ESPN makes a bold offseason prediction that would break the hearts of Colts fans

The Indianapolis Colts were a couple of plays away from going to the postseason. Now, Indy will face an offseason where the franchise will try to turn itself from a fringe playoff team to a championship contender. That process will start in free agency with Indianapolis trying to re-sign some of its key players.

The Colts will see Michael Pittman Jr., Kenny Moore II, Grover Stewart, Julian Blackmon, Gardner Minshew, Zack Moss, and Rigoberto Sanchez all enter free agency. There’s no question that Indianapolis isn’t the same team without these players. That’s why it will be Indy’s top priority to keep them in a Colts uniform.

Will the Colts actually be able to do it? ESPN’s NFL staff recently created an offseason guide for every team in the league. As part of the guide, the writers made a big offseason prediction for each team. For the Colts, Aaron Schatz predicted that Indy will re-sign Grover Stewart and Kenny Moore II, but won’t be able to keep Michael Pittman Jr.

Colts predicted to lose Michael Pittman Jr. in free agency

If Colts fans had to choose just one pending free agent that they could keep on the team, Michael Pittman Jr. would be the unanimous answer. He’s the youngest and the hardest to replace. As the team’s No. 1 wide receiver, what Pittman brings to the offense, especially as a resource for the young Anthony Richardson, is unmatched.

Sure, Indianapolis will be able to select a talented receiver with the 15th-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, however, it’s no guarantee that the selected receiver will be able to immediately replace Pittman. Michael Pittman Jr. is an established top receiver in the NFL and fans have already witnessed what the offense looks like without him.

The Colts simply can’t afford for this prediction to be accurate. Michael Pittman Jr. must be No. 1 on the list of offseason priorities and Indy needs to be prepared to do whatever it takes to re-sign him.

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