The Indianapolis Colts are heading into an offseason with plenty of doubt. Trading away their next two first-round picks for Sauce Gardner during the 2025 season, the Colts must either trade away a star player in his prime and pocket more draft picks, release him and save $24 million, or take on his $29 million cap hit in 2026.
None of those options is good, but Indy could look to shop Michael Pittman Jr. around the league and see if any trade offers come. The former second-round pick has been a staple in the Shane Steichen offense, along with multiple different offensive coordinators and a handful of quarterbacks.
The former USC Trojan has boasted at least 65 receptions per year since 2021, with his most productive year coming in 2023 with 109 catches and 1,152 yards. In 2025, Pittman caught 80 passes with a career-high seven touchdowns. Ranked seventh among receivers for his 2026 cap hit, Chris Ballard has a tough decision.
Three teams who could trade for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
Denver Broncos
- Current Receivers: Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin
The Broncos' defense is one of the best in the league, and the breakout play of Bo Nix means the Broncos may branch out and look to trade some draft capital for an already developed player. Denver made it to the AFC Championship game, and while losing their QB was not ideal, they only lost the game 10-7.
Sean Payton loves big-bodied receivers from his time in New Orleans with Jimmy Graham and Michael Thomas. It is important to note that wide receiver Mike Evans could be a target for the Broncos in free agency, but, being on the wrong side of 30, Denver's front office may look to bring in a younger receiver.
Buffalo Bills
- Current Receivers: Khalil Shakir, Brandon Cooks, Mecole Hardman Jr.
I'm a huge Josh Allen fan, and watching wide receiver talent walk out the door last year was hard to watch. With the firing of Sean McDermott, the new administration could look to bring in some fresh talent. Josh Allen played at an MVP level with above-average receivers in 2025. Imagine what he could do with a top receiver like Pittman?
Buffalo is in win-now mode with Allen in his prime and a defense that can still win a championship. Giving fresh weapons to an MVP-caliber quarterback could take the Bills over the hump they have struggled to get over, and paying a second and third-round pick is reasonable enough.
New England Patriots
- Current Receivers: Stephon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins
Mike Vrabel is in the running for Coach of the Year and rightfully so. He's taken basically the same roster from one of the worst teams to the Super Bowl in one year. Stephon Diggs has been one of the most consistent receivers in the league in recent years, but he's turning 34 this year. Pittman could be a trade target for a team with a young quarterback looking to get younger.
Drake Maye played at an MVP level, and adding more weapons will only help his development. Vrabel loves the running game - as a former linebacker, he knows how exhausted it makes the defense. However, having a second big body to throw the ball to could be something that interests him.