It sounds like the Indianapolis Colts want to keep Michael Pittman Jr. around.
While the attention is sprawled over Indy for the NFL Scouting Combine, the Colts made headlines on Wednesday. General manager Chris Ballard declared that the team had every intention to keep the star receiver as a member of the team.
It doesn’t matter if it’s the franchise tag or an extension, according to Ballard. The priority is keeping Pittman Jr. in Indianapolis.
Reporter Nate Atkins said, “Colts GM Chris Ballard said that Michael Pittman Jr. will be on the roster come Week 1, either by an extension or the franchise tag if necessary.” Atkins reported this quote on X, the website formerly known as Twitter.
#Colts GM Chris Ballard said that Michael Pittman Jr. will be on the roster come Week 1, either by an extension or the franchise tag if necessary.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) February 28, 2024
Last season, Pittman Jr. recorded 109 receptions, a career-high, and 1,152 yards, also a career-best. He caught four receiving touchdowns, which he also did in 2022. It didn’t quite match his six scored in 2021, the top mark for his career so far. 2021 is also the only other season he recorded 1,000 yards (1,082). He has 3,662 career receiving yards and 15 career receiving touchdowns.
He’s become a very reliable target four years in and should only improve as time goes on. He’ll also help second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson out even more as he progresses. So, it’s not difficult to understand why the team is prioritizing Pittman’s presence with them.
