5 realistic free agents Colts could sign in 2024
By Ryan Heckman
The Indianapolis Colts are in a great spot going into the thick of the 2024 NFL offseason.
Even after drafting a rookie quarterback a year ago, the Colts were never supposed to be as competitive as they were last season. But, as Anthony Richardson comes back from injury and Indy heads into free agency, this is a team that's set up to do some big things if they so desire.
At the moment, the Colts have the fifth-most cap space in the NFL ($70 million) per Over the Cap. Who could they be targeting once free agency opens up next week?
There are many names the Colts could consider pursuing, but let's take a look at some notable ones that would also fit into the team's needs.
1. Michael Pittman Jr., WR
Of course, no free agent conversation is going to begin in Indy without mentioning their biggest in-house name. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is not only a realistic free agent option, but a necessary one.
Sure, there is room to add another dynamic playmaker on offense, but it begins with Pittman. You can argue whether or not the Colts should find another big-time weapon at either wide receiver or tight end, but Pittman belongs in Indianapolis.
Chris Ballard told the media recently that he's already intending on keeping Pittman one way or another, and at the moment, it looks like it will be via a long-term deal. Pittman's projected market value sits at $22.7 million annually, via Spotrac. That might seem spendy, but with the salary cap continuing to rise and contracts going up each year, that's an understandable number.
Pittman is coming off career highs in targets (156), receptions (109) and receiving yards (1,152) and should be in line to be a Colt for a very long time.