Colts Weighing Cutting Reliable Veteran Receiver

Michael Pittman Jr.'s future with the team is uncertain as the Colts look to free up cap space.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 4:23pm

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The Indianapolis Colts are considering parting ways with veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. in order to free up significant salary cap space. Pittman, who has been a reliable target for the Colts, is set to count $24 million against the cap in 2026. With the team needing to re-sign quarterback Daniel Jones and receiver Alec Pierce, Pittman's future in Indianapolis is uncertain.

Why it matters

Cutting Pittman would provide the Colts with much-needed cap flexibility to retain key players like Jones and Pierce, who emerged as a top target in 2025. However, Pittman has been a consistent performer for the team, and his departure would leave a significant hole in the receiving corps.

The details

Pittman, 28, is coming off a 2025 season in which he caught 80 passes for 780 yards and 7 touchdowns. While his overall numbers were solid, he saw a decline in efficiency metrics and was outperformed by teammate Alec Pierce. The Colts may view Pierce, an impending free agent, as the better long-term investment, especially with the need to re-sign Jones to a lucrative extension.

  • Pittman is set to count $24 million against the Colts' 2026 salary cap.
  • Alec Pierce is an impending free agent after a breakout 2025 season.
  • Daniel Jones is also a free agent after leading the Colts to an 8-5 record in 2025.

The players

Michael Pittman Jr.

A 28-year-old wide receiver who has been a reliable target for the Colts since being drafted in 2021.

Alec Pierce

A wide receiver who emerged as a top target for the Colts in 2025, recording 47 catches for 1,003 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Daniel Jones

The Colts' starting quarterback in 2025 who is set to become a free agent after throwing for 3,101 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Chris Ballard

The Indianapolis Colts' general manager who will have to make the difficult decision on Pittman's future.

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What they’re saying

“This one might sound a bit far-fetched, but it's at least plausible. On an annual basis, Pittman is currently the 16th-highest-paid wideout.”

— Kyle Dvorchak, NBC Sports Writer (NBC Sports)

“If the Colts want to keep Pierce and Daniel Jones—also a free agent—in the fold, cutting Pittman might be the cost of doing business.”

— Kyle Dvorchak, NBC Sports Writer (NBC Sports)

What’s next

The Colts will have to decide whether to cut Pittman, extend him, or find another way to free up cap space to retain Jones and Pierce.

The takeaway

The Colts face a difficult decision with Pittman, as cutting him would provide significant cap relief but also create a hole in their receiving corps. The team's ability to retain Jones and Pierce may ultimately determine Pittman's future in Indianapolis.