Michael Pittman Jr.'s Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said that impending free-agent wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will be on the roster come Week 1 of the 2024 season this fall, either by an extension or the franchise tag, if necessary. The Colts aren't planning to let Pittman get away in free agency this offseason. The 26-year-old would make $21.8 million this year if he plays under the franchise tag, but both sides would prefer an extension. The former second-round pick in 2020 out of USC has blossomed into a WR1 in fantasy after four seasons in the league, two of which (including 2023) resulted in 1,000-yard seasons. Pittman had career-highs in catches (109), targets (156) and receiving yards (1,152) while scoring four times in 16 games last year. He could get even better with young quarterback Anthony Richardson returning from injury in 2024.

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard has acknowledged that using the franchise tag on impending free-agent wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason is an option. Pittman has been the team's leading receiver the past three seasons and will be one of the league's top free agents if he reaches the open market. The Colts have been more reluctant than most teams to use the tag -- they haven't used the tag on a player since tagging former punter Pat McAfee in 2013. Tagging Pittman in 2024 would cost around $20.7 million. The 26-year-old has accumulated 336 catches, 3,662 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first four seasons, which would put him in line to cash in considerably on the open market. No matter where Pittman lands in 2024 if he hits the free-agent market, he should profile as a WR1 in fantasy.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who is coming off the best season of his career with 109 catches, 1,152 yards and four touchdowns, is set to enter free agency for the first time in his career in March. His 109 receptions are tied with Marvin Harrison for the fourth-most in franchise history, and they were also the fifth-most in the NFL in 2023. While Pittman said he's loved his time in Indianapolis, he's intent on testing the open market for the first time in his career. When asked about the possibility of the Colts putting the franchise tag on him to limit his free-agent options, Pittman said, "The franchise tag, I don't think anybody would be displeased with $23 million. The franchise tag is almost like a tag of respect because you get paid like the top five of your position." Regardless of where the 26-year-old ends up in 2024, he's going to be highly coveted in fantasy drafts this fall.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught five of his six targets for 44 yards in the team's 23-19 loss to the Houston Texans. Indy struggled to move the ball through the air in the first half, relying heavily on running back Jonathan Taylor to help them move the chains. Pittman finishes off a phenomenal 2023 season with career highs in receptions (109) and yards (1,152). With their Week 18 loss, the Colts are now eliminated from playoff contention.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is looking to close out a great regular season on a high note when the Colts face the Houston Texans on Saturday night. Pittman Jr. cooled off from a five-game stretch of 75+ yard outings when he caught five of his seven targets for 46 yards in Week 17. Houston has made for a decent matchup for wide receivers as of late, allowing the 11th most fantasy points to the position in their last four matchups. The former USC Trojan should be set up for success given the matchup and his ten targets per game average this season. Fantasy managers can rely on Pittman one last time as a potential WR1 option in Indy's win-and-in season finale.