Michael Pittman Jr Of Colts has a new deal for.

The 2024 free agent class has the potential to boast a number of young wideouts, including Michael Pittman Jr. A new deal for the Colts’ top pass catcher is a priority for the team, but his comments on his situation suggest he would be interested in at least examining his outside market, something complicated by the likelihood of him remaining in Indianapolis for at least one more season.

During his tenure with the Colts, an offense that has failed to find a long-term solution at quarterback, Pittman has been a model of stability. The former second-round pick had a career-year in 2023 and has at least 925 yards in each of the last three seasons. Pittman had 109 catches for 1,052 yards and four touchdowns, good for sixth place in the NFL. He continued to be the center of attention for the team’s passing attack, drawing double-digit targets in nine different games this year.

Prior to his first career trip to free agency, those numbers have increased the 26-year-old’s market value. Pittman might soon follow a number of other well-known receivers who have profited from the substantial rise in value of the position during the previous two years. Either a multi-year contract with the Colts or another interested team, or the $21.66MM franchise tag, will bring him a fat salary. The former USC student is aware that there might be a demand outside of Indianapolis for his talents.

It will be interesting to observe how far negotiations for a new contract advance now that the Colts’ season is over. Pittman’s remark regarding considering other options is noteworthy in light of the NFL’s offseason schedule. Teams have until March 5 to apply the one-year franchise tag, which is prior to the start of the new league year and, consequently, free agency.

Pittman or any other tag recipient would thus only be available for acquisition by a team that worked out a trade with the understanding that Pittman would need to have an extension in place when he arrived. Although most players are reluctant to play on the tag, Pittman stated that he “wouldn’t say necessarily no” to the notion of having free agents play out the 2024 season.

General manager Chris Ballard stated that the Colts are ready to deploy the tag on Pittman in the event that negotiations fail to result in a long-term agreement. If required, this move won’t be official until next month, but in any event, Pittman is a prime candidate for a long-term deal that pairs him with quarterback Anthony Richardson of the first round and running back Jonathan Taylor, who signed a new deal this summer after making his trade request public. Ballard expressed his intention to reach a compromise that will maintain the unity of that trio.