With Tee Higgins likely to receive the franchise tag, there is a real chance that Michael Pittman will end up being the best wide receiver on the free-agent market. The former second-round pick has been a great selection by the Colts, establishing himself as a true WR1 over his four years in the league while recording a combined 336 receptions for 3,662 yards and 15 touchdowns despite catching passes from a different quarterback in each season of his career.
Michael Pittman is a young, talented player at a premium position, and a lot of times players like him never reach free agency. While Indianapolis may come to an agreement with Pittman before the start of the new league year, it doesn’t seem particularly likely. The USC product recently spoke about his impending free agency, and he sounds like someone who isn’t going to leave any money on the table.
“I made it this far, so I’ve loved my four years here. But I wouldn’t be doing my due diligence if I didn’t explore every option and find the best fit,” Pittman said, via Stephen Holder of EPSN.com
Quite frankly, it’s hard to blame Michael Pittman for this view. The NFL is a physical game, and players have a very small window of opportunity to maximize their earnings in this violent sport. Wide receivers are more important than ever, and some team out there will probably hand over a life-changing contract to the star wideout. The only question is, which team will it be?
Michael Pittman Wants To Test Free Agency, Top Team Fits
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers desperately need to find some help for Bryce Young. The 2023 first-overall pick may or may not have what it takes to be a franchise quarterback, but nobody can blame him for not succeeding in a terrible environment. Adam Thielen was the only receiver on the roster who looked like he belonged on a football field, and he’s better off in a depth role at this point in his career. Michael Pittman is a true number-one receiver who can provide Young with a reliable target on every single down.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are well ahead of schedule, winning the AFC South in C.J. Stroud’s first season at the helm. Now, this playoff-bound squad has one of the best young passers in the game, a roster loaded with talent, and over $74 million in cap space. Houston doesn’t need another wide receiver, as Nico Collins and Tank Dell have the potential to be a great 1-2 punch. However, Collins is a free agent after 2024 and Dell is coming back from a serious knee injury. Signing Michael Pittman ensures that Stroud will have at least two reliable receivers on every single snap, and if all three are healthy, then Houston might just have the best receiver depth in the league.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots need to rebuild their entire offense this offseason. Fortunately, they have over $72 million in cap space, so they should be able to patch up a few holes with free agents like Michael Pittman. The Juju Smith-Schuster signing blew up in their face, as New England desperately needs a talented wideout to pair with whoever their quarterback will be in 2024. Signing Pittman ensures that the Patriots will have one pro-ready receiver on the roster. If they’re lucky and have Caleb Williams or Drake Maye fall to the third pick, that veteran will be an invaluable resource. If not, then they can draft Marvin Harrison Jr. and give whoever ends up starting one of the best receiver tandems in football.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs offense doesn’t look like its usual unstoppable self, and that’s not because Patrick Mahomes forgot how to throw a football. Travis Kelce is still good, but he’s starting to slow down, which means that the wide receivers need to pick up the slack. Unfortunately, outside of Rashee Rice, none of the receivers are up for that task. Michael Pittman is no Tyreek Hill, but he’d easily be the best receiver on the team since Kansas City traded their superstar speedster. Giving Mahomes another reliable target should be enough to get this offense back to being the class of the NFL.
New York Giants
The New York Giants are likely stuck with Daniel Jones for at least one more season, which means that they’ll need to surround him with some talent. Jones isn’t the type of player who can elevate his supporting cast, but he is capable of connecting with open targets. Michael Pittman’s size and ability to win on the perimeter is a great complement to Darius Slayton’s speed and Wan’Dale Robinson’s shiftiness.
Main Photo: Mark Lebryk – USA Today Sports
