "(Pittman's) he’s going to be missed on this team and in this city. With him departing, obviously, Tyler (Warren), Alec, Josh (Downs), getting more targets for those guys...I’m excited for those guys’ opportunity."
In other words, Indianapolis is going with what it has. Maybe a wide receiver high on the Colts' draft board falls unexpectedly to No. 47, Indy's first selection in the 2026 draft, but even then, the team has other concerns. An edge rusher should be a priority as the depth at that position is lacking.
At least at wide receiver, the Colts know they have the consistent Downs, ascending second-year tight end Warren, and the newly high-paid Pierce. One might wonder who has more pressure now. Shane Steichen, who needs to find a way to have his receivers be more productive without Pittman or Pierce, who is now earning an average of $29 million a season for the next four years.
To be sure, the Indianapolis Colts might be just fine without Michael Pittman Jr., and his contract had to go. While he led the team in targets recently, in 2025, he only averaged 9.8 yards per catch and had just 784 receiving yards. Replacing the wide receiver might not turn out to be all that difficult after all.