Michael Pittman Signs 3-Year $71.5M Deal With Indianapolis Colts

© Robert Scheer / USA TODAY NETWORK

The playmaking core in Indianapolis will remain stable next season as the Colts were able to come to terms with the fifth-year star wideout Michael Pittman Jr. after negotiations. NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported the deal guarantees $46 million for the former USC standout.

Maximizing Worth

Indianapolis hoped to keep their best pass-catcher from hitting the free agent market and slapped the franchise tag on the wide receiver last week. The Colts have not used the franchise tag distinction for a player since Pat McAfee in 2013. The move sent ripples throughout the franchise as the team showed their intent to keep Pittman in the Hoosier state for the future.

The three-year deal will give Pittman one more chance to maximize his worth on the market before his 30th birthday and expand his earnings per season to an increase of

$20 million from his rookie deal.

Career Year

Pittman posted career highs in receptions and receiving yards in 2023 with 109 catches for 1,152 yards, and 4 touchdowns to go with it. Since arriving in Indianapolis in 2020 Pittman has had four different starting quarterbacks, but that hasn't stopped him from hauling in the seventh-most passes in the NFL since 2021.

The 34th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft has 336 receptions, over 3,600 yards, and 15 touchdown catches since his rookie season. Pittman became the fourth Colt in Indianapolis history to hit the mark of 100 catches and 1,000 yards last season, gaining esteemed company with Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison, and tight end Dallas Clark.

Michael Pittman Solidifies Colts Offense

Second-year coach Shane Steichen will have a healthy Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor next season to bolster the Colt's offensive production. A more balanced attack from Taylor's rushing and Richardson's mobility could see the passing game open up in Indy to levels not seen since "The Sheriff," Peyton Manning, left town.

Colts fans are accustomed to Pittman Jr.'s prowess on the gridiron and the 26-year-old hopes to will them back to the playoffs for the first time in three seasons next fall.