Colts GM sees huge upside for one player after Michael Pittman Jr. move

Indianapolis has had an eventful offseason, including new deals for Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:20am

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The Indianapolis Colts have made some notable moves this offseason, including trading away wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Colts general manager Chris Ballard believes this will open up a big opportunity for another young receiver on the roster, Josh Downs.

Why it matters

The Colts' offseason transactions have significantly impacted their wide receiver depth chart, with the departure of Pittman creating a void that Ballard believes Downs can fill. This move could have major implications for the Colts' passing game and offensive strategy in the upcoming season.

The details

The Colts traded Pittman, their former second-round pick, to the Steelers in a move that was part of the team's efforts to re-sign quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce to new contracts. With Pittman gone, Ballard is high on the potential of Downs, a 2022 third-round selection, to step up and have a breakout year.

  • The Colts traded Pittman to the Steelers this offseason.
  • The Colts signed Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce to new contracts this offseason.

The players

Chris Ballard

The general manager of the Indianapolis Colts.

Michael Pittman Jr.

A former second-round pick of the Colts who was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.

Josh Downs

A 2022 third-round selection by the Colts who Ballard believes has huge upside following the Pittman trade.

Daniel Jones

The Colts' starting quarterback who signed a new contract with the team this offseason.

Alec Pierce

A wide receiver for the Colts who also signed a new contract with the team this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“I think getting lost in this a little bit is Josh Downs”

— Chris Ballard, Colts General Manager

The takeaway

The Colts' offseason moves have created an opportunity for young receiver Josh Downs to step up and potentially have a breakout season, as the team looks to retool its passing attack around new deals for Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce.