save $24 million<\/a> in 2026.<\/p>\nThe Colts will have to ask themselves whether that $24 million, which is a meaningful amount of money, is better used to retain Pittman or to invest elsewhere.<\/p>\n
The answer will be the latter.<\/p>\n
Pittman is a quality player; that\u2019s tough to argue. He\u2019s a two-time 1,000-yard receiver who can still make a meaningful impact on the field. However, he\u2019s not irreplaceable, and the Colts are in a good spot in the weapons department.<\/p>\n
Pierce is emerging as one of the league\u2019s premier deep threats and can feasibly be retained if Pittman is released. Josh Downs, with limited opportunities, has consistently been reliable in the shallow areas of the field. Tyler Warren, in just his first NFL season, established himself as one of the league\u2019s next do-it-all tight ends.<\/p>\n
The offense will do more than just get by without Pittman in the fold.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no doubt that moving on from Pittman would be a tough decision. He\u2019s been with the team for six seasons, and he\u2019s seen it all: a playoff berth, a four-win season, a revolving door of quarterbacks, and a team that looked like a legitimate Super Bowl contender.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, loyalty and familiarity only go so far. More often than not, dollars and cents drive big decisions, and moving on from Pittman is the best financial move for Indianapolis.<\/p>\n
Perhaps the Colts find a way to have it all\u2014extend both Pierce and Jones while retaining Pittman\u2014but all signs are pointing to Pittman becoming one of the most attractive names on the free agent market.<\/p>\n
Michael Pittman Jr. Stats<\/p>\n
Pittman had a solid year in 2025, but the numbers don\u2019t jump off the page.<\/p>\n
2025 Stats:<\/p>\n
17 games played
\n111 targets
\n80 receptions
\n784 receiving yards
\n9.8 yards per reception
\n7 receiving touchdowns<\/p>\n
Michael Pittman Jr. Contract<\/p>\n
Pittman is currently playing for the Colts on a three-year, $70 million contract. The 2026 season will be the final year of the deal, and his contract features $0 of guaranteed money this year.<\/p>\n
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![\"Indianapolis](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Michael-Pittman-Jr.-021326.png\")
The Indianapolis Colts were absolutely rolling to open the 2025 NFL season. Through eight weeks, the Colts were 7-1, Daniel Jones was an MVP candidate, and the offense ranked first in EPA per play by a wide margin.<\/p>\n