Colts $70 Million Cut Candidate Could Draw Interest From Bills, Broncos, Steelers

Indianapolis may part ways with veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to save cap space.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Indianapolis Colts are considering cutting wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who is set to have a $29 million cap hit in 2026. Releasing Pittman would save the Colts $24 million, and the Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, and Pittsburgh Steelers could show interest in signing the 28-year-old if he becomes available.

Why it matters

Pittman has been a reliable playmaker for the Colts, but the team may choose to move on and hand the receiving duties to younger options like Alec Pierce and Josh Downs. If Pittman hits the open market, he could provide a significant boost to the receiver rooms of the Bills, Broncos, or Steelers.

The details

Pittman totaled a career-high seven receiving touchdowns in 2025, but his 784 receiving yards were his lowest mark since his rookie season in 2020. The Colts may opt to release Pittman rather than pay his $29 million cap hit, especially after Pierce emerged as the team's new No. 1 receiver.

  • Pittman is set to have a $29 million cap hit in 2026.

The players

Michael Pittman Jr.

A 28-year-old wide receiver who has been a reliable playmaker for the Indianapolis Colts over the last few years.

Alec Pierce

The Colts' emerging No. 1 wide receiver who supplanted Pittman as the team's top pass-catcher.

Josh Downs

A young wide receiver for the Colts who could see an increased role if the team moves on from Pittman.

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What they’re saying

“Pittman totaled a career-high seven receiving TDs in 2025, but also had just 784 receiving yards, which was his lowest mark since his rookie season in 2020. The veteran wideout, who turns 29 in October, has a $29 million cap hit in 2026. There is no way Indianapolis will pay him that salary, especially after Alec Pierce supplanted him as the team's No. 1 receiver. Pittman could either restructure his contract to reduce his salary and remain with the Colts, or they could release him. The latter choice would create $24 million in cap space with just $5 million in dead money.”

— James Boyd, Reporter (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Colts will need to decide in the coming months whether to keep Pittman at his current salary or release him to save cap space.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the difficult decisions NFL teams face in managing their salary cap, as they must balance retaining veteran talent with the need to allocate resources to younger, emerging players. If Pittman does become available, he could be a valuable addition for teams like the Bills, Broncos, or Steelers who are looking to bolster their receiving corps.