It has been well documented that Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is among the top offensive players set to hit the free-agent market during the 2024 offseason.
Add CBS Sports to the list of outlets ranking Pittman among the top players on the offensive side of the ball. In their latest rankings, the Colts’ top receiver came in at No. 4 overall among offensive players behind wide receivers Mike Evans and Tee Higgins and quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Here’s what CBS Sports had to say about Pittman:
Pittman is coming off the best season of his career, having racked up 109 catches for 1,152 yards and four scores last year despite going through a system change and multiple quarterback injuries. He has great size and is a threat to run after the catch with the ball in his hands. He may not quite be an alpha for your passing game, but he’s a really good fit as a high-level X receiver.
It’s unlikely Pittman will hit the market as an unrestricted free agent. If the two sides fail to agree on a contract extension, the Colts can use the non-exclusive franchise tag.
In doing so, Pittman can still test the market and gauge other teams’ interest in his services while giving the Colts a chance to match any offer he receives.
There is no denying Pittman’s importance to the offense. Simply look at the Week 16 game against the Atlanta Falcons. The offense was put on a horrendous show on the road.
The Colts have until March 5 to apply the franchise tag if they feel the need to so we’ve got roughly two weeks until a decision must be made.
