Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman is one of the most popular cut candidates in the league, and it’s easy to see why. Selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the USC product has been one of the team’s most consistent players of the post-Andrew Luck Era. However, age has taken a toll on the veteran, and he’s not the player he once was. Last year, the veteran finished the season with 80 receptions for 783 yards and seven touchdowns on 111 targets.
This is solid production, but it might not be enough to justify his massive $70 million contract. Pittman is entering the final year of his deal and carries a $29 million cap hit, although the team can clear $24 million in cap space by releasing him. While that type of savings is hard to ignore, Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard doesn’t seem to be interested in parting ways with Michael Pittman.
“I think the world of Pitt and who he is as a player,” Ballard said. “Any suggestion that he’s not going to be here is a pure hypothetical, in my mind.”
Colts GM Suggests Team Won’t Release Michael Pittman
This is a pretty strong statement to make ahead of the start of the league year, but actions speak louder than words. Chris Ballard’s personal opinions on Michael Pittman might not matter, as his first job is to create the best roster he can for the Indianapolis Colts. The team currently has $35.7 million in cap space, but that number will sink dramatically after signing impending free agents Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce to their respective deals. Releasing Pittman might be the only way to keep those franchise cornerstones while still building a competitive roster.
Only time will tell what happens with Michael Pittman and the Indianapolis Colts. Ballard clearly wants him around, but can he find a way to make the money work?
Main Photo: Thomas Shea – Imagn Images
