Analyst Proposes Colts Trade Top Receiver Pittman for Former 1st-Round Pick

The proposed deal would send Michael Pittman Jr. to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for Xavier Legette and a draft pick.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell has proposed a trade that would send Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for wide receiver Xavier Legette and a 2026 fifth-round draft pick. Barnwell argues the deal would benefit both teams, as the Colts could save significant salary cap space by moving on from Pittman's expensive contract, while the Panthers would add a big-bodied receiver to complement their offense.

Why it matters

The potential trade highlights the Colts' need to manage their salary cap this offseason, as Pittman's $29 million cap hit makes him a potential cut candidate. Acquiring Legette, a former first-round pick, could provide the Colts with a cheaper alternative at receiver while also giving the young player a change of scenery to potentially revive his career.

The details

In the proposed trade, the Colts would send Pittman and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Panthers in exchange for Legette and a 2026 fifth-round selection. Pittman's production has declined over the past two seasons, dropping from 1,152 receiving yards in 2023 to 808 yards in 2024 and 784 yards in 2025. Meanwhile, Legette has struggled with inconsistency in his first two NFL seasons, recording just 36 receptions for 371 yards and three touchdowns in 2025.

  • The proposed trade would take place during the upcoming 2026 NFL offseason.

The players

Michael Pittman Jr.

A wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts who is entering the final year of a three-year contract extension.

Xavier Legette

A wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers who was a former first-round draft pick but has struggled with inconsistent play in his first two NFL seasons.

Chris Ballard

The general manager of the Indianapolis Colts who would be responsible for evaluating and potentially executing the proposed trade.

Alec Pierce

A wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts who the team may look to re-sign if they are able to free up salary cap space by trading Pittman.

Bill Barnwell

An ESPN analyst who proposed the trade between the Colts and Panthers.

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What they’re saying

“Pittman is making $22 million in the final year of the three-year extension he signed with the Colts. After racking up 1,152 receiving yards in his final year before that contract extension, Pittman has managed 808 yards in 2024 and 784 this past year. He dropped from 24th in yards per route run among wide receivers in 2023 to 43rd in 2024 and 44th in 2025.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

“If he fails to get there, it at least wouldn't cost the Colts much.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

“The 6-foot-4 Pittman would be another big target in a Panthers wide receiver room full of them, and Pittman's work underneath would allow McMillan more freedom to work from the slot and at the intermediate and deep levels of the field.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Colts will need to evaluate Pittman's contract and production, as well as the potential value of acquiring Legette and the draft pick, in order to determine if this proposed trade is in their best interest this offseason.

The takeaway

This proposed trade highlights the difficult decisions NFL teams face when managing their salary cap and roster, as the Colts must weigh the potential benefits of moving on from Pittman's expensive contract against the risk of losing a talented receiver. The deal could provide the Colts with more financial flexibility to address other needs on their roster.