ESPN's Big Prediction for Colts: Losing Michael Pittman
After just missing the playoffs, the Indianapolis Colts quickly turned their attention to the offseason. With the NFL Draft and free agency around the corner, taking care of their own potential free agents could be first priority.
Wide receiver Michael Pittman is scheduled to be a free agent when the new-league year starts in March. Will he get that far? The Colts could sign him to a new contract before then, but Pittman has stated he'd like to explore free agency.
However, the Colts have the option to use the franchise tag on him, which would be a one-year deal in excess of $20 million. Pittman has also said he wouldn't be adverse to playing on the tag.
Pittman isn't the only important Colts player scheduled for free agency. Defensive tackle Grover Stewart, defensive back Kenny Moore, quarterback Gardner Minshew, and running back Zack Moss are some of the big names who played on the final year of their deal in 2023.
ESPN's offseason guide for every team included a "big-offseason prediction" from NFL reporter Aaron Schatz. He predicted the Colts wouldn't be able to hold on to all of their prized free agents.
"The Colts will have the money to bring back veteran defensive tackle Grover Stewart and slot cornerback Kenny Moore II ... but not Pittman," wrote Schatz on ESPN+.
The "big-offseason prediction" is supposed to be something unlikely to happen, or else it wouldn't be a big prediction.
In the case of the Colts, who have over$66-million in available-cap space according to Spotrac, it's hard to picture Pittman in anything other than an Indianapolis uniform next season.
His willingness to play on the franchise tag while negotiating a long-term deal bodes well for the Colts. They can structure contracts of their key-free agents to minimize the 2024 cap hit, and still go after more players like wide receiver A.J. Brown should he become available.
They've got the money.
Yes, it's a big-offseason prediction to say Pittman leaves the Colts.
We predict Pittman remains with the Colts, and that's not nearly such a big prediction.
