Colts Named Landing Spot for 2-Time All-Pro WR
The franchise tag for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. remains a distinct possibility. Based on current projections, the franchise tag would pay Pittman about $20.7 million in 2024.
But pundits also continue to link the Colts to other big-named wide receivers. On February 20, CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin named Indianapolis one of five logical suitors for Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans.
"Indy has its own WR to pay in Michael Pittman Jr., a scheduled free agent, but head coach Shane Steichen knows the value of adding an even more accomplished pass outlet, enjoying A.J. Brown's impact on the Eagles' offense as their OC in 2022," Benjamin wrote. "The Colts overachieved this year and should have QB Anthony Richardson back in 2024, making them a sleeper contender.
"They've got close to $63M available for the offseason."
Benjamin connected the Colts to Evans a day after an important deadline past for the Buccaneers. Because of an unusual contract situation, Tampa Bay had to agree to a contract extension with Evans by February 19 to save additional salary cap space for 2024.
But no deal was reached. Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz, who described Monday as "a soft deadline" for the Buccaneers to sign Evans, reported the team and receiver "remain far apart" in negotiations.
Schultz added that negotiations will continue, but Evans is "trending toward" free agency.
Pairing Evans with Pittman is an intriguing proposition. Evans has posted 1,000 receiving yards in all 10 of his NFL seasons. He's made second-team All-Pro twice and five Pro Bowls.
During 2023, he led the league with 13 receiving touchdowns. He also had 79 receptions for 1,255 yards. With those totals, Evans made second-team All-Pro and the Pro Bowl in the same season for the first time since 2016.
Evans will turn 31 in August, but he remains one of the best receivers in the NFL. His addition would give the Colts perhaps the best 1-2 receiver punch in the league along with great receiving depth with Josh Downs and Alec Pierce sliding into the No. 3 and 4 roles.
However, it remains to be seen whether Colts general manager Chris Ballard is willing to pay one elite receiver let alone two at the same time.
