Colts WR Depth Chart: Michael Pittman Jr. Needs to Be Re-Signed
The Indianapolis Colts' wide receiver room has been a hot topic of debate since General Manager Chris Ballard took office back in 2017. The 2023 season was far from the worst output we have seen from the pass catchers in Indy, but can the Colts find a way to improve at receiver going into 2024?
The star of the Colts' receiver room, once again, was Michael Pittman Jr. The fourth year pro has averaged 1,000 yards receiving a year over the past three seasons, and he hit career-highs in both catches and yards under Shane Steichen in 2023. He is set to be an unrestricted free agent in March, but it would be truly shocking to see the Colts let their best pass catcher walk for nothing.
Rookie Josh Downs was a welcomed addition to the team in 2023. The shifty slot receiver hauled in an Indianapolis-era rookie record 68 receptions to go along with 771 yards receiving and two touchdowns. He proved to be the quick-win receiver that Indy desperately needed alongside the stable presence of Pittman Jr.
Second-year wide out Alec Pierce had an up and down campaign this past season, but he still has some time to find consistency in the league. His 16.1 yards per reception led all Colts' pass catchers and his deep threat prowess would likely have been more effective with a bigger armed (and more aggressive) quarterback last year.
With Downs and Pierce as the only prominent pass catchers from 2023 currently still under contract, what can the Colts do to improve this wide receiver core going into next year?
Wide Receivers Under Contract
Starter: Josh Downs (3 years remaining on contract)
The Colts have their starting slot receiver locked in place for at least the next three seasons. Downs had a strong rookie season and he should only improve going forward as the Colts' passing game grows under Steichen.
One major note to make is the chemistry that Downs had with quarterback Anthony Richardson. Downs had three receptions of over 20 yards in four games that Richardson started last year. Richardson knew how to use this young receiver in the vertical game while also understanding how to feed him underneath on quick-hitters. These two could be a force to reckon with going forward in the AFC.
Starter: Alec Pierce (2 years remaining on contract)
Alec Pierce has struggled to live up to his second round pick draft status with the Colts, but he has been a useful player for the offense over the past two seasons. He is certainly the player that has felt the lackluster quarterback play the most when it comes to overall production, though.
One commendable aspect of Pierce's game is how he transitioned into being a role player this past season. He emerged as the team's best blocker at receiver and he cashed in on the downfield shots when he got his opportunities. That selflessness and willingness to do the dirty work should benefit the Colts' receiver depth if they look to add a new starter alongside Downs and Pittman Jr. this offseason.
Depth: Ashton Dulin (1 year remaining on contract)
An underrated storyline this summer will be the return of special teamer Ashton Dulin. Dulin was far from perfect on offense as a receiver, but he was a do-it-all performer on special teams over the years. The Colts lost Dulin for last season due to an injury in training camp, so it'll be a much needed boost to the roster to get back the former All-Pro gunner this offseason.
*D.J. Montgomery, Ethan Fernea, Tyrie Cleveland, and Terrell Bynum are the other receivers currently under contract heading into the offseason.
Wide Receivers with Expiring Contract
Michael Pittman Jr. (UFA)
The biggest order of business for the Colts this offseason is what to do with Michael Pittman Jr.'s next contract. The decision to bring him back for 2024 should be a no-brainer, as the Colts have the option of using the franchise tag if all else fails in the negotiation window. That tag should also set a baseline in negotiations at around 21.66 million per year for the star receiver.
While the Colts can buy themselves some more time by placing the tag on Pittman Jr., they need to get a long term deal done with their top pass catcher. He has been their workhorse on the outside for the past three seasons, and Shane Steichen clearly needs his skillset in this offense. Pittman Jr. was the pace-setter and the most reliable target in Indy last year, so the Colts would be wise to lock him down for long term this offseason.
*Isaiah McKenzie and Juwann Winfree are also set to hit free agency when their contracts expire.
Wide Receiver Options in Free Agency
Noah Brown (Houston Texans UFA)
Veteran wide receiver Noah Brown makes a lot of sense for the Colts this free agent period. The 28 year old pass catcher is coming off of a career-best season in Houston and his versatility as a special teamer could make him a prime candidate for depth in Indy. He was also one of the best receivers after the catch in football last year, further adding some intrigue to his overall fit with the Colts.
Kendrick Bourne (New England Patriots UFA)
Another 28 year old receiver that makes sense for the Colts is Kendrick Bourne. Bourne has always been a steady contributor in the NFL, even without the benefit of playing alongside a top tier quarterback. He is solid route runner that understands how to get open and most teams could do worse at WR4/WR5. He shouldn't cost too much on the open market after an injury-plagued 2023, which means he could be perfect for the Colts.
Quez Watkins (Philadelphia Eagles UFA)
The Colts could reunite Steichen with another one of his former players by signing Quez Watkins this offseason. Watkins, 25, had over 1,000 total yards receiving in Steichen's two years with the Eagles before becoming a non-existent part of the offense this past year without him. The Colts could be an interesting stop to reunite these two, and this potential signing could add some speed to the Indy receiver room.
Wide Receiver Options in the Draft
Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU)
Regardless of what happens with Pittman Jr. this free agency period, the Colts should absolutely consider LSU receiver Brian Thomas Jr. with the 15th overall pick. He is a fantastic prospect in this upcoming draft that offers size, speed, and explosive play ability. He would be the perfect compliment to Richardson in this offense and Steichen would have a blast scheming up this vertical pass catcher down the field.
Malachi Corley (Western Kentucky)
Corley is another draft darling that could fit the Colts' offense in this upcoming draft. At 5'10" 215 pounds, Corley is a bowling ball of a player that is fantastic after the catch. He would bring a true YAC threat to a Colts' offense that desperately needs a player that can create after contact. Corley would be absolutely deadly in the Colts' RPO/screen game if he ends up in Indy.
Xavier Worthy (Texas)
Chris Ballard mentioned wanting to be more explosive on offense in 2024. One way to do that is by adding track star Xavier Worthy out of Texas. Worthy is far from a complete prospect, his hands are questionable at best, but he is a rare athlete that has been hyper productive in college since he was 18. He has been producing at a high level his entire life, and I expect his speed and acceleration to translate into some huge plays at the NFL level.
Javon Baker (Central Florida)
Another interesting day 2/day 3 receiver prospect is UCF's Javon Baker. Baker, a former Alabama commit, has some of the best ball tracking in the class and his hands are simply outstanding. He knows how to create separation at the catch point and is one of the more nuanced players in the draft. His long speed may be a bit of a question mark, but he is a playmaker that can be a good role player in the NFL.
Ricky Pearsall (Florida)
The Colts could reunite Richardson with one of his favorite targets from college in Ricky Pearsall. Pearsall isn't a physically imposing player by any means, but he knows how to get open and he can make the tough catches over the middle of the field. Add in some ability to play on special teams and Pearsall could be an excellent depth receiver at the next level.
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