Jets Consider Trade for Colts' 25-TD WR to Pair with Garrett Wilson

Potential deal could boost Jets' offense amid Colts' salary cap challenges.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The New York Jets are exploring a trade to acquire wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts. Pittman, who has recorded 25 touchdowns over the past three seasons, could provide a strong complement to rising star Garrett Wilson in the Jets' passing attack. The Colts may be open to trading Pittman due to salary cap constraints and a desire to keep younger receiver Alec Pierce.

Why it matters

Adding a proven, productive receiver like Pittman could significantly boost the Jets' offense and help quarterback development. The move would reflect the team's commitment to surrounding its young core with top-tier talent. However, the Jets would need to determine how to approach Pittman's upcoming contract situation as part of any potential trade.

The details

According to NFL insider Matt Lombardo, the Colts may lean toward trading Pittman to maintain their investment in Pierce. Lombardo suggested a mid-round draft pick plus a player could be the likely compensation if the Jets pursue this deal, given the existing relationship between the two organizations. Pittman, 28, is under contract through 2026 but carries a $29 million cap hit that year, creating financial pressure for the Colts to potentially move on from him.

  • The Jets are considering a trade for Pittman this offseason.

The players

Michael Pittman Jr.

A 28-year-old wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts who has recorded 25 touchdowns over the past three seasons.

Garrett Wilson

The New York Jets' rising star wide receiver who could benefit from the addition of Pittman to the team's passing attack.

Alec Pierce

A young wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts who the team may prioritize keeping over Pittman due to salary cap considerations.

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What they’re saying

“The executive I spoke to told me that he is so confident in the Colts keeping Alec Pierce that he thinks there is a non-zero chance that the Colts would trade Michael Pittman Jr to be able to keep Pierce.”

— Matt Lombardo, NFL Insider (The Manchild Show with Boy Green Digital)

“My guess would be probably a mid-round pick [and] maybe a player. These two teams obviously have a relationship with Chris Ballard and Darren Mougey from the trade deadline, working out the Sauce Gardner deal.”

— Matt Lombardo, NFL Insider (The Manchild Show with Boy Green Digital)

“If the Colts want to keep Pierce, moving on from Pittman will probably be part of that equation. All of Pittman's 2026 salary is nonguaranteed, so Indy could cut him if needed. He would have some modest trade value as a WR2.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Jets and Colts would need to negotiate the potential trade terms, including the compensation package and any contract considerations for Pittman. The Colts' decision on whether to keep Alec Pierce or trade Pittman could also impact the timeline of this potential deal.

The takeaway

This proposed trade highlights the Jets' proactive approach to improving their offense and surrounding young quarterback Zach Wilson with top-tier receiving talent. Acquiring a proven, productive wideout like Pittman could significantly boost the team's scoring potential and provide a formidable pairing with Garrett Wilson. However, the Jets will need to carefully evaluate Pittman's contract situation and long-term fit as part of their decision-making process.