The Indianapolis Colts must make some significant changes throughout the next summer.
Regardless of whether general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen stay in their current positions, the Colts must make a change if they are to end their four-year postseason drought.
Hayden Winks of the Underdog Network made a shocking speculation that top wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. could be traded this offseason.
“The Colts have three wide receivers on rookie contracts with legitimate draft capital attached: Josh Downs (slot), Alec Pierce (X), and Adonai Mitchell (Z). They compliment each other well, especially in an already-balanced offense with Anthony Richardson’s skill set. Pittman isn’t fully utilized in this scenario, making his $13 million in potential cap savings via trade appealing. If a trade went through, the Colts would eat $10M in dead money, and the acquiring team would be on the hook for that $13M during Pittman’s age-28 season. There are $0 guarantees beyond 2025,” Winks wrote.
It’s impossible to imagine the Colts parting ways with Pittman, one of Ballard’s favorite players and a first-time captain in 2024.
Pittman received a $70 million contract last summer after a standout season that included 109 receptions and 1,152 receiving yards.
However, entering the last week of the season, the former second-round choice has 63 receptions for 736 yards and three touchdowns, all career lows since his rookie season.
Much of this stems from quarterback Anthony Richardson’s difficulties and playing style. Pittman’s stats while Joe Flacco is under center are much closer to his 2023 figures.
It’s a highly unusual move for the Colts, regardless of who is in charge, but stranger things have happened in the NFL.
